Why the Spartan Network Matters: Reflections from an Alumni Networking Event

Abin Payyappilly, MBA ’26

As a Broad MBA student, I recently had the opportunity to attend “Networking Simplified: Networking with Alumni,” hosted by the Russell Palmer Career Management Center. I’m grateful to the Palmer Center team for organizing such a meaningful event, and to Mike Maglio, Josh Gladney, and Jason McLean for leading thoughtful presentations that made the experience both engaging and impactful.

This event was full of incredible people. Connecting with MBA alumni who were once in our position and are now industry leaders was both motivating and grounding. It reinforced the idea that career growth is rarely linear and that the strength of the Spartan network lies in shared experiences and mutual support.

One of my biggest takeaways was a shift in perspective on networking. It can be easy to view networking as transactional, especially during recruiting season. But the alumni emphasized something deeper: meaningful networking is about building authentic, sustainable relationships over time. It requires curiosity, consistency, and a genuine interest in others. Most importantly, networking is a skill; one that can be practiced and developed. Whether you identify as an introvert or an extrovert, successful networking is possible when you approach it with intention and preparation.

The mock networking sessions were especially impactful. Receiving direct and candid feedback pushed me to refine how I tell my story and engage with greater intentionality. It wasn’t just practice; it was growth in real time. Beyond connecting with alumni, I also had the chance to meet first-year MBA candidates and students from other master’s programs, further expanding my perspective and network within the broader MSU community.

Alumni showed up in droves to support current students. That level of commitment speaks volumes about the strength of this community. I left feeling more confident, more reflective, and more intentional about how I approach relationship-building moving forward. Experiences like this reinforce why I chose Michigan State University and why the Spartan network remains one of its greatest strengths.