We may feel that we are entering ‘alumnihood’ with little. We didn't maximize our university experience as we hoped. With other life responsibilities, the time for exploration at college was a challenge. Don't fret. Our alumni capital is available now to prime the pump, to initiate the process of curiosity. This is the time to ask questions and gather information. We can illuminate a pathway to grow our career and our business.

Ronit Avni, co-founder of LocalizED, is no stranger to networking and alumni capital. LocalizED is democratizing online alumni and diaspora mentorship for career growth, with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa region. Universities are among LocalizED clients. Avni is a seasoned speaker, including at a plethora of university-sponsored events. As a guest for a Brandeis University podcast, Avni spoke about networking as a relational – not transactional – activity. She offered advice to the students and alumni: ‘You’re establishing relationships with people. You’re trying to learn. You’re trying to be generous where you can,’ Avni says. ‘You’re trying to be polite and respectful of people's time.’

How do you reach out for career advice? Avni believes students – and by association alumni – need to be authentic, empathetic, and respectful in the ask. ‘If you’re a student’, she says, ‘some of the best networkers are those that may reach out and say, “Hey, Ronit”, or “Hey, Whoever. I see that you’re working on X. I am looking to learn more about this field. I don't want to take up too much of your time. Could we jump on a 15-minute call?” ‘ To get the most from an informational interview, career advice, or time with a mentor, Avni reminded us to think of it from their perspective. ‘Try to see it from their vantage point because chances are, they’re getting a lot of requests.’ Avni summarizes many of the key messages from this section: applying our curiosity, ensuring we are thoughtful in our preparation, taking the leap. Our fellow alumni and our university are the game changers for our professional advancement.

Let's not discount our own ‘alumni intelligence’ in this process. As we navigate through life, we build our own career and business wisdom.