Alumni Networks Grow, Imparting Valuable Lessons

"Maybe this is the cynic in me, but at the end of the day, most of us recent grads took the job that was offered to us and not necessarily one that we thought would be our long-term careers — the economy sort of dictated that for us," Henri Minion (SFS '10) said.

Still though, contacts can be useful, and the alums who put their time and effort into returning to campus hope that they are doing some good. Their work in networks is not only a way for them to reconnect with previous classmates, but also a way to give back to their Georgetown community.

Denise Welch, a Georgetown graduate of 1988 currently working for the State Department, joined the relatively new Hoya Diplomatic Network as a way to reconnect with the university while supporting the State Department's efforts in recruiting prospective talents. She also hoped to meet other Georgetown alums working for the department.

Welch, like other alums, aims to help students now and in the long run.

"My hope is that, at the very minimum, students will benefit from having a reliable source of information regarding foreign service work and life and the opportunity to engage with mentors who share a common experience," Welch said.

Some of the students who have benefited from alumni efforts may find themselves in similar positions in the future, as they give back to their classmates and followers.

Fouladian, who is still in touch with his summer mentor, says he wants to pass on the help he received.

"I would like to be a mentor in the MSB mentorship program and be involved in the Georgetown Wall Street Alliance so I can continue to network with other Georgetown alumni as I progress in my career," Fouladian said.

The Career Education Center could not be reached for comment for this article.