Broad Connect links students to alumni and opens professional pathways

Responding to real world business needs is a key strategic goal of the Broad College of Business. Faculty and leadership regularly engage with industry councils and employers to ensure students graduate with the skills the marketplace demands. But Broad goes a step further by giving students the tools to explore these needs on their own.

Broad Connect, the college’s exclusive networking and mentoring platform, is a valuable resource for independent career growth. It creates meaningful connections among students, alumni and faculty, helping to build relationships that shape the next generation of Spartan business leaders. Through Broad Connect, students can explore industries and careers, receive resume feedback and strengthen their interview skills. For alumni, Broad Connect offers a direct way to give back while also expanding their own professional networks, strengthening ties to the college and staying connected to emerging talent.

The Broad alumni network spans nearly 80,000 professionals across industries. Broad Connect allows students to tap into that network in ways that are more personal and strategic than a massive public site like LinkedIn. As Ashley Durham, director of alumni engagement, explained, “Everyone on Broad Connect already shares a common bond, Michigan State and the Broad College, so the outreach feels more personal, more relevant, and is more likely to result in a response.”

The college recently worked with the platform’s parent company, PeopleGrove, to refresh the user experience with updated branding and a streamlined mobile app. These changes make it easier than ever for students and alumni to connect. The platform features more than 80 industry tags for personalized recommendations and resources, making it easy to have one-time informational interviews or cultivate long-term mentorships.

The college continues to invest in ways to expand students’ access to diverse business perspectives. Through weaving intentional student-alumni conversations into the undergraduate experience, Broad exposes students to the breadth of cross-functional disciplines while promoting experiential learning. Starting in Fall 2025, these efforts will take shape in BUS 100, the first-year career and major exploration course for all undergraduates at Broad, where Broad Connect will be a core part of the curriculum.

“Beyond BUS 100, we’re actively exploring ways to expand Broad Connect into other facets of the student experience — through upper-level courses, student organizations, and college events,” said Durham. “The ultimate goal is to build a culture where alumni-student connections are a natural part of life at Broad.”

With its expanded role in the student experience and continued growth in alumni participation, Broad Connect is more than just a networking tool. It is laying the foundation for a cultural shift of continuous student-alumni connections in new areas of the academic experience. From the very beginning of their time at Broad, students learn that their journey is not one they take alone. Broad Connect opens doors to professional exploration, shaping academic paths. Through Broad Connect and generous alumni who share their time, students build confidence in their choices, their potential and in the power of an alumni network committed to their success.

“One of the greatest strengths of the Broad College is our alumni network,” said Durham. “Every time an alum shares their story, insight, or encouragement, it creates a ripple that lifts up our students and fellow graduates. Broad Connect is where that generosity of time and talent comes to life — it’s a space for Spartans to support one another and our Broad students. I’m continually inspired by the impact our alumni make, and I’d love for even more of you to join the Broad Connect community.”

Join Broad Connect today to see what resources and connections are available to you.