Unconventional advice to help college graduates be successful is offered. Ways to find sources of money (i.e., jobs) are described, including: using services or products offered through the mail, making phone calls to build a network of contacts in a particular industry, attending seminars to further one's knowledge of a field, learning about associations that could help one's career, and using directories and other reference tools. The value of reading, especially nonfiction books and materials such as newsletters, newspapers, and magazines, is stressed. Information and perspectives concerning the economy are also provided, along with advice on saving and investing money, including real estate investments and tax shelters. Learning how to research a topic, use the library, and communicate are identified as important outcomes of a college education. Students should choose a research topic that is related to the industry or field they may be interested in pursuing, since student reports can be applied to gain employment, to act as a consultant, or to self-publish the information. Perspectives on creativity are also offered and linked to problem-solving, communication skills, humor, experience, and power. The choice of a career and the possibility of starting a business are also addressed. An annotated bibliography is included. (SW)