Information for Students

There are many ways to make personal and professional connections with GW alumni.

Attend a Virtual Coffee/Dinner with Alumni

Always wanted to connect with experienced GW alumni? Haven’t selected a leadership position on campus, your major or career path yet? This is your opportunity to connect with GW alumni and fellow students! All coffee/dinner events (whether in-person or virtual) will be posted in GW HandShake and students will have an opportunity to apply. Spaces for both are very limited and signing up does not confirm your placement.  Once selected, students will be contacted regarding their participation. Please contact the Program Coordinator with any questions.

Tips for students:

Etiquette

• Business casual is appropriate attire for in person or virtual events—tidy, professional and appropriate for an office environment. Take the time to know the location (if you are meeting in-person) beforehand; paying careful attention to how you will get there and how long it will take when in person.  If necessary, contact your host directly with any issues.

• For virtual events, please make sure to log on 5 minutes before the event starts.  Keep your camera on to better interact with the host and other attendees. 

• If the event is in-person, you are not permitted to order alcohol, regardless of your age, for these networking events.

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are one way to receive more detailed information about an industry or career.  Think about the following questions to enhance your coffee/dinner experience:

• What do you want to accomplish during this time with the alumnus/a?
  The primary objectives of an informational interview are to investigate a specific career field, obtain advice on where you might fit into a particular organization, learn the jargon and issues of a particular field, create a strategy for entering that field, broaden your network, and/or build relationships with GW alumni.
• How do you conduct an Informational Interview?
  Before your meeting, you should research your host’s employer and prepare questions to ask. During the event, share what information you would like to learn and gather information about the host’s experiences in a particular career path. Remember, this is not a job interview. Relax and have fun! 
• What kind of questions should I ask the host?
  Use open-ended questions to engage your host. Here are some examples: 
  • What general skills does a person need to be successful in your industry?
  • What kind of background should an individual have in this industry?
  • What is the outlook for entry-level professionals?
  • What is the industry's future looking like?
  • Can you describe what a day looks like in your position?  

Feel free to ask questions about the host’s experiences as a student at GW, if and where he/she/they volunteered, and other activities he/she/they are involved in while on campus.  While coffee/dinner is certainly a setting for discussing career interests, make sure to get to know your host as an individual and former GW student.

If You Need to Cancel

• We will not tolerate no-shows or last-minute cancellations.
• If you do not cancel your place at your dinner 48 hours prior to its start, you may be excluded from future opportunities. Hosts are expecting your attendance and will inform us if you do not attend.
• Extenuating circumstances do arise, and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, with decisions left to the discretion of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving staff.
• Please email the program coordinator if you are unable to attend.

Thanking Your Host

• Your host is paying for this coffee/dinner, and it is expected that you will write a thank-you note.
• After attending your event, sending a thank you email to your host is appropriate, but please copy the program coordinator.  Be thoughtful as you write your note, and know that follow-up correspondence is a great way to keep your contacts updated for future opportunities.
• Additionally, you can drop off your note with the receptionist at 1922 F Street NW, 3rd Floor, within 3-5 business days following your event, and it will be sent from the Office of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving on your behalf.  

Participate in GW Career Connect (GWCC)

Participate in GW Career Connect, an online networking community brought to you by the Center for Career Services to seek career guidance and professional development from alumni. Students are strongly encouraged to reach out to alumni in the GWCC platform for professional development and guidance.

Join the GW Alumni Association's LinkedIn Group

By joining the GW Alumni Association’s LinkedIn group, you’ll have the chance to network and exchange career advice with more than 38,000 alumni from 40+ countries to further your professional connections. 

Make your Senior Class Gift

The Senior Class Gift Campaign makes a profound impact on every area of campus. No matter your major or campus involvement, your time at GW was made better by previous seniors' gifts. You can make your gift to any area of campus including your student organization or athletic team. For more information about getting involved, email giving@gwu.edu.

Host an Alumnus/a at Your Student Organization Event

The Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving continues to connect current student organizations with alumni to enrich the GW experience. Student organizations or campus partners planning educational, social, or fundraising events are encouraged to complete this form.