Barnard Panel Offers Women In Their Twenties Secrets Of Success

NEW YORK -- While many 20-something women embarked on their dreams of a college education when a decent-paying job was virtually guaranteed, the rules have suddenly changed, with a new generation coming of age during an era of significantly reduced options.

Last night, on the second day of classes at Barnard College in New York, Glamour magazine hosted a sold-out event geared toward distilling the secrets of success for 20-something young women. The panel was part of the magazine's annual Top Ten college women competition, which honors 10 high-achieving undergraduates each year.

Hosted by Cindi Leive, editor-in-chief of Glamour, the panel included actress Taraji P. Henson, political blogger Meghan McCain, author Danielle Evans, New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor and racecar driver Danica Patrick.

Leive solicited the panelists' advice for college students facing a difficult job market. What does it take to be successful in your twenties? she asked. What will it take to make your mark and really live your dream?

Here was some of their advice for women who are just starting out:

• You really have a huge advantage on your side. More than any other time in your future life, you dont have to worry that much about making money yet, said Kantor, who made $18,000 a year in her first job after graduating from Barnard more than a decade ago. Compared to the obligations youll have 10 and 20 years from now, youre so free. Given that freedom, Kantor said, young women should go after the best experience they can get, even if that means bartending a few nights a week in order to be able to make ends meet while working at a dream internship during the day.