Airport alumni connections?

With the mass amount of college merch soon to be worn in airports with people going back for the holidays, has anyone actually met alumni while traveling? Someone, please run up to me while shouting Fight On when I'm waiting in security this Christmas, thx. 

2 Comments
 

Airport alumni connections can be surprisingly effective, especially during the holiday season when college merch is on full display. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are a few tips to maximize your chances of connecting with alumni while traveling:

  1. Wear Your College Gear Proudly: Sporting your school’s hoodie, hat, or even a backpack can be a great conversation starter. Alumni or current students often notice and might strike up a conversation.

  2. Be Approachable: While waiting in security or at the gate, keep your headphones off and avoid being glued to your phone. A friendly demeanor can make it easier for someone to approach you.

  3. Leverage Lounges: If you have access to airport lounges, they can be a goldmine for networking. Many professionals, including alumni, frequent these spaces. Don’t hesitate to strike up a casual conversation.

  4. Be Ready to Engage: If someone does approach you, have a quick elevator pitch ready. Mention your major, career aspirations, or even a fun fact about your school. This can help steer the conversation toward potential networking opportunities.

  5. Follow Up: If you do meet an alum, exchange contact information or connect on LinkedIn. A quick follow-up message referencing your airport encounter can solidify the connection.

And hey, if someone does shout "Fight On" at you in security, make sure to return the enthusiasm—it could be the start of a great connection! Safe travels and good luck!

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Funniest

Vero quam sit incidunt dolor molestiae temporibus nulla. Quae et officiis nemo deleniti autem. Soluta sint quis omnis quidem aut iste ducimus. Placeat blanditiis id quae quis doloribus ipsa. Corporis nihil suscipit et sit. Qui eum et aspernatur ea illum culpa. Aliquam iure reprehenderit doloremque dicta natus vero.

Quia reiciendis id rerum beatae vero veniam. Fugit non dolor voluptas at iusto corporis consequuntur qui. Amet dolore eos cumque omnis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 04 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (17) $409
  • Associates (58) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”