William & Mary Connect
Plan Prepare Present Professional
Suggestions for mandatory questions
Is the field/industry changing? If so, how?
What has been your most significant insight into succeeding in this field?
Do you have a transformational experience you are willing to share?
What should I know about (company, industry…) that I probably don’t?
What do you like most about your career? Least?
Ask him/her to share reflections about their time at William & Mary.
What were some of the most defining events/opportunities/aspects of your time at
William & Mary?
What is one thing I should be certain to do before I graduate?
Do you remain in touch with your classmates for professional as well as personal
reasons?
Did you ever envisage doing what you’re currently doing while you were a student at
William & Mary?
Did you enjoy your time at William & Mary?
Do you still believe in the same principles as you did when you were a student?
What is your lasting impression of SOAS?
Who was your favorite professor and why?
What did you do in the year immediately after graduation?
Ask questions about their career path and post-William & Mary life.
What inspires your passion for your career?
Have there been any surprises along the way?
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
What skills have you found most useful in your professional life? Do you have advice on
how I can cultivate these skills?
What are the current or upcoming challenges in your industry/field?
Can you share your thoughts on how to best prepare myself for a career in …
What, if anything would you do differently?
What do I need to learn that is not taught in the classroom?
Share information about yourself.
Alumni will be interested to hear about your background, your William & Mary
experience, your interests and your goals for the future. The more you share, the more
potential points of connection and conversation there will be!
Show interest in him/her.
Your time together and therefore you, will be more fully and fondly remembered if you
show genuine interest in him/her.
Beyond your career and family, about what are you passionate?
Follow up immediately and find opportunities to continue and maintain the connection.
W&M Connect – jb 2.9.15