Engaging with the “Newhouse Mafia”: 3 Questions to Ask Alumni 

If you are in the Newhouse School, chances are you have heard the term “Newhouse Mafia,” which refers to Newhouse’s illustrious alumni network.  

From what I have seen, Newhouse alumni vouch for current students in truly amazing ways: not only do they serve as role models for present classes, but they also go the extra mile in areas such as mentorship and job referrals.  

As a student in the Goldring arts, style and culture journalism program, I have had a substantial number of meetings with former graduates of the program. Here is a list of important questions I have learned to ask Newhouse alumni: 

1. How did you customize your Newhouse experience around your desired profession?  

If you are talking with someone who holds a position you aspire to have, focus on understanding how they shaped their college experience to prepare for that position. You might ask them what classes they enrolled in that proved useful to their career-based endeavors, or what organizations or clubs they joined that gave them relevant experience they needed.  

The more specific, the better. I had an alumna, Kayla Boyd, provide me with specific classes she took to increase her knowledge in fashion, which is one of my focuses in the Goldring program. I ended up taking one of the classes she mentioned, and it was one of the most enriching courses on my schedule! 

2. If you could go back to your Newhouse days, what would you do differently? 

This question can be useful to point out things you might want to focus on — or avoid — in your own college trajectory. Do they wish they created closer relationships with professors? Used more on-campus resources? Spent less time worrying about the job search and more time enjoying the moment?  

From asking this question, one of the most valuable responses I have received is that they wished they had said “yes” to everything. They highlighted how special this time in my life is, and how I may never get the same chance to take on as many creative pursuits again.  

3. What do you wish someone told you before going into the industry you’re involved in?  

I have found this question to be very important, especially if I am interested in an alumna’s specific career path. The answer might also offer insight into what you should prioritize while you are at Newhouse. As for follow-up questions, it might be helpful to also ask about what changes they’ve noticed in their industry since starting, and what helped them navigate those changes.  

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Newhouse alumni embody the sentiment of “once in Newhouse, always in Newhouse,” and I could not be more grateful for that. Newhouse alums inspire me, and if they can achieve their dreams, I can too.