Alumni corporate networks build community in the workplace

From communities formed at Virginia Tech to connections made long after graduation, Hokies are known for making magic when they come together.

So it’s no surprise that Virginia Tech has recently seen tremendous growth in its alumni corporate network program. These popular networks create opportunities for alumni to find each other in the workplace in a powerful extension of the university community.

Hokies aren’t the only ones taking notice. For example, Virginia Tech’s corporate network at Northrop Grumman gained significant momentum, attracting the attention of alumni from other schools. Inspired by its success, many have implemented similar networks within the company, following the Hokie model.

Activated by Virginia Tech’s Innovation and Partnerships team, the first official alumni corporate network was established at Freddie Mac, followed by groups at Capital One and Deloitte. The hope for these networks was simple: to strengthen community and connections. Since then, the Virginia Tech Alumni Corporate Network Program has spread to 14 companies, representing a range of industries and geographical footprints. Whether they are corporate newcomers or veteran employees, alumni find opportunities for connection and fellowship thanks to these programs. Companies welcome the networks as a way to strengthen retention and recruitment. Meanwhile, the university views the networks as a way to broaden and enhance Hokie Spirit.

In one example of the program in action, Capital One’s network hosted From Finance to Education: Responsibly Building the Future of AI, a virtual event attended by more than 200 people. During the event, Capital One Chief Scientist and Head of Enterprise AI Prem Natarajan and Pamplin College of Business Dean Saonee Sarker held an engaging conversation around the inherent risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) while also discussing AIs impact on the higher education and corporate environments.

In another example, Boeing’s alumni network arranged an event focused on career journeys and the power of mentorship, which featured former CEO of Boeing Defense, Space, and Security Leanne Caret, among others. Over 180 people participated in the event, which was presented live, through group viewings at eight Boeing offices nationwide, and virtually to ensure it was available to the company’s hundreds of Hokie employees. The Boeing event also kicked off a summer internship program featuring 27 mentoring “pods,” through which 58 alumni connected with 191 students.

Alumni corporate networks also have created exciting opportunities for current students to explore the world of work. Network leaders at Microsoft wanted to engage and inspire computer science (CS) students. They collaborated with the CS Careers student group to put together Ask Me Anything, an event where Microsoft alumni offered insights on their day-to-day experiences and career progressions. Several alumni from the Microsoft network also participated in Pamplin Day-in-the-Life, a hybrid event series through the Pamplin College of Business. The event featured perspectives from alumni in various career stages, who shared their corporate experiences and gave advice on transitioning from academics to industry.

In some cases, having an alumni network in place makes it easier for Hokie interns to build relationships within a company, which is crucial for finding mentors or lining up potential post-graduation jobs. That proved the case for Mike Makuszak, a senior majoring in business information technology within Pamplin. Makuszak interned with EY last summer.

“I actually went to one of their events for the Virginia Tech community within the company, held at a local restaurant, where I was able to meet many other interns who are Hokies and many former students who are now full time with the firm,” Makuszak said. “And I have stayed in touch with several.”

Virginia Tech’s alumni corporate networks have become so robust and organized that groups from different companies are collaborating with each other on leadership calls, exchanging ideas to engage alumni and generate stronger connections to the university. For Hokies, those deeper connections with Virginia Tech often go beyond corporate network specific events. Since the establishment of the program, participation from alumni within the networks has increased for university events, including Hokies at Work, Giving Day, Hokie Hike, and others.

Vishal Ranja '04, senior vice president for consulting services at CGI, played a key role in establishing the alumni corporate network at his company. His goal was to strengthen recruiting efforts from Virginia Tech while also fostering engagement and retention among Hokies already working at CGI. One effort to build upon that goal came recently, as CGI held a Virginia Tech Office Visit day for students to engage with alumni and learn about careers at the company.

“As a result of building our CGI VT alumni network, those CGI partners have been more engaged with their alma mater and current students looking for careers in IT services and consulting,” Ranjan said.

Over the past year fostering Virginia Tech connections at CGI, Ranjan was pleasantly surprised to learn he shared an alma mater with several longtime colleagues he had not known were Hokies.

“Realizing several colleagues I had known for years had also gone to VT was enlightening,” Ranjan said. “It’s really cool, honestly. Many times in the professional world, you spend more time during your week with colleagues probably than you do with your family, but at the same time, you focus on work and don’t really dive into backgrounds or where you went to college. With fellow alumni, there is automatically a level of connection and respect and understanding, having been in Blacksburg. That shared experience connects us.”

With the surge of Virginia Tech’s alumni corporate network program, the powerful connection once felt only on campus is now energizing workplaces nationwide, allowing Hokies to carry that unbreakable bond into their everyday professional lives.

“Bringing value to Hokies working with industry partners is among our team’s most important strategic activities,” said Gwen Harrington, director of strategic engagement and partnerships for Virginia Tech. “With initiatives like our alumni corporate network program, we deepen connections among Hokies within their organizations to support their professional goals while creating more opportunities to engage with Virginia Tech. As a Hokie, I could not be more excited by the great work underway.”