The School of Information Studies (iSchool) hosted the Student and Alumni Networking Night in New York City, bringing together approximately 30 students and 40 alumni for an event designed to foster meaningful connections and support career exploration through shared experience. Bringing together current students and accomplished alumni, the evening reinforced the strength and continuity of the iSchool community beyond the classroom.
The gathering emphasized open, informal conversation, creating an environment where participants could engage authentically. Rather than structured programming, the focus remained on dialogue—allowing relationships to form naturally through shared academic roots and professional curiosity.
Connections Rooted in a Shared iSchool Experience
One of the most striking aspects of the evening was the ease with which students and alumni connected. Conversations unfolded naturally as participants discovered common ground through their time at the iSchool. Alumni demonstrated a strong interest in learning about students’ academic focus areas and career aspirations, while students welcomed the opportunity to engage with professionals who were both approachable and eager to offer perspective.
“It was really meaningful to share updates about what campus life looks like today while hearing alumni reflect on their time at Syracuse and where their careers have taken them. The conversations were easygoing, insightful, and genuinely enjoyable.” said Denise Camacho ’28.
For many students, the unexpected warmth of the engagement made a lasting impression.
“I was surprised to hear that some alumni didn’t expect students to attend, but that made the conversations even more meaningful,” said Alexander Frame ’28. “I walked away having built connections that I genuinely believe could lead to internship opportunities down the road.”
The atmosphere encouraged thoughtful exchange, with alumni readily sharing insights drawn from their own career paths and students actively engaging in discussions about navigating early professional decisions. This mutual openness helped create a welcoming and engaging space that supported meaningful interaction.
Career Insight Rooted in Engagement and Community
Across conversations, alumni consistently emphasized the importance of staying involved—both during one’s time at the iSchool and beyond graduation. They highlighted how participation in campus activities and maintaining strong professional relationships within the Syracuse network played a lasting role in shaping their career trajectories.
For Camacho, one conversation in particular had a tangible impact.
“During an energetic and candid conversation with alumnus Fredrick Cho, I found myself inspired to declare a second concentration in Applied Data Science and deepen my technical skills,” she said.
Students were encouraged to view networking not as a one-time activity, but as an ongoing process supported by the broader alumni community. Alumni reinforced the idea that long-term professional growth is strengthened through sustained connection and active engagement within the iSchool ecosystem.
Advancing Career Development Rooted in Alumni Engagement
The networking night reflected the iSchool’s intentional approach to integrating career development with alumni engagement. By creating spaces where students and alumni can connect in meaningful ways, the iSchool supports both communities—offering students access to real-world insight while providing alumni opportunities to remain actively involved in mentoring and community-building.
For alumna Dana Berry ’20, the evening underscored the enduring strength of the iSchool network.
“The energy in the room was incredible. The students are sharp, ambitious, and exceptionally well-prepared,” Berry said. “The iSchool curriculum does a remarkable job of blending technical depth with strong communication and business acumen — you can see it in how students confidently speak about strategy, technology, and impact all at once. That combination is incredibly powerful in today’s market.”
Berry also emphasized that the gathering extended beyond traditional networking.
“This wasn’t just a networking event — it felt like a true community moment,” she said. “Whether you graduated five months ago or five years ago, you’re welcomed the same way. The support doesn’t end at graduation; the iSchool builds relationships that last, and you can feel that when alumni and students come together.”
Events like the Student and Alumni Networking Night underscore the value of cultivating relationships that extend beyond individual career stages. As the iSchool continues to design programs that bring students and alumni together, these experiences play a vital role in supporting long-term professional success and strengthening the iSchool community as a whole.