Why Broad alumni are saying "Yes" to the Wisdom Project

For Broad College of Business students, building professional connections begins in the classroom.

The Wisdom Project is a structured alumni mentorship experience embedded within BUS 100, a required, career-focused seminar taken by all newly admitted Broad students. As part of the course, students are paired with a Broad alum for a short, student-led informational interview designed to build confidence, sharpen communication skills and introduce students to the value of professional networking early in their academic journey.

The Wisdom Project centers on a single, high-impact conversation. Students take the lead by researching their mentor and preparing thoughtful questions while alumni share real-world insight on careers, decision-making, and life beyond college. The result is an experience that feels personal, intentional, and immediately relevant.

The program is facilitated through Broad Connect, the Broad College’s exclusive online networking and engagement platform. Broad Connect enables students and alumni to connect virtually regardless of location, making it easy for alumni across industries and around the world to participate.

For Gary Schulz, chairman of Edwards Garment and a two-time Broad graduate (B.A. Human Resources Management and Personnel Administration ’75, MBA ’79), participating in the Wisdom Project was driven by a desire to give back after a long, varied career.

“I worked in a lot of different places and did a lot of different things,” Schulz said. “I felt like I could help students think through the questions and decisions they’re facing right now.”

Navneet Adhi (B.A. Finance ’17, M.S. Management, Strategy and Leadership ’23)

For Navneet Adhi (B.A. Finance ’17, M.S. Management, Strategy and Leadership ’23), chief financial, strategy and quality control officer at EdOps, the decision to mentor was deeply personal.

“Broad provided me the foundation for my personal and professional success,” Adhi said. “The education I received did not just prepare me for a career, it equipped me with the knowledge, skills, resilience and mindset to tackle any challenge that comes my way. Joining the Wisdom Project as a mentor was a natural move of giving back to the Spartan community.”

Scott Goldman (B.A. Hotel and Restaurant Management’91), director of food and nutrition services at Morrison Healthcare, echoed that sentiment.

“I loved everything about my time at MSU; those were the best years of my life,” Goldman said. “If I can help someone else get the most out of it, that’s an honor.”

Each mentor shared the same conclusion after their experience: today’s Broad students are exceptional.

Schulz mentored three students and was struck by their ambition and drive.

“They were more ambitious than I was at their age,” he said. “One was juggling coursework, lacrosse and a part-time job. Others were double-majoring or adding minors. I was genuinely impressed.”

Adhi similarly met with three students, each bringing distinct goals and perspectives.

“What stood out most was how prepared and engaged they were,” Adhi said. “They came with thoughtful, targeted questions about academics, involvement, internships and career paths. These weren’t surface-level conversations.”

The conversations did not just focus on career trajectory and academics.

Scott Goldman (B.A. Hotel and Restaurant Management ’91)

Goldman described students as a mix of excitement and uncertainty — eager to succeed, but still figuring out how to get there.

“They know they want to do something meaningful, but they’re also scared,” Goldman said. “That’s why this kind of conversation matters. I wish someone had done this for me when I was a student.”

“Two of my mentees wanted to understand how I made life and career decisions, not just what job I chose,” Schulz said. “I was surprised they were already thinking about what their personal lives would look like.”

Adhi noted that students weren’t looking for generic advice.

“They wanted to understand my personal experiences and how I navigated uncertainty,” Adhi said. “That made the conversations especially meaningful.”

One moment stood out in particular.

“A student asked how I handled setbacks early in my journey,” Adhi said. “That shifted the conversation into resilience, decision-making and staying grounded when things don’t go as planned.”

Goldman said students even prompted reflection on his own Broad experience.

“They asked what I would have done differently,” he said. “It made me realize I wish I’d taken more human resources and communication classes. Those skills mattered more than I knew at the time.”

While mentors hoped students left with confidence and perspective, alumni said they gained just as much.

“I walked away genuinely energized by this generation,” Schulz said. “They’re thoughtful, intentional and deliberate about who they surround themselves with. Their heads are screwed on straight.”

“It reminded me how impactful sharing knowledge can be,” Adhi said. “It challenged me to reflect on my own journey and articulate the lessons I’ve learned along the way.”

For Adhi, the experience reinforced the power of even a single conversation.

“It reminded me how impactful sharing knowledge can be,” Adhi said. “It challenged me to reflect on my own journey and articulate the lessons I’ve learned along the way.”

Goldman described leaving each conversation with a sense of fulfillment.

“When I get off these calls, my heart is full,” he said. “This never feels like checking a box, it’s a real conversation.”

For mentors, the Wisdom Project also serves as a meaningful reconnection point with Broad.

Schulz said participating helped him stay current with how the college continues to evolve, strengthening his pride in the institution and confidence in recommending Broad to future students and employers.

Goldman emphasized the responsibility alumni carry as ambassadors.

“A Broad business degree opens doors,” he said. “There’s instant respect, instant connection. We have a duty to help students understand how powerful that really is.”

When asked what they would say to fellow Broad alumni considering becoming mentors, the answers were immediate.

“Just do it,” Schulz said.
“Go for it,” Adhi added.
“Why haven’t you done it yet?” Goldman said.

All three said they would participate again, some hoping to mentor even more students in future cohorts.

The Wisdom Project reflects the college’s commitment to experiential learning and alumni engagement, ensuring that every Broad student has early access to alumni insight and that alumni have a meaningful, manageable way to give back. As part of the standard curriculum for undergraduate students, Broad is always looks for alumni who are interested in giving 30 minutes of their time to current students looking to learn from their experience. If you are interested in getting involved with the Wisdom Project for the upcoming semester, follow the directions below:

Step 1: Sign up for Broad Connect 

• On desktop:

• • Open your browser and navigate to Broad Connect 

• On mobile:

• • Download the PeopleGrove App from the Android or iOS App Store.

• Search for the Broad College of Business in the drop-down menu

• Sign-up options are available through an email or a LinkedIn account. Choose either and follow the prompts to complete sign-up.

Step 2: Join the Wisdom Project

• Log into PeopleGrove/Broad Connect
• Navigate to the “Connect” tab in the top menu
• Select “Programs-Participate in formal mentoring”

• Select “MSU Alumni Wisdom Project”
• Click “Join” in the top right of the Wisdom Project page

The Wisdom Project helps students see how classroom learning translates into career paths. It creates conversations with alumni who can offer shared experiences that resonate with their own. By embedding alumni engagement into the earliest stages of a student’s Broad experience, the college cultivates a culture of reciprocal mentorship, professional growth and Spartan support that lasts beyond graduation.

To learn more about how you can get involved with current students, leverage Broad Connect to enhance your own professional journey, or hear about upcoming alumni events, email Ashley Durham at rittenh6@broad.msu.edu.