Alumni Connections
Wherever you are on your journey, the Forever Duke community of 195,000+ alumni are here to help! Whether you have 5 minutes, 15 or more, here are three easy ways to start connecting.
5 minutes
Fill out a short form with a request for advice or connection using Ask A Blue Devil. You can hear back from AI selected alums by email as soon as the next day!15 minutes
Search Duke's private alumni directory by industry, location, identity, or company, and reach out to specific people for opportunities and discovery. Use the directory combined with LinkedIn to find the best contacts!1 hour
Join small-group alumni-student dinners, coffee chats, and more with Duke alumni through Karsh Conversations. Get on the list to be invited to the next event!Body
Dear Blue Devil: Advice to Current Students
A Blue Devil’s path isn’t always a straight line. In honor of the Duke University Centennial (1924-2024), we've asked 100 alumni to share advice with today’s students. Want more inspiration? Discover all alumni by logging into the directory.
Dear Blue Devil
I’m Sarah Hirshland ’97
I Studied: Biology
My Current Job: Chief Executive Officer at U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee
My Proudest Moment: Being part of the team of people that helps make dreams come true for Team USA athletes.
A Word of Advice:Write your values in ink and your plan in pencil.
Dear Blue Devil
I’m Safa Kaleem '16, M.H.S.'20, M.D.'21
I Studied: Neuroscience BS (Trinity), Masters of Health Science in Clinical Research (CRTP), MD (School of Medicine)
My Current Job: Neurology Chief Resident Physician at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell
My Biggest Fail: I did poorly in organic chemistry freshman year. Everything still turned out okay!
My Duke Memory: Duke Muslim Students Association was by far the highlight of my time at Duke. With great community, fun programming, and a ton of leadership and interfaith experience.
Dear Blue Devil
I'm Temis Coral M.E.M. '18
I Studied: Master of Environmental Management, Business & Environment Concentration
My Current Job: Sustainability & Climate Strategy Practice Lead at John Beath Environmental, LLC. I lead companies to build their decarbonization strategy and roadmaps, including science-based and net-zero targets.
My Biggest Fail: Not believing in me.
A Duke Takeaway: We can use knowledge in service to society!
Dear Blue Devil
I'm Jonathan A. Osei '18
I Studied: B.A. in Public Policy, Minor in Economics, Certificate in Markets and Management Studies
My Current Job: Workforce Development Fellow at Project for Pride in Living and a National Urban Fellow, pursuing a master's in Policy Management at Georgetown University. My roles integrate service, learning, community-centric design, storytelling, action, and JOY.
My First Job: Program Associate at the National Fund for Workforce Solutions
My Word of Advice: Slow down! Create intentional time to relax, reflect, and connect deeply.
Dear Blue Devil
I'm August Mao M.P.P.'16
I Studied: Public Policy - Technology Policy Focus
My Current Job: Head of Campus Operations, Product Management at The White House
My Proudest Moment: I met the perfect woman at Duke and somehow convinced her to marry me.
A Word of Advice: Believe in yourself and try not to suffer from 'imposter syndrome.' There's a reason why you're here!