A few words of advice from the Management Advisory Board for Management Graduates

“Keep your heads high and remember the unfortunate consequences that this pandemic caused. Because you have learned important lessons that can help you throughout your career. You as a senior class will be more prepared than any other facing challenges that will come up in your careers.

Always be prepared for the future, never take a day for granted, take advantage of every opportunity, not just the good ones.

No Hokie will ever be prouder of a graduating class then we are this 2020 class. I look forward to helping (and hanging out face to face) with you in the future!” - Joe Barco, Director of Product Development and Technology, DSD Partners

“You all are graduating into a powerful and special network of Hokie alumni! Please leverage this network and don't forget to give back to it frequently. Seek out opportunities to learn and embrace being uncomfortable as you enter into new situations - Take some (calculated) career risks, volunteer for that project, don't shy away from lateral moves for growth purposes, help that employee who seems to be struggling, identify solutions for business problems - all of these things will foster growth and learning. Reach out and cultivate networks inside and outside of your company. Do not forget about giving back and remaining connected to Virginia Tech - you are graduating but you don't have to leave. Go forward, take on the world and represent us well! Go Hokies!” - Kim Shanahan, President and CEO, accelHRate

“When I look back at my time at Virginia Tech, it's the experiences, memories and friendships made over the four years that I most value, and think of most fondly and often - far more so than my graduation day and ceremony itself. While it's unfair that you won't get that ceremony - I hope you realize that you already have the greatest gift - the collective experiences, memories made and friendships you will keep forever are the real gift and that can't be taken from you. Ever. You have a long and beautiful road ahead of memories and experiences to be made at Virginia Tech - in many ways, your journey's just begun.” - Christy Jean, HR Director, Logistics & Mission Support Operations, Defense Group, Leidos

“Better yourself by bettering the world. Do ‘good’ by doing good.” - Dan St. Martin, President, Kollmorgen

“Be curious and open to listening/learning ... All the time (it never stops)!
Understand who your (future) employer is, its market, its products, its clients, its culture.
Don't hesitate to reach out, internally and externally, to build relationships.
Be a servant leader (this is not about you, this is about how you can help others).” - Frederic Girardeau-Montaut: Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting

“It is a tough environment but there are still opportunities to be had by continuing to work hard and smart. Stick to the fight as you can never tell how close you are to success.” - Tim Mullins, Managing Director-Investment Officer, Wells Fargo Advisors

“Never give up on your dreams!” - Calvin Henderson, Former Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo

“Congratulations on getting your Management degree from Virginia Tech. That is a great accomplishment and you should feel very proud. I know these are challenging times, but with tenacity and perseverance you will still have the ability to pursue your dreams. Be passionate about what you do and always look to make a difference.” - Jill McKinnon, Account Executive, Google Cloud

“Keep an open mind, be open to all kinds of opportunities and don't feel that the first few jobs in your career have to be perfect or even close to perfect. Look at everything as a learning experience and a way to meet new people and get exposed to new things and many people to learn from. You never know where a job or connection will take you so have fun with it.” - Mary Davie, Deputy Associate Administrator, Mission Support Transformation Office, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

“Congratulations on your graduation! These past years will be remembered fondly over your lifetime. You will always be a Hokie. A few thoughts going forward:

Follow your passion. The most effective, successful people are passionate about what they do – working with talented people on interesting problems. Continue to challenge yourself by taking on more responsibility throughout your career. If you are not passionate your role or your job, it’s time for change.
Continue to learn and grow your skills. You will become more valuable and integral to your organization. Take a class, read journals, join a professional organization, and observe and learn from colleagues/mentors.
Help others succeed. Offer support, stay late, and pitch in to help those around you – your supervisor, colleagues, business partners and clients. The success of any organization relies on cohesive and productive teams. And it will make you and others happier, raising morale.

Best of luck on your future endeavors!” - Ron Hodge, Chair, Management Advisory Board, Virginia Tech; Former Partner/Senior Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton

“Graduates, this is such a difficult time for you all. Four years of such hard work and such an amazing bond to Virginia Tech and not getting that wonderful graduation experience is surely a letdown. Do something to mark this milestone with your family and virtually celebrate with your classmates. Whether you are starting on your first job, or still trying to find your place I recommend reviewing your goals and focusing on plans. What are you hoping to achieve?

Hands on industry experience?
Networking and relationships?
Technical programming language skills?
Working in a diverse environment?

This summer I strongly consider networking! It is more important now than ever to explore out of the box networking avenues. Many people are telecommuting and find themselves with more availability to chat with you about company status. Reach out to alumni networks and get insights into what companies are considering for 2020 summer. Also think about your online presence ‘your virtual environment’ is key. Over communicate, be innovative and don't give up hope. You will always remember these times but your future is so bright and we will all get through this and be stronger on the other side of this!” - Roben Dunkin, Chief Technology Officer, PGIM

“Graduation for the Class of 2020 is bittersweet - but focus on your growth and accomplishments during your 4-year journey that culminates with you graduating Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business! Focus on this achievement - relish in it, and not the lack of having the celebratory graduation ceremony. We don't need the graduation ceremony to celebrate you all! We know the hard work and dedication you put in as part of the Hokie Family - take this forward in your life, and career, it is the foundation for continued success. Stay true to who you are as an individual, chart your course and don't be deterred. Be collaborative and caring, be empathetic and drive the change in the world we know you are all capable of. Cheers to the Class of 2020!” - Chris Clinton, Vice President, Global Strategic Partners, Appian Corporation