Early alumni connections build the future of business through the Wisdom Project

The Broad College of Business continuously evaluates coursework and college resources to ensure students have the tools they need to become the future of business.

The Wisdom Project marks another step toward bridging academic and experiential learning by bringing alumni mentorship into the first-year student experience.

Now a key component of BUS 100, a required foundational course for all undergraduate Broad students, the Wisdom Project connects students with alumni through a one-time informational interview facilitated via Broad Connect, the college’s exclusive networking and mentoring platform. Broad Connect went through a recent refresh, including an updated user experience and a new mobile app, offering alumni and students more intentional and rewarding interactions.

The Wisdom Project requires each first-year Broad student to conduct a 30-minute informational interview with a Broad alum. This conversation is intentionally designed to offer insight into real business careers and help students see the relevance of their classroom learning in a professional context.

The Russell Palmer Career Management Center plays a central role in administering BUS 100 and facilitating the Wisdom Project. Palmer Center staff serve as course instructors, guiding students through this experience while integrating it into the course’s broader curriculum. The course focuses on career preparation, major exploration, and foundational professional skills.

“The Wisdom Project transforms career exploration from something abstract into something tangible and personal,” said Korin Visocchi, curriculum development and data specialist at the Russell Palmer Career Management Center. “Students aren’t just learning about networking — they’re actually doing it”.

With more than 1,100 first-year students enrolled in BUS 100 this fall, the Wisdom Project has the potential to create an unprecedented wave of alumni-student engagement.

“The early exposure to industry professionals in the Wisdom Project gives students a better sense of direction,” said Marla McGraw, assistant dean for career services at the Russell Palmer Center. “The conversations can add clarity and help students make informed decisions regarding major selection, internships, and engagement with co-curricular and career resources.”

Many students understand that networking is important, but the Wisdom Project makes it actionable. By embedding a structured, supported networking experience into a required course, Broad ensures that all students begin developing their unique professional mindset from day one.

“Long term, these connections and the professional mindset they start building in their first semester at Broad can accelerate their career success after graduation,” McGraw said. “It’s not just about landing the first job; it is also about knowing how to grow and build their networks once they get there.”

With alumni and employer feedback increasingly emphasizing the need for professional readiness, the project positions students to identify alumni in their areas of interest, conduct informational interviews, and reflect on those experiences early on.

For alumni, participating in the project offers a direct connection with students at the critical starting point of their academic journey. It’s also a simple, high-impact way for alumni to give back. The initial conversation can grow into long-term mentorships, internships, or even future professional partnerships. The heart of the Broad Connect platform is relationships that reflect the Broad community’s commitment to support the next generation of business leaders.

“I’m excited to shine a spotlight on the incredible knowledge and generosity within our Broad alumni community,” said Ashley Durham, director of alumni engagement at Broad. “There’s so much wisdom our graduates have to offer. The Wisdom Project gives us a structured and personal way to share that with the next generation.”

Unlike broader platforms like LinkedIn, Broad Connect is purpose-built for the Broad community, creating a space where alumni, students, and faculty already share a meaningful bond. With key initiatives like the Wisdom Project taking place on the platform, it also serves as a direct connection to the pulse of Broad and the current student experience.

The college is seeking more than 1,000 participants this fall to meet the needs of its growing student body. Whether through a one-time conversation or the beginning of a long-term connection, alumni have a unique chance to influence the next generation of business leaders.

“In my role, I often hear from alumni who want to contribute but don’t know where to start,” said Durham. “The Wisdom Project provides a clear way to make a difference — one conversation that can permanently shape a student’s path.”

Becoming a mentor to a first-year student is a quick and meaningful way to give back to MSU. It’s a small-time commitment with the potential to make a lasting difference.

To get started:

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.