Graduation season is upon us and young adults have spent their formative years learning, growing, and striving to reach their dreams. The world is at their fingertips and opportunity awaits. There will be struggles and triumphs, valleys and peaks, and lots of time spent in-between. Graduation, while the end of one era, is the start of a new beginning, full of hope and full of questions.

For recent grads, it can be difficult to see beyond the immediate, yet there is the rush of what's next and what's to come. Diplomas may have been handed out and caps tossed towards the sky, but new and even greater successes are on the horizon.

Graduates, before you embark on this new adventure, here are some pieces of advice from people from all walks of life, all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and from varied occupational fields. But no matter where you're headed, these tips are universal and can help you make smart decisions towards your future as you set foot in "the real world."

Share with your college buddies, sorority sisters and frat brothers, and those who will graduate behind you. In fact, you'll probably have your own advice to share not long after graduating yourself. Lessons small and grand all lend a helping hand. Here are a select bunch that are spot-on and useful for recent grads. And by the way, congrats on a job well-done!

On Career:

-Remember no one made it to the top without starting at the bottom. Network the first day you graduate.

-Never burn bridges.

*Check out thebest and worst places in the U.S. for college grads to start a career and how to navigate your dream job in 3 easy steps.

On Money:

-Max your retirement fund and forget the money exists. Make sure it is invested wisely.

-New opportunities will pop up, and you want to be able to have the financial and location independence to pursue those opportunities and build the life you want.

*Did you know taking a lower salary can pay off in the long run? Learn why.

On Responsibility:

-Don't take on too much obligation right away.

-Buying a nice car and renting a large apartment may seem like a good idea, but there's a good chance your values and wants will change as you get older.

*You may have skipped a class or two in college, but now it's time to step up to the plate. If you're a procrastinator, change your behavior now and get to work successfully.Here's how.

On Life Lessons:

-Aspire to decency in your conduct/life

-Change is the only constant. Learn to adapt.

*The working world may throw you for a loop and stress you out. Here are some tips to help you chill out and focus. You can do this!

Do you have any advice for recent grads? Experience is knowledge, and knowledge is power. Pass it on to the next generation.