This Wednesday, The Levo League team hosted our first Wednesday Wine and Wisdom Night. Each week we will be inviting a small gathering of Levo Leaguers to meet, greet, and discuss a topic relevant to Gen Y women. We had the opportunity to meet an exceptional group of women and discuss careers, the transition from college to the “real world,” the trials and tribulations of apartment searching in Manhattan, and everything in between. Two women even left the gathering wanting to start a business together!

We also got a chance to thank Jessica Blank, a Levo Leaguer and former Barnard Student Government President for mentioning Levo League in her graduation speech where she introduced President Obama. In her speech Jessica stated,

“As I sit at our commencement, the onus is now on us. ‘We’ are responsible for shaping Barnard’s legacy. It is incumbent upon us, to take the lessons learned from our foremothers and continue to teach one another and the women of the future. In our digital information age, with websites like The Levo League and Women in the World, the tools to pay it forward are endless– and excuses? Non-existent.”

This week we asked women to write NYC Survival Tips and put them in a jar for the many new graduates that come through our office looking for direction. We also asked them their advice for 2012 graduates. Our favorites from the night:

What is your advice for 2012 grads?

• Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. Because what the world needs is people who are alive.
• Keep in touch with your professors-text them, email them…set up a Google Alert to remind yourself every month.
• “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” Ayn Rand
• Have less. Do more. Be more.
• Never underestimate the power of a good night’s rest– or a catnap.
• “Sail away from the safe harbor.” — Mark Twain
• Your life isn’t over after you graduate! If you’re looking for a job: be persistent, use social media, fill out your LinkedIn profile, and make a blog.
• Set a reminder in your calendar exactly 3 years after graduation that says, “Am I where I wanted to be right now?” Great chance to re-evaluate life!
• Always face the sun-and shadows will fall behind you.
• “You can do anything, but not everything.”
• Never stop learning.
• Do one thing that scares you every day.
• Develop your personal brand-Twitter/LinkedIn-and network! Find events you’re interested in, and network.
• Don’t be shy about going to any networking or industry events (even if you have to go by yourself). Meet as many new people as you can!
• Stay in touch with alumni and utilize your alumni networks!
• Take a new route. Make a new friend. Sparkle and shine!
• You’re at the tail end of a socioeconomic typhoon. You were sheltered from the brunt of it. Go forth, conquer, and remember your sisters of classes 2009-2011!

What is your best tip for ladies moving to NYC?

• Don’t be afraid to go out and explore! NYC is super exciting– even if you are alone.
• Never underestimate the beauty in the simplicity of doing things by yourself.
• Use padmapper.com to see where those cheap apartments on Craigslist really are!
• Be careful not to take too many cabs! $10 here and there can add up to a lot of money! Use hop stop to find out how to take public transportation wherever you need to go.
• Do the touristy things! Take a double decker bus tour and do all the fun things while you are still new and not jaded yet.
• Invest in flat shoes. Your feet and your butt will thank you.
• Join your college alumni networks, interest groups, sorority alumnae groups, etc. They are great ways to make friends fast!
• Showing up is half the battle – always go to events, co-worker stuff, happy hour, etc. Try not to have to reschedule or post-pone.
• Say yes to everything. Don’t let any opportunity pass you by – NYC is too full of awesome to miss out!
• Make sure to scout out the nearest supermarket, dry cleaners, salon and transportation when choosing a place to live.

Thanks to everyone who came and gave advice!