Guest blogger Lauren Richardson ’17 writes:

While SAA was visiting Washington D.C. last weekend for the CASE ASAP National Convention, we were lucky enough to meet up with area alumni for dinner at Clyde’s, a buzzing pub located in Chinatown. Our alumni group, including Klyde Siegfriedt ’80, David Garriepy ’04, Philip Bakerman ’07, and Susan McCarthy ’05 were kind enough to share their Friday evening with us, but also their suggestions for making the most of our UMass connection both now and when we graduate.

Time flew by at our table, as we discussed our UMass experiences, our favorite Amherst restaurants, “Deflategate,” and our plans for the future. Our alumni shared their career paths from graduation to present, and they advised us how to tackle the real world after UMass. They encouraged us to frequently ask questions of ourselves and others to ensure that we are on the right track to achieving our goals. As we plan our future classes, internships, and ultimately the career we will each seek after graduation, this advice will remain helpful and relevant.

Leading by example, they suggested taking advantage of the UMass Alumni Networks. These Networks span the entire country, providing opportunities for professional development, as well as provide an avenue for athletic, social, volunteer, and family engagement. The D.C. chapter even plays intramural sports on the National Mall lawn together! It was comforting to know that no matter where we move in the country, the nearby Alumni chapter can help us get settled in a new city and make connections both personally and professionally.

I found our dinner to be a very rewarding experience.  The alumni were amazing people (even though David was a Buffalo Bills fan and I am a staunch Patriots supporter). We bonded over our love for UMass and made plans to meet up at the Homecoming football game this fall. I’m grateful for this opportunity because the connections we formed at dinner were personal, not just professional. The alumni made achieving success in the real world seem a little less daunting, and a lot more possible. Go UMass!