Coffee chats for Stanford GSB students and alumni

Why the Stanford GSB network is worth using

A small, selective MBA program with strong ties to technology and venture capital. That shared background is a real advantage: people are far more likely to reply to someone from Stanford GSB.

A coffee chat is the natural way to use that connection without asking for anything too big up front.

Where to find Stanford GSB alumni

Start with the warmest sources and work outward:

• Your Stanford GSB alumni directory, filtered by company or industry.
• LinkedIn, filtered by school so you can see fellow Stanford GSB alumni at your target firms.
• Clubs and professional groups tied to Stanford GSB.
• Recent graduates, who tend to remember what recruiting was like and reply quickly.

What to say when you reach out

Lead with the shared connection, then make a small, specific ask:

Hi [First name], I am also at Stanford GSB and focused on [industry or role]. I would value 15 minutes to hear how you navigated recruiting and landed where you are. Would a short call work in the next couple of weeks?

Keep it short and make it easy to say yes.

Stay organized as you scale up

During recruiting you may run dozens of these conversations. Track who you spoke with, what you discussed, and your next follow-up so no relationship goes cold and every thank-you goes out on time.