We asked alumni on Facebook to share their career advice with the Class of 2020. Here are eleven of our favorite highlights.

NORWICH RECORD | Summer 2020

My class graduated seven months after 9/11. Uncertainty is out there, but know one thing: Norwich has prepared you to make a difference. This is your moment. —Steve Vee ’02 M’12

Things aren’t going to go the way you planned. Whatever it is that happens, keep trying. It makes all the difference. —Zachary Gibson ’19

No one is going to do it for you. Work hard at building a network. Showcase failures as an opportunity to learn. Strive for excellence and keep your ethical compass true. — Christopher Ross

Remember, you don’t know [squat.] Be humble and learn from other senior NCOs. Keep your head down, ears open, and mouths closed. You guys are going to be great! — Vlad Gutierrez ’02

All entry-level jobs are tedious. That’s why they’re entry-level. Stick with it, and don’t quit. —Maria Burns ’94

Keep in touch with each other. Network—a lot. You have made it this far. Now it’s time to put it to use. Your work ethic will get you the invite to the party. But how you play the political game, will get you on the dance floor. —Nick Jacobs

Never stop giving back, [you’ll] not only enrich your career but the communities you belong to. Stay in touch with your friends from Norwich. At the end of the day, you will be remembered for who you have inspired. That will be your legacy. —David Steves ’02, MBA’14

Rule number one: Take care of your family. When (insert service branch or company) is done with you, they’re done with you. You don’t want to get to the end of your career, check six, and find nobody there. —Dan Corindia ’00

Sharks die if they do not keep swimming forward. Be the shark. Keep swimming forward. —Keith Wiley M’18

Keep all options open. Be humble. Every experience will be a learning experience. Volunteer for undesirable tasks, and don’t be afraid to leave your hometown! —Tom Walton ’89

Don’t get discouraged easily. Don’t let yourself feel too lost. … You WILL figure it out, just as you figured it out when you entered college. Just take it one day, one opportunity, at a time. — Arielle Ann (Eaton) ’14