<p>At the Open House, the alumnae network was touted very strongly as a real selling point. I'd like to hear from alums about their experience using the network in their lives. My D loves Wellesley and we just didn't see how we could afford it as she has a twin brother who's also going to college in the fall to a private LAC. We felt that the STRIDE program at Smith with a $15,000 scholarship and the first two years doing research with a professor was just too good to pass up. I discovered today Smith has a network of 10,000 alums; Wellesley claims 20,000. And now this has got me thinking. The equation, I know, is imponderable, but at least I can hear some stories to begin to understand the strength of the network. Please respond quickly as May 1 is just days away! Thanks.</p>
<p>I have found the Wellesley Alumnae network to play a significant
role in my life. Wellesley graduates are distinctly aware of the value of
a W education and have a propensity to help Wellesley students and
alumnae to the best of their ability. Even as a student, one has a chance
to shadow Wellesley alumnae in various fields during Wintersession.
Although the Center for Work & Service organizes this experience, I surmise
students can also organize their own shadow day to gain more insight about
a particular career; all one has to do is access alumnae through the Center
for Work& Service (Career Center) lists. </p>
<pre><code> As an alum, I love the fact I can access the Wellesley database from
</code></pre>
<p>my own computer and look up alumnae by field, company, or city , for example,
and contact alumnae with questions about their career. Alumnae I have contacted
have always been warm and receptive. I have contacted alumnae when I wanted
to know more about the path to take to get into a certain career. They were all
very insightful and helpful. Keep in mind, I had never had any prior conversations
with them since I did not know them, but they were very helpful. I have many
Wellesley friends who tell me they are grateful for the fact alumnae stay in
touch with the career center and contact the career center when they are
recruiting. The amalgamation of the career center and the alumnae network
have been potent in helping students and alumnae distinguish themselves in the
recruiting process and get coveted job offers from investment banks, consulting
firms, auction houses, law firms, museums, an other non profits, for example.
ALthough I graduated a few years ago, I continue to thank my lucky stars for
Wellesley’s solid alumnae community. I have 3 colleagues from Wellesley and
they have been great mentors.</p>
<pre><code> Furthermore, Alumnae can have meetings with career counselors from our
</code></pre>
<p>career center without ever paying a fee; I have friends from other colleges who
have to pay a fee to make an appointment with a career counselor. Since most
alumnae do not live close to the school, alumnae can make phone appointments
with the career counselors. When I was applying to grad school, the career center
was a bedrock for me and so were my professors. The alumnae network is a
powerful tool. The bond that links Wellesley alumnae together is ineffable and
transpires throughout our lives professionally and personally.</p>
<p>I’m not an alum, but a current student and have still found the Wellesley Network really helpful. Pretty much every alum I have contacted through the Wellesley Network has returned my email within 24-48 hours and most, if not all, have given me extensive advice about whatever question I asked them or offered to speak with me and gave me their cell phone number to call. All the alums I have met on campus through alumnae panels, small get-togethers, etc have all been willing to help in any way they can. They have offered to look over my resume, give me advice on what industries to look at for internships/jobs/whatever else… some have even contacted the firms they work for to see if any job postings are available and have given me other people to contact as well. It has worked out really well for me so far!</p>
<p>I’m sure your daughter will enjoy herself wherever she chooses to go to. I was also accepted as a Smith STRIDE so I know the money and research can definitely be a big draw, but I’m glad I ended up choosing Wellesley :)</p>
<p>I too chose Wellesley over Smith and MHC. As an alum, I find
myself going above and beyond to help students and alumnae who
ask for advice–I have reviewed their resumes, suggested names
of people they should contact for extra insight and potential jobs,…
I recently found myself reaching out to a student who posted an
inquiry (on our Wellelsey Alumnae Club website) about apartment
hunting in NYC since she will be working here after graduation; I
gave her the name and phone number of my management company
and e-mailed a colleague about the status of her apartment since
she is leaving for law school. </p>
<pre><code> Of course, all of these actions stems from my love for Wellesley
</code></pre>
<p>and the fact alumnae have always responded enthusiastically when I
asked for advice regarding career paths. I have only had positive
experiences with the alumnae network.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your responses; it’s useful to hear the details of your experiences. I’m glad you’ve found the Wellesley network to be so supportive and effective. Since I posted, I have done research about the Smith network and discovered it is also a wonderful resource for alums and students; that’s reassuring. I’ve also heard that there is a larger sense of sisterhood among (what’s left of) the Seven Sisters, a point I hadn’t considered. I like that.</p>
<p>All things considered, the STRIDE Scholarship program is just too good to pass up, as my D wants to get her doctorate and the early research experience with professors will be terrific. We need to manage the costs of education for her and her twin brother who may consider law school in the future. She is coming to appreciate the value of Smith the way she had learned what wonderful opportunities Wellesley offers, and she is happy with her decision to go to Smith. They’re both fabulous schools–you can’t go wrong! </p>
<p>Thank you to all of you on the Wellesley forum for answering my questions for the last couple of years. CC is a great forum!</p>
<p>Those are legitimate reasons to consider Smith over Wellesley; especially right now, scholarships can definitely way in on decisions like these! I know your daughter will have a fantastic time at Smith. Congratulations :)</p>
<p>I’m just a Wellesley applicant (eventually rejected) but I have been very impressed by the helpfulness of the alumna. The official alumni interviewer was out of town, so she asked another lady who hadn’t officially signed up to help out. :)</p>