Obvious does not mean universal

I spoke at Baruch College this morning!

When my friend Kevin McKenna, a business editor with The New York Times, invited me as a guest lecturer in his class, I was honored (and stoked).

As an undergraduate, I always loved meeting young professionals who were working in industries I aspired to join.

Kevin and I first met at an alumni event in New York City for our alma mater, the University of Southern California.

In addition to his role at The Times, he teaches an editing and writing class, which is open to a mix of majors. Some students do plan to pursue journalism, while others hold different paths in mind, such as in traditional finance.

Today I shared how I got my start writing online, living overseas, publishing books, and attending graduate school.

We also discussed:

• My time at Business Insider
• Quitting my job to launch Opening Bell Daily
• How to write and self-edit with confidence
• How volume can compensate for inexperience or lack of skill

It was an energizing and fun morning.

Plus, it provided a good reminder for me that sharing where I’ve been can be instructive for someone who aspires toward a similar trajectory.

This morning’s talk also reaffirms that no matter how young someone is or how little experience they may have, they still command a niche expertise. Professional or industry-specific knowledge is rarely universal. What seems obvious to one person is likely novel to another.

In any case, while I juggle a busy work and writing schedule, I do carve out space each week to chat with students and people early in their career.

Either on calls or over coffee, and sometimes in classrooms like this morning.

When I was a student, a handful of patient and helpful individuals extended that same courtesy to me. Most of them remain mentors and friends to this day.

I quit my job at Business Insider to launch a new media outlet. Subscribe to Opening Bell Daily to help make this risky career move a success.