Are you a recent graduate? Congratulations!

Chances are that you had a slightly less famous commencement speaker than the graduating class of Barnard College in New York City where President Obama spoke to the class of 2012. Of course it was not “just” a commencement speech but also a great platform to address some election issues concerning women.

One advice the president gave the future leaders (leadresses? Leaderettes?) of this country was to climb to the top of the corporate ladder.

Hit the trading floor!

First, of course, you need to actually find a ladder. Recent unemployment polls have shown that new college grads face a particularly harsh job market. But there might be a ladder at the end of the tunnel – however, it might lead to a rather hostile environment and possible the least fun workplace in the country: The financial sector. Times Magazine tells us this week that we need more female traders – despite all the recent trouble, including Ina Drew’s departure from JP Morgan Chase.

Women are better traders. Why? They are often less confident than their cocky male counterparts. They are as knowledgeable and as able as men but male overconfidence is said to be responsible for a lot of financial damage – “no risk, no fun” doesn’t always pay off, especially not when it influences the whole economy. Women are naturally better at asking for help an advice, setting goals, doing research and being a bit more cautious – traits that make them ideal traders and leaders.

Graduates, don’t just sit back and watch…

…and cut out coupons. Well, President Obama didn’t say the part about coupons, but the executives at JC Penny might have had that thought when they stopped offering coupons and introduced the “fair and square pricing”.
Women are the majority of JC customers and the majority of coupon users – and they don’t like the new system at all. Sales both online and offline decreased and a lot of JCP customers are angry that the coupons were eliminated without their consent. The company will have to do some serious damage control in order to come up with a fair and square deal and get the customers’ loyalty back. Graduates, they might have some opening in their marketing department?

In case you didn’t attend a graduation this week or could simply use anther dose of helpful advice, we have the right article for you: The top female CEOs of successful Fortune 500 companies share their insights on how women can get ahead. If anyone, they will know how to advance, climb corporate ladders and take matters in their own hands – with or without coupons. Their advice in short: It should never be about you but always about your performance. Have confidence in yourself and know when to take risks; trust your instincts and find a mentor.

The Levo Angle: Finding Mentors who Mean Business

The Levo League is launching its Mentorship Match program this week, concurrent with the launch of its Grad Guide. Come check it out, sign up for Levo, and find either the mentor of your dreams or the mentee who wants to follow in your footsteps. Start here.

Good luck, graduates, one-day-graduates and alumni! We are looking forward to reading from you and your achievements!