In a commencement speech to the graduates of the University of Washington’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy shared some advice for winning at life and work. He emphasized the significance of graduating from one of the best engineering schools in the world and encouraged graduates to appreciate their accomplishments. Jassy reflected on his own career path and the lessons he had learned over the past 30 years, wishing he had known them when he was younger.
Jassy recounted his various career pursuits, from aspiring to be a sportscaster to exploring different job opportunities in fields such as TV production, consulting, and sales. He highlighted the importance of being open to new experiences and allowing oneself to evolve over time. Jassy advised graduates that life is an adventure full of unpredictable twists and turns, and it is okay not to have everything figured out early on.
The Amazon CEO shared insights on not letting others define who you are and realizing that every setback is not a reflection of your competence. He urged graduates to embrace risks and put themselves out there, emphasizing that growth often comes from taking chances. Jassy emphasized the importance of being a continual learner, remaining observant, self-reflective, and open to new knowledge throughout life.
Jassy stressed the significance of attitude in achieving success and highlighted the value of hard work. He encouraged graduates to maintain a positive, can-do attitude, work well in teams, and prioritize the mission of the organization over personal outcomes. Jassy underscored the importance of working diligently and wholeheartedly, noting that success in any endeavor typically stems from dedicated effort and embracing the process of excellence.
In closing, Jassy offered words of encouragement and empowerment to the 2024 graduates, urging them to approach life with curiosity and experimentation. He reminded them to control what they can control, take risks, and be kind to themselves when things don’t go as planned. Jassy emphasized that each individual writes their own story and wished the graduates the best of luck on their upcoming adventures.
