As 2025 graduates become an uncertain and rapidly changing world of work, they face a crucial question: What does it mean to be successful?

Is it better to do a job with a salary or a job with a reputation? Should you prioritize progress, relationship building, community impact, and even the opportunity to live in a new place? Solving these problems can feel overwhelmed.

I am a business school professor and he spent a lot of time on Generation Z - students and alumni born between 1997 and 2012. As part of this work, I have surveyed about 300 former undergraduates and communicated with about 50 of them.

Through these conversations, I watch them fight classic conflicts with young adults – for example, external rewards like money must be balanced with internal motivations to want to serve.

I recently revisited their stories and thoughts and wrote the most enduring insights to provide to the next generation of graduates.

Here are their collective advice for the 2025 grade:

1. Define what matters most to you

Success begins with self-reflection. This means shelving social noise and defining your own values.

When people are driven by internal rewards, such as curiosity, purpose, or pleasure of the activity itself (rather than external interests such as money), psychologists say they have "intrinsic motivation."

Research shows that people driven by intrinsic motivation tend to show higher performance, durability, and satisfaction. The composition theory of Teresa Amabile, a professor at Harvard Business School, further suggests that creativity thrives when people’s skills are aligned with their strongest inner interests.

As one consulting alum said, another option is to “get trapped in society’s expectations of success.” She described choosing between a job offer from a Fortune 500 company or a lesser-known independent company. Finally, she chose to go with the smaller business. "It's the right choice for me," she stressed. It's the crucial advice: make yourself proud, not others.

One of the relevant principles I share with my students is the “tell your story” rule. If work doesn’t allow you to tell your own story – in other words, if it doesn’t reflect your vision, values, talents, and goals, keep looking for new roles.

2. Fight for balance and never tire of

A fulfilling life includes time, health and time to rest. Despite the endless pressure from many young professionals, the most fulfilling alumni I spoke to learned to take steps to protect their personal well-being.

For example, a bank alum told me that business once dominated his idea “24/7.” He continued: “I’m happier now because I have more time in my social life and focus on all my relationships – professional, personal, community, and we don’t forget ourselves.”

And remember that balance and motivation change throughout your life. As one alumni explained: "Your goals change, so your definition of success changes. I think some of the most successful people are always adjusting what success means to them - even if they have already succeeded, they will pursue success."

3. Be kind, serve others and maximize your "happy circle"

Another alum told me: “Some people think there is positive change in the world, you have to be CEO or have a lot of money.” “But any time to spread happiness or joy can happen at any time, there is no price, and the result is priceless.”

Many alumni told me that success is not only a matter of personal achievement, but also about giving back to society. This could be through kindness, creativity, innovation, or other ways to improve people's lives. Her father shared a retail alumni: “When your circle is happy, you are happy,” she said. “It’s an upward spiral.”

Your "happy circle" does not need to be made up of people you know. A alum who entered the pharmaceutical industry said that due to his efforts, the real rewards of his work are measured in “millions of people, even millions of people.”

In fact, your happy circle doesn't need to be entirely human. A alum who works in ranch says his well-being for animals and their riders is more than just money or praise.

4. Become a long-term steward of your values

Success is not just today, that's what you represent.

Several alumni talked enthusiastically about management: maintaining and delivering value, relationships and traditional behaviors. This mindset extends the family beyond the family, clients and communities to. As one alum majoring in economics said, success is “a mark on the world and creates a legacy beyond people’s pursuit of monetary gains.”

A alum defines success as creating happiness and stability, not only for herself, but for her loved ones. Another person who works in hospitality says he has a responsibility to promote employees’ ambitions and help them grow and develop – creating a legacy that will exceed any title or salary.

In an analysis by organization consulting firm Korn Ferry, Gen Z employees are more likely to burn out when employers lack clear value. These findings reinforce what my students already know: consistency between your values ​​and work is key to success.

The last sentence of 2025 grade

For the latest graduates, I offer advice like this: No matter where life takes you next—a family business or corporate office, Wall Street or Silicon Valley, or now you can’t even imagine—remember that your career will be long and full of ups and downs.

You will make difficult choices. You will be under pressure. But if you stay rooted, invest in your own well-being, celebrate your happy circle and respect your values, you will look back on the day and not only see a job done well, but also live a good life.

Happy journey!