To ask an alum for a coffee chat, explain who you are, why their experience interests you, and what small conversation you are requesting. Make it easy to say yes, and comfortable to decline. A useful first conversation starts with curiosity, not a hidden demand for a job.
An Aurora Agent can help prepare the request, keep the background nearby, and turn the conversation into a thoughtful next step. The relationship remains yours.
Write a request someone can answer quickly
Choose one genuine connection and one reason their experience is relevant. You do not need to mention every detail of their public profile. The University of Michigan Career Center frames networking as relationship-building and learning, not asking someone for a job.
A practical request includes your introduction, why this person, a focused learning goal, and a modest invitation. Use these original templates as starting points.
Exploring a career path
Subject: [School] student curious about your work in [field]
Hi [Name],
I'm [Your name], a [year] at [School] studying [subject]. I found your profile through [actual source] and noticed your move from [verified experience] into [field].
I'm exploring that path and would value hearing what you wish you had known as a student. Would you be open to a 20-minute conversation in the next few weeks?
I'm happy to work around your schedule, and I understand if now is not a good time.
Thank you,
[Your name]
A club or program connection
Subject: A question from a fellow [club/program] member
Hi [Name],
I'm [Your name], currently involved in [club/program] at [School]. [Specific, verified connection] led me to your work in [field].
I'm trying to understand [focused question]. If you have time for a short call, I'd appreciate learning how you approached that choice.
Thank you for considering it,
[Your name]
Following a real introduction
Subject: Introduction from [person who introduced you]
Hi [Name],
Thank you to [Introducer] for connecting us. I'm [brief introduction], and I'm exploring [specific direction].
[Introducer] mentioned your experience with [verified topic]. Would you be open to a short conversation about [learning goal]? I can make [two genuine windows] work, or find another time that is easier for you.
Thanks,
[Your name]
The templates are illustrative. Only name an introducer after an actual introduction or permission. Do not imply an existing friendship or referral.
Prepare enough to ask better questions
Read the alum's current public profile and the organization's own site. Separate what is known from what you would like to learn. A profile can tell you where someone works. It cannot tell you why they chose the role or what their week feels like.
| Moment | Aim | Useful question |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Offer concise context | “I'm comparing [paths]. Your experience in [topic] caught my attention.” |
| Career path | Learn how a decision happened | “What helped you choose this kind of work?” |
| Day-to-day | Understand the actual role | “What takes more of your week than students might expect?” |
| Preparation | Find one useful action | “What experience could help me test whether this fits?” |
| Close | Preserve permission | “Would it be okay to send an update after I try that?” |
Bring a few good questions, not a script you must finish. If a useful answer opens a new thread, follow it. Listening matters more than getting through a checklist.
Meet your Alumni Conversations teammate
This is a suggested custom Aurora Agent responsibility, not a named preinstalled role. Give it a learning goal rather than “get me referrals.”
Responsibility: Prepare for and follow through on alumni conversations.
Context: Genuine interests, current public sources, previous notes, and actual permissions.
Before: Return a concise background brief and three relevant questions.
After: Organize my notes, identify promises, and draft a thank-you in my voice.
Flag: Unverified career details, thin context, and assumptions about the relationship.
Needs me: Confirm facts, choose questions, and approve external messages or requests.An illustrative output might say: “I found a current role description, but your note about the previous team has no source. Here are questions that do not depend on that assumption.” A useful teammate can preserve uncertainty without losing momentum.
Send a thank-you that shows you listened
Subject: Thank you for the conversation
Hi [Name],
Thank you for talking today. Your point about [actual advice] helped me understand [specific decision].
I'm going to [real action], starting with [first step]. I appreciate your offer to [only if offered].
Thanks again,
[Your name]
If they suggested a resource, use it before asking for more. If they offered an introduction, confirm what they need and let them control it. A thank-you does not need to manufacture a next favor.
Keep a small conversation memory card
- Person: current role, source link, and why you reached out.
- Conversation: date, useful insights, and what changed in your thinking.
- My action: what you will try and when.
- Permission: any invitation to update them or specific offered help.
- Follow-through: thank-you status and commitments still open.
Not every alum needs a recurring check-in. Sometimes one generous conversation is enough. If you reconnect, bring a real update and a clear reason.
Connect your notes to the application tracker, use career-fair follow-up templates for recruiter conversations, and prepare with the internship interview guide.
Finta for Students offers a $10/month individual verified-student workspace, with current usage limits, for notes, people, preparation, and next steps. The student AI assistant guide can help you choose a first teammate.
Written by Finta. Examples are original editorial demonstrations. No response, referral, or career outcome is promised.