You Ask.
They Answer.
Duke alumni love helping students and fellow alumni. So what’s one question you have for someone who’s done what’s ahead of you?
More than 200,000 Blue Devils are ready to welcome you into our global community, helping you navigate career paths, build meaningful connections, and open doors around the world.
All you have to do is ask, and we’ll introduce you to the best Blue Devils for you.
If you have questions or need assistance with visa or sponsorship-related questions, please contact abc@duke.edu.
Blue Devils work at amazing places
Found a role that you are really interested in, and looking for insights into what it's like to work there? Just ask.
You Ask.
Need inspiration?
Here's what other Blue Devils like you have asked.
“I’m an international student from Pakistan and a rising sophomore at Duke, majoring in Economics with a concentration in Finance. Outside of academics, I’m involved in a professional business fraternity and help lead financial literacy efforts through a student organization. I’m currently exploring careers in finance—particularly investment banking—and would love to better understand what day-to-day work looks like in the field.
As I prepare for recruitment and build the skills needed for future internships, I’d really appreciate any advice on standing out during the process. Insights on technical prep, networking strategies, resume tips, or resources that helped you personally would be incredibly helpful. I’d also love to hear about your own journey into the industry and what you wish you had known earlier. Thank you!”
“I’m an incoming international student in Duke’s Master of Quantitative Management (MQM) program, specializing in Marketing. Originally from outside the U.S., I’m excited to begin this new academic and professional journey. As I prepare to start the program, I’m looking ahead to the internship and job search process and would appreciate any advice from those who’ve navigated similar paths.
In particular, I’m interested in learning how others successfully positioned themselves in the U.S. job market, especially when requiring OPT. What strategies helped you stand out? How did you approach discussions around work authorization, and what tips do you have for presenting an international background and global perspective as strengths to potential employers? Thank you so much for your time and willingness to share your experience. I appreciate any insights or tips you can offer!”
“I’m an international student on an F-1 visa, currently a junior majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science. I’m trying to decide between applying to graduate school or starting a full-time job after graduation. I really enjoy research and could see myself pursuing an academic path, but I’m also interested in gaining industry experience and working on real-world systems.
As I weigh these options, I’m also thinking about the practical side—particularly OPT, H-1B sponsorship, and how visa concerns might affect my decision. If you’ve faced a similar choice, especially as an international student, I’d love to hear what helped you decide and what you might do differently. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!”
It’s easy as 1, 2, 3
How does this work??
You Ask A Question
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're looking for (5 minutes).
We Recruit Experts
We find and share your question with the best alumni in our entire community.
You Get Answers
Responses get delivered right into your email inbox (2-3 days).
Click here to get started or watch our short video that will turn you into a networking rock star.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT CAN I ASK?
Literally anything to help with your academic or professional development. There are thousands of alumni, faculty, staff and friends that can help with class projects, building and growing a startup, or figuring out career options.
WHAT'S A GOOD QUESTION?
Think of your question as an advertisement. Share who you are, what you are doing, and what you need help with. Focus on keywords that will get you the right connections. Keep it short and sweet. Here’s a short video on how to craft a great question that will get you results and help build your network.
WHO WILL SEE MY QUESTION?
We send your request to the best alumni, faculty, and staff in your area of interest.
CAN I REQUEST SOMEONE SPECIFIC?
No. We make our matches based on availability, proximity, experience, and skills.
CAN I ASK A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION?
Yes, of course! Once we make a match you’ll have direct, one-to-one communication and can ask additional questions.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET AN ANSWER?
Our goal is to get you answers within 3 business days. But it depends on what you’re asking. It can go as quickly as an hour to as long as 10 days or more.
WILL MY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS BE CONFIDENTIAL?
Your question will not be made public. It will be seen only by matched experts and a handful of administrators.
IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW OFTEN I CAN ASK?
No. You can ask as many questions as you would like. In fact, we encourage it as this is the simplest way for you to build your professional network.
Go ahead and ask
It has never been simpler to get help from others that have done what’s ahead of you.
Seriously.
The use of Ask A Blue Devil is subject to our Terms Of Use. Questions? Contact us at help@daa.duke.edu
