Tips for the Newest Alumni
Rutgers University Alumni Association (RUAA) representatives offer tips to the more than 18,000 new alumni who graduated in the Class of 2026.
All Rutgers graduates celebrated this week automatically become Rutgers University Alumni Association members, opening up opportunities to engage with the university through volunteering, events, and exclusive benefits.
Connecting to the popular online feature “Tips for New Grads,” we asked the three RUAA Board members who welcomed graduates at the Rutgers–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health, Rutgers–Camden, and Rutgers–Newark commencement ceremonies for their best piece of advice for the newest members of the alumni community.
Carla Davenport, who earned an undergraduate degree in English at Rutgers–Camden in 1987 and an MBA at the Rutgers School of Business–Camden in 2016, stresses the importance of networking.
“Network, network, network,” Davenport says. “It might mean getting out of your comfort zone, but don’t be shy about reaching out to someone working in your field who can help you in some way. Making connections is so important for your career, and most professionals, especially fellow Rutgers alumni, enjoy meeting with new grads to share insights or career advice.”
Brittany S. Hale, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2009 before going on to earn a law degree at Boston University, encourages young alumni to think big and be bold. “When I graduated, I wish someone would have told me to create all of my options before making a decision,” says Hale, an organizational strategist and attorney. “Students may be tempted to make a move out of fear, but there’s so much opportunity to create change.”
Talib Morgan, who after earning his undergraduate degree in 1996 from Rutgers–Newark went on to earn an MBA from the Rutgers Business School in 1998, has stayed involved with the university since he graduated. He now serves as RUAA chair.
Morgan, who has founded and leads technology firms and a nonprofit organization, was featured in a video in the “Tips for New Grads” series last year. He says new graduates should “remember that both your professional and personal growth will be shaped by the relationships you build. It’s easy to look past people a step below you or put those above you on a pedestal, but neither view is accurate or helpful."
He says that "Over time, roles change. Today’s manager, direct report, or someone you barely noticed in class may play a very different role in your life tomorrow. Treat people with respect, stay connected and invest in others. More than anything else, those relationships will open doors.”
For more information for new alumni, visit the Rutgers New Graduates page.
Stay Connected after Graduation
Explore the Rutgers New Graduate site to discover ways to get involved, learn career tips as a new graduate, and stay connected with the Rutgers alumni community.
