A single conversation can change the trajectory of a career. That’s the foundation of the A&S | Maxwell Student-Alumni Connections Program, a key part of CareerReady, the College's career preparedness program. By connecting students with alumni mentors at every stage—from first-year career exploration to senior-year job searches—the program helps students achieve the professional readiness milestones central to CareerReady's mission.

Since launching in 2020, the program has facilitated more than 2,100 conversations between undergraduate students and alumni mentors, more than doubling its reach since achieving the 1,000-meeting milestone in 2023.

Managed by Matthew Wheeler, director of employer-alumni engagement in the College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School's Office of Student Success, the program pairs curious students with dedicated alumni who volunteer their time to share career insights and professional guidance in one-hour conversations.

The program's sustained growth reflects its accessible, flexible approach. Students can register and connect with alumni whenever it fits their schedule, browsing lists of professionals across industries who have volunteered to share their experiences through virtual, phone or in-person conversations.

Building Relationships

Wheeler emphasizes that the program's philosophy centers on building genuine relationships rather than pursuing immediate job prospects.

"It's not transactional, it's more relational," Wheeler says. "The things that come from it are unpredictable, but the broader a network you build, the more chances you have for something really special to happen. These relationships can certainly lead to something tangible."

He coaches students to enter each conversation "prepared, curious and grateful."

"I don't know what you're going to get out of this, but if you go in prepared and curious and grateful in this interaction, you never know," Wheeler says. "That could go today, tomorrow, a year from now, 10 years from now."

While every conversation yields different outcomes, Wheeler guarantees that participating students will gain information, build strong connections and develop important conversational and networking skills.

From First Connections to Lasting Mentorship

For some students, the program becomes a gateway to multiple meaningful professional relationships. Ava Swidler '26 has become one of the program's most active participants—a “power user,” as Wheeler says—repeatedly returning to connect with new alumni across different fields.

"The alumni outreach program has introduced me to accomplished graduates who have become genuine mentors," Swidler says. "Their advice has been invaluable, from breaking into competitive fields to understanding the day-to-day realities of creative and communications roles. Beyond professional guidance, I feel I've formed meaningful relationships that I hope to carry with me as I continue to grow in my career."

Swidler credits both the program structure and Wheeler's personal investment in matching students with appropriate mentors.

"I'm incredibly grateful for both the program and for Matt's willingness to connect me with people he believes will push me forward," she says. "Through this process, I've learned the power of persistence, curiosity and showing up—lessons that have shaped how I approach my goals."

Foundational Training for Professional Success

Beyond connecting students with working professionals, the program provides essential networking training that many students lack when entering the professional world.

"This provides foundational networking training for our students as well," Wheeler says. "It connects them with alumni, but it provides that foundational training and perspective on what they can gain from networking in general."

Students receive guidance on professional communication—from crafting initial outreach emails to preparing thoughtful questions and expressing gratitude. The program welcomes students of any year and major within A&S or Maxwell, including those still exploring career paths. Many participants discover that conversations with alumni help them either solidify their interests or become more comfortable with uncertainty during career exploration.

How the Program Works

After registering online, alumni are added to a list that students can browse based on their interests. Descriptions highlight alumni career paths without initially revealing names or organizations. When a student selects an alumni mentor, Wheeler facilitates the introduction and provides training resources to the student.

The initial commitment is a single one-hour conversation, which can take place virtually, by phone or in person. After that, students control whether to continue building the relationship or connect with additional alumni through the program.

The program continues to seek more alumni volunteers, particularly those working in industries not yet well-represented in the mentor pool. Wheeler also aims to increase participation among first-year students and first-generation students. Interested alumni can apply to become mentors here and students can register for the program here.