Andy Bond: enjoy your job.

A top retailer this month advised new graduates to ‘follow your heart, not your head’ when he received an honorary degree from the University of Salford.

Asda chief executive officer (CEO) Andy Bond advised his fellow graduates to ‘look for a job you will enjoy, not one that you think will get you lots of money’ as they embarked on their own careers.

Advice

Bond, who studied engineering at Salford in the 1980s, was at the ceremony at the Lowry, Salford Quays, to receive an honorary degree in science. And, surrounded by graduates of business and law who were also graduating on the day, he had a few words of advice as they begin their own careers.

‘It’s important for graduates to go with their hearts – not their heads or wallets when looking for a career,’ he said. ‘If you’re doing something you enjoy, you’re more likely to succeed at it.

Harder this year

‘It’s obviously going to be harder this year for graduates to get jobs, but those who are determined will still succeed. My main piece of practical advice is that people shouldn’t be afraid to use all their networks and contacts to help them land a job or work experience.’

After studying at Salford, Bond worked as a graduate trainee for British Gas. He started as Asda’s marketing manager in 1994 and held various posts before taking up the CEO position in 2005. He also has an MBA from Cranfield School of Management.

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