Using CWRU Connect platform, alumni mentors open doors for the next generation

As the Case Western Reserve University community continues to grow and evolve, so too does the spirit of mentorship among its alumni. Through CWRU Connect (previously Alumni Career Network)—a secure online platform with more than 10,000 users—alumni are stepping up to guide, support and inspire current students and recent graduates as they navigate academic and professional transitions.

For many alumni, the decision to mentor is rooted in their own experiences at CWRU.

“Coming from an international background, I initially found it overwhelming to adjust to a new country with limited support and guidance,” shared Samyuktha Jaikrishnan (MGT ’24, accounting). “This experience made me realize the significant impact that even a small amount of help from mentors or individuals with similar experiences can have.”

Jaikrishnan’s story is echoed by others who see mentoring as an opportunity to give back and strengthen ties to the university. And then often find that mentoring relationships can blossom into impactful connections.

“During a recent conversation with my mentee, we discovered that we could both relate to the challenges faced during the initial days of arriving in a new country and environment,” Jaikrishnan recalled. “Sharing our experiences of adapting to academic life and living far from family helped us form a strong bond and meaningful connection.”

For Estee Cramer (CWR ’18; GRS ‘19, public health), the inspiration to mentor came from gratitude for the guidance she received as a student.

“I hoped that by becoming a mentor, I would be able to provide the same guidance to another student,” she said. Cramer found herself inspired by her mentee’s drive, adding, “I feel excited about this newest class of CWRU students and I trust they will go on to do great things!”

Jared Schnall (CIT ’78, MGT ‘81) believes the benefits of mentoring flow both ways.

“Anytime I see a student succeed, whether academically or professionally, I am satisfied that I may have played a small part in helping them reach closer to their full potential,” Schnall said. “Mentoring also helps me keep my finger on the pulse of a younger generation.”

Ben Rose (CWR ‘07; GRS ’08, engineering and management) appreciates the unique value of CWRU Connect as a “less intimidating space for students to approach alumni” compared to other platforms.

“On LinkedIn, people are striving to portray themselves as powerful and successful players of industry, but in CWRU Connect, we're all just people who went to the same school,” Rose said. He encourages alumni to “just raise your hand and volunteer,” reminding them that “everyone has something valuable to contribute.”

Spartans Connect, a mentoring program pairing alumni with first year students for a semester experience, coordinated by the Center for Career Success, is another example of how alumni can mentor.

As a new year begins, consider making mentorship part of your resolutions. Whether you’re eager to share your journey, learn from others, or simply reconnect with the CWRU community, CWRU Connect offers a rewarding way to make a difference—in your career and the lives of others. To get started, visit cwruconnect.case.edu.