No, I am not writing about a Canadian television channel for women in today’s post. In this case, the term W Network refers to the directory of Wellesley College graduates (alumnae or alums) who share information on their education, career, professional and personal interests as well as country or state of residence to help fellow Wellesley women advance their career. The W Network, a project of Wellesley’s very active Alumnae Association, is readily available online to past and current students. It is regularly updated to provide the most accurate information on the active members of the network.
I often write or tell people about how blessed and grateful I am that Wellesley women are so dedicated to this institution and its mission that they want to be a part of it well after they graduated and obtained their (hard-earned!) diploma. I have personally witnessed Wellesley alums’ generosity and I can assure you that they are THE best in the world! Wellesley alums are available, give great advice and are willing to be mentors and advisers. As a big proponent of the W Network, I have used it numerous times to reach out to young and not-so-young alums. As a result, I have received advice on how to prepare a strong application to graduate programs, I discussed my career goals and asked for help with my internship search last summer, I was able to create a more compelling resume after two young alums sent me theirs, and I obtained the contact information of eminent figures in public health and international development – the fields I am most interested in career-wise. In return, I offer assistance whenever I can to alums who wish to stay connected to Wellesley’s campus community.
For me, the W Network was a determining factor when I evaluated all my options after I received acceptance letters from the colleges I applied to. I encourage you to find out about career services and the status (very active, somewhat active, inactive?) of the alumnae network at the different schools you are applying to.
Today’s Pictures:
1. Screenshots of the WAAD Newsletter and W Network homepage. Victoria Alabi (WC ’09), an alum I met at the Alumnae Leadership Council reception and dinner a few weeks ago, recently contacted me and asked if I wanted to be featured in the Wellesley Alumnae of African Descent (WAAD) group’s newsletter, WAAD Griot. Of course, I accepted.
Victoria serves as WAAD’s Vice President of Communications and she works for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At Wellesley, she majored in Sociology.
Screenshot of the W Network Homepage
Screenshot of the 1st WAAD Griot newsletter designed by Victoria Alabi (WC ’09) featuring yours truly 🙂