Peer Career Consultant Blogs

The first time I connected with an upperclassman to learn more about his career came during the winter of my freshman year. I had no idea how a standard “coffee chat” went, but I knew that I had hundreds of questions for him. I had just declared my finance major and wanted to learn more about his internship path, as he had dipped his feet into what seemed like every field in the financial world. Since then, I have held numerous coffee chats with older students and recent alumni to ask them questions ranging from “How did you find your first internship?” to “Why did you choose to move to Tokyo after graduation?” in an effort to learn more about their paths, so that I could better navigate my own. Here are a few of the reasons why I believe you should reach out to older students and recent graduates of Santa Clara, especially if you are still looking to find an internship or full-time job.

1. They have some of the most relevant insights for younger students.
   I have learned from my experience of having coffee chats with these individuals that they are oftentimes extremely honest about their paths and experiences partaking in certain internships, jobs, and organizations on campus, which is invaluable insight that cannot be found in the description of that position. I have found that older students and recent graduates from Santa Clara are extremely honest about the experiences they have had. If they loved a certain position, they will tell you about why it was so amazing and the opportunities it offered them. On the other hand, if they disliked a certain position, they will not bash it, but instead, will tell you about why they disliked it and where that position fell short for them. In offering their honest opinions, these students and recent graduates are mainly hoping to aid younger students in pursuing the best paths possible.
2. They are more inclined to reply to you and set up a meeting with you.
   In my conversations with these individuals, especially Santa Clara graduates who are juggling demanding full-time jobs, I have noticed a clear pattern – emails that include “Santa Clara Student” in the subject line are far more likely to get a response than generic networking messages. The Bronco community is not just large but is also incredibly tight-knit and deeply committed to supporting one another. From my experience, I have witnessed how older students and alumni are eager to give back, whether through mentorship, career advice, or opening doors to unique opportunities. Every Santa Clara student and alumnus I have connected with has spoken highly of their four years on campus, often crediting it as a defining period in their personal and professional growth. Because of this, there is a genuine willingness among older students and alumni to extend a helping hand to current students. This culture of generosity and connection makes Santa Clara’s network particularly powerful – one where students who take the initiative to reach out can find incredible support and guidance from those who have walked the same path before them.
3. Conversations with these individuals helps you engage further with the strong Bronco community and add to it in the future.
   After having a coffee chat with an older student or recent graduate of Santa Clara, you will then be more connected with the community around you. Engaging in conversations with these individuals not only allows you to benefit from the strong Bronco community but also positions you to contribute to it in the future. Each interaction offers insights, advice, and connections that can help shape your own career path, while also reinforcing the culture of support that makes Santa Clara’s network so unique. By taking steps to connect with older students and recent graduates, you are not only receiving career guidance but simultaneously building relationships that can last beyond your time as a student. Additionally, as you progress in your own career, you will have the opportunity to pay it forward, offering the same mentorship and support to future Broncos who, like you, are looking to learn from those who came before them.

I hope upon reading this post that you are inspired to begin reaching out to older students and graduates of Santa Clara!

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