Questions to Ask Alumni
Valuable questions to help you gain authentic insights from alumni about their college experience, career path, and advice for current or prospective students.
1What did you study and what are you doing now?
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What did you study and what are you doing now?
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Why this works
Understanding career paths reveals how education translated into professional opportunities.
2How did your education prepare you for your career?
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How did your education prepare you for your career?
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Why this works
Learning about practical application helps you understand the value of the academic experience.
3What do you wish you had known when you were a student here?
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What do you wish you had known when you were a student here?
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Why this works
Hindsight wisdom provides valuable perspective you can act on while still a student.
4What were your favorite classes or professors?
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What were your favorite classes or professors?
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Why this works
Recommendations help you prioritize courses and seek out exceptional educators.
5How did you get involved on campus?
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How did you get involved on campus?
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Why this works
Understanding their extracurricular engagement reveals opportunities for growth and networking.
6What was the most valuable experience you had during college?
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What was the most valuable experience you had during college?
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Why this works
Identifying transformative moments helps you prioritize similar opportunities.
7How has the alumni network helped you professionally?
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How has the alumni network helped you professionally?
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Why this works
Understanding network value reveals long-term benefits beyond graduation.
8What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
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What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
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Why this works
Learning about obstacles prepares you for common difficulties and solutions.
9How did you choose your major or career path?
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How did you choose your major or career path?
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Why this works
Decision-making insights help you navigate your own academic and professional choices.
10What internships or work experiences were most valuable?
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What internships or work experiences were most valuable?
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Why this works
Understanding which experiences led to opportunities helps you prioritize your own path.
11How did you balance academics, social life, and other commitments?
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How did you balance academics, social life, and other commitments?
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Why this works
Work-life balance strategies help you manage the multiple demands of college life.
12What skills have been most important in your career?
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What skills have been most important in your career?
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Why this works
Identifying crucial skills helps you focus your learning and development efforts.
13If you could do college over again, what would you do differently?
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If you could do college over again, what would you do differently?
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Why this works
Learning from regrets helps you avoid common mistakes and maximize your experience.
14How did you find your first job after graduation?
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How did you find your first job after graduation?
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Why this works
Job search strategies and timing help you prepare for your own transition.
15What aspects of the college experience do you miss most?
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What aspects of the college experience do you miss most?
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Why this works
Understanding what they value in retrospect helps you appreciate and utilize current opportunities.
16How has the school changed since you graduated?
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How has the school changed since you graduated?
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Why this works
Understanding evolution provides context for current campus culture and resources.
17What advice would you give to current students?
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What advice would you give to current students?
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Why this works
Direct advice from those who've walked the path provides actionable guidance.
18How did you build meaningful relationships during college?
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How did you build meaningful relationships during college?
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Why this works
Networking and friendship strategies help you create lasting connections.
19What resources or opportunities did you not take advantage of that you wish you had?
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What resources or opportunities did you not take advantage of that you wish you had?
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Why this works
Learning about missed opportunities helps you identify resources to explore.
20How do you stay connected with the school and other alumni?
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How do you stay connected with the school and other alumni?
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Why this works
Understanding engagement methods reveals ways to maintain valuable connections.
Maximizing Alumni Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
How to Connect with Alumni
Making Contact
During the Conversation
Be Prepared
Research their background beforehand and prepare thoughtful questions specific to their experience.
Listen Actively
Take notes and ask follow-up questions that show you're engaged and interested.
Be Professional
Treat the conversation as you would a professional meeting, arriving on time and being respectful.