Ask Alumni for Guidance
- Get resume help from alumni
- Speak with alumni that have your dream job
- Engage with alumni that were also first-generation
- Decide if medical school is right for you by talking to alumni
- Get tips on how to find a great internship from alumni
What is Ask A Viking?
Ask A Viking is an easy and effective way for Western students and alumni to connect and share knowledge. Whether you want to ask a question, provide advice, or exchange insights and connections, this tool makes it simple and accessible.
Here’s how it works:
Students and alumni visit askviking.wwu.edu to submit their questions. Once submitted, Ask A Viking searches Western’s extensive network of talented alumni to find the best match for your inquiry. If there’s an alum that is a good fit, you’ll receive an email with their response. Questions are only shared when there is a match, and some alumni may not be available to respond to every question, meaning it could take a few hours or a few weeks before you receive a question to answer. Keep an eye out for messages from askaviking@wwu.edu.
Alumni can ask questions too!
Everyone is encouraged to use Ask A Viking to grow their networks, seek professional advice, explore new interests, and more. With a community of over 120,000 alumni, there’s likely a Viking who can help.
What have others asked?
“I am looking for insights into the Google STEP internship program.”
“What steps should I take for post-internship opportunities in Germany?”
“As a first-gen, low-income student, should I choose a path of security or what I am passionate about?”
“I am applying to the legislative internship program and would love some feedback on my resume before I apply.”
Please note that these are excerpts. For full question format, see the sample questions below.
How can I ask a good question?
Clearly define the question you want answered. Avoid vague or broad inquiries. The more specific your question, the more tailored and useful the response will be.
Provide enough background information to help the respondent understand your situation. This could include details about your goals, current situation, or any challenges you're facing.
While being specific is important, phrasing your question in an open-ended way encourages deeper, more insightful responses. For example, instead of asking, “Should I take this job?” you could ask, “What factors should I consider when deciding whether to take this job?”
Instead of asking for general opinions, request actionable advice or steps. For example, "What are the first steps I should take to transition into a new industry?" is more likely to yield helpful advice than simply asking, "How do I change careers?“
Always say thank you! Remember that alumni and professionals are taking time to help you. A polite tone and expressing appreciation for their input can go a long way in establishing a positive connection.
If the response you receive isn't clear or if you need further clarification, don't hesitate to ask a follow-up question. However, make sure to respect the respondent’s time by being concise.
Sample Questions
Ask A Viking walks you through the question-asking process by prompting you to break your request into a series of sections. Use the examples below to help you craft a question that will get you a great response!
Exploring Potential Career Paths
Short Headline
Exploring Potential Career Paths
Briefly introduce yourself
Hi, I'm a junior majoring in Environmental Science at WWU. I’ve been particularly interested in sustainability practices and how they can be integrated into various industries. I’ve taken courses on environmental policy and conservation, and I'm currently involved in a research project focused on renewable energy solutions.
What do you need help with?
As I consider potential career paths, I’m trying to learn more about how environmental science professionals like you have applied your skills in the real world. Could you share how you navigated your career journey and what opportunities or challenges you encountered when first starting out? I’m also curious about any industry trends or areas of growth you think I should be aware of.
Close nicely
Thank you so much for your time and insights. I really appreciate your help as I explore my career options.
Advice on Internships
Short Headline
Seeking Internship Advice
Briefly introduce yourself
Hello, I'm a sophomore studying Marketing at WWU. I’m passionate about digital marketing and have completed a few projects in social media strategy and content creation for student organizations. I’m also working part-time as a marketing assistant at a local startup where I’ve been gaining experience in branding and customer engagement.
What do you need help with?
I’m currently in the process of searching for summer internships, particularly in digital marketing or brand management. I’d love to know if you had an internship, how you approached searching for one and what strategies helped you stand out to potential employers. What specific skills or experiences did you highlight in your applications, and how did you make the most of your internship experience once you secured it?
Close nicely
I really appreciate your advice. Thanks for helping me take the next steps in my career journey!
Building a Strong Resume
Short Headline
Resume Building Advice
Briefly introduce yourself
Hi, I'm a sophomore majoring in Business Administration at WWU. I have a strong interest in finance and have been actively involved in the university’s Financial Management Club, where I’ve worked on stock analysis and portfolio management. Additionally, I’ve completed a financial analysis course and am currently working on a certification in financial modeling.
What do you need help with?
I’m in the process of refining my resume as I prepare to apply for internships in the finance industry. I’d love your input on how to make my resume stand out, particularly in highlighting relevant coursework and extracurricular activities. How did you structure your resume when you were starting out, and what specific elements do you think are most important to include for someone entering the finance field?
Close nicely
I appreciate your time and help with this. Thank you for supporting my career development!
Preparing for Graduate School
Short Headline
Preparing for Graduate School
Briefly introduce yourself
Hi, I’m a senior majoring in Psychology at WWU. Throughout my studies, I’ve developed a strong interest in clinical psychology, particularly in working with children and adolescents. I’ve completed a research internship at a mental health clinic and am currently working on my senior project, which focuses on the impact of early childhood trauma on adolescent behavior.
What do you need help with?
I’m planning to apply to graduate programs in clinical psychology and would really value your insights on the application process. How did you go about selecting the right program for your career goals, and what factors were most important in your decision-making? I’d also appreciate any tips on how to strengthen my application, particularly regarding personal statements and interview preparation.
Close nicely
Your insights would be incredibly valuable to me. Thank you for your guidance!
Networking in a New Industry
Short Headline
Networking Tips for a New Industry
Briefly introduce yourself
Hello, I'm a junior studying Computer Science at WWU. I’ve been focusing on software development and have completed several coding projects, including a mobile app for campus events. Recently, I’ve become interested in exploring opportunities in the tech industry, especially in areas like data science and artificial intelligence.
What do you need help with?
As I consider transitioning into the tech industry, I’m eager to learn how to effectively build a professional network in this field. Could you share how you started networking when you were breaking into the industry, and what strategies or resources helped you make meaningful connections? I’m also interested in any advice on how to approach informational interviews and LinkedIn outreach.
Close nicely
Thank you for sharing your experiences and advice. It means a lot to me as I work on building my career.