Homecoming is a bittersweet occasion – returning to Jacobs brings back vivid memories of three magical years spent here, brooding over projects, social obligations and the state of the floor kitchen, and also celebrating ArtOn, Jacobs Games and everything else. But Homecoming also means giving back to the Jacobs community, in all small and big ways. Jacobs Alumni have hundreds of hopeful students looking up to them for advice, support and a glimpse into the world outside of Jacobs University.
Interactions between alumni and current students can prove to be beneficial in more ways than one, the most essential being networking. After a few one-on-one interviews with several undergraduate students, this is what they had to say about Alumni Homecoming 2019 and the opportunity to meet alumni in general:
Felix Kreissl (Germany) | Class 2021 | BSC Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Felix Kreissl (Germany) | Class of 2021
How do you feel about Homecoming? Who do you think benefits the most with this event?
I think it is a great event! In my opinion both the students and alumni benefit from it. The students get inspiration regarding their possible future and the alumni get to come back to their alma mater, they can reconnect with their former professors and get to know the current students.
When you interact with alumni, what is it that you most look up to them for? Is there something specific you want to hear from them?
I look up to their life experience and their success. I am always happy to get support in any way, such as with CV writing or advice regarding grad school and job applications.
You mentioned that you gave your CV to an alumna, for her to check. Do you think more students should engage in this personal, one-to-one interaction with the alumni?
Definitely! It’s a great opportunity to get first-hand insight into what recruiters look for and to improve the quality of an application. In addition to getting to know them in person, it is a great networking opportunity.
Does the Alumni Homecoming inspire you to come back here someday and contribute something worthwhile to Jacobs University and its students?
It does. I would love to come back one day to share my experiences with the students and to support them with their career but also to see how the university has developed in general.
Olta Shehi (Albania) | Class of 2022 | BSc Computer Science
Computer Science Major Reunion | Homecoming 2019
You're a Computer Science Major – what is something you expect from the CS alumni and do you feel inspired by their stories?
Support is the main thing that I am sure most of the CS students would expect from the alumni. Knowing how difficult this major can get sometimes, I think that we need to remember that there have been other people who have successfully completed this part of their studies. Support may also come in a way that some CS alumni have had their own successful start-ups, they could incorporate students at Jacobs into their companies.
I feel greatly inspired by them knowing that one day I can be that person that will achieve those things and that further motivates me to study!
What are some things you learnt from the alumni?
I learnt two important things: one is mostly a reinforcement of a statement we all use as a motto, that hard-work and patience can really lead to success. Once you really want to get something out of your studies, you can actually do it even starting from scratch. To add to that, having passion for what you do will always remind you to keep looking forward and work harder.
The second thing I learnt is that once you become part of a family like here at Jacobs you will always want to go back and reminisce about beautiful memories.
Does the Alumni Homecoming inspire you to come back here someday and contribute something worthwhile to Jacobs University and its students?
Of course! Contributing back to Jacobs would mean so much and I can't wait for this to happen. Hopefully I will be able to have the same positive impact to Jacobs students as alumni had this year.
Marieatou Daniels (Germany) | Class of 2021 | BSC Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Alumna Gabriela Guevara (Ecuador) | Class of 2014, and Marieatou Daniels (Germany) | Class of 2021
Why do you think the Alumni Homecoming is important?
I think an event like this is very important. It helps you make valuable connections that might prove to be very helpful in the future.
What is something that you took away from the Psychology major reunion you attended?
Amongst the many things about opportunities that I learnt, one of the most important things I will take away is that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. It’s alright to stumble a bit sometimes, even after graduation!
Does the alumni homecoming inspire you to come back here someday and contribute something worthwhile to Jacobs University and its students?
Definitely!
BY USHASHI BASU (INDIA) | CLASS OF 2020
