Benefits of The Hill

Norwich University, most known for its history as the oldest senior military college in the United States, is an unsurprisingly rich atmosphere of military excellence and tradition. Yet, nearly half of the student body are civilians, meaning they are not a part of the Corps of Cadets, including many with no connection to the military nor intending to join the military. As such, Norwich finds itself in a balance between embracing its historical military traditions and finding a way to attract civilian students into this environment. More importantly, you cannot avoid the military atmosphere. Tenured and tenured-track faculty wear uniforms, half the student body is in uniform most of the day, and trainings for specialty units, ROTC, and the Corps are seemingly always running around you. Knowing this, some may ask what Norwich has to offer for civilians? 

I believe this unique position Norwich finds itself in can actually be a strength if taken advantage of. The military atmosphere and community offer the setting to develop skills that will set you apart in the workforce. Concise and efficient communication is a must in any successful setting, especially in the military. Being a part of numerous activities on campus has forced me to not only communicate more, but better. Anticipating potential questions or proactively letting leaders or professors know when you may not be able to participate in something not only saves time, but has allowed me to reduce potential stress. Additionally, responsibility and accountability are characteristics that show your superiors and peers that you have the humility to know when and where you may make a mistake and have the courage to acknowledge it and the perseverance to not let it hinder your progress. When juggling numerous tasks at the same time, I have learned not only how to become more time efficient, but also that sometimes we drop the ball. When that happens, I’ve experienced that others are much more understanding and supportive when we have the humility to acknowledge our short-coming and find ways to ensure it doesn't happen again. 

Most notably, the military environment fosters the desire to do your absolute best in everything you do, regardless of the challenges that may stand in your way.  Since these skills and mindsets have shaped the U.S. military into the force we know today, they have also found themselves integrated into every corner of the Norwich environment, both for the Corps and civilians. For civilians, embracing these same skills and mindsets that ensure the military is ready to succeed will prepare us to succeed and excel both at Norwich and beyond, regardless of what industry you find yourself in. 

Additionally, a couple of the foundational elements to the military community is service and leadership, which Norwich has taken strides to focus on in recent years. The ongoing development of the Global and Government Service Leadership Academies aims to ensure all students, both Corps and civilians, are maximizing their time at Norwich and formulating a way to connect their experiences to their future aspirations.

Furthermore, for anyone seeking or considering a career in public service, I have yet to find another college or university that provides this depth of opportunities to its students. Career fairs frequently welcome law enforcement groups from various municipalities and states, as well as numerous three-letter agencies such as the FBI, CIA, and DEA. This is combined with opportunities to interact with professionals across various industries that are rarely available to students outside of Norwich.

For me personally, participating in extracurriculars and striving to excel have brought me to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs; the Air and Space Force Association Conference in Washington; Atlanta for the Silver Wings and Arnold Air Society National Conclave; Washington (again) for the U.S. Security Policy course, and Pittsburgh for the National Conference for Undergraduate Research. These trips helped me expand my understanding of how others engage in their organizations and develop their potential personal and professional growth. 

I originally chose Norwich for the Corps of Cadets and the desire to pursue a military career but quickly learned that really was not what I wanted. Coupled with a military background, I felt at home in the Norwich atmosphere, but I know not everyone has that same background. Whether you chose Norwich for a sport, a specific program, or any other factor, I encourage you to truly immerse yourself in the culture. Even if you have no connection to the military and no intention of joining the military, you will likely never have another opportunity to find yourself in an environment that can redirect its resources and opportunities into preparing you for a life path tailored to your aspirations.