Coffee Connect: Build your network, gain real insights
Discover where a conversation can take you — connect with the St Andrews community through Coffee Connect.
What Is Coffee Connect?
Coffee Connect is a networking programme from the Careers Centre and Alumni Relations team that connects students and recent graduates with the wider St Andrews community—alumni, parents, and friends of the University—who are keen to share their experience and advice.
While Careers Centre staff provide expert guidance, sometimes the most valuable insights come from those who’ve lived it. Coffee Connect bridges that gap, offering real-world context and inspiration in a supportive, informal setting.
Why take part?
- Hear real-life experiences from our community about various industries and locations.
- Ask the questions you might not feel comfortable asking Careers staff.
- Ease into networking—everyone involved has chosen to take part and wants to help.
- Explore opportunities beyond what you might have imagined.
- Use the Saint Connect platform to develop a long-term networking habit.
You can participate every year you’re a student, and for up to three years after graduation.
“My experience with Coffee Connect was wonderful! I’ve built a meaningful relationship with my mentor and learned so much about myself as a student and opportunities in future career paths. I am looking forward to signing up for Coffee Connect again and forging connections with St Andrews alumni”–
“Partaking in Coffee Connect opened the door for rewarding conversations with highly successful alumni and allowed me to strengthen my network of professional connections. My mentor was excited to talk to me about my goals, offer resources, and give advice on how to advance in my undergraduate career. Overall the experience was very positive and relieved much of the stress from networking along.”
“I’m really glad that I decided to join the programme as my mentor and I had some very insightful discussions about various opportunities and how to get more involved in them. My mentor also guided me in the right direct and helped ease my worries about shaping my future career.”
2024–25 participants
How does it work?
- Sign up via Saint Connect
Go to the Connections & Mentoring tab, complete a short 2-minute application form with six questions. Closing date Sunday 26 October 2025. - We’ll make the match
The Careers Centre and Alumni Relations team match you with someone from the St Andrews community, based on your responses. - Reach out and connect
Once matched, you initiate the conversation. Arrange a 30-minute chat. - Have a meaningful conversation
You can ask questions such as:
- life after university
- what to do with your degree
- what’s it like living and working in their city
- what are the industry expectations
- how to make the most of your time at university.
How to make the most of Coffee Connect
- Take the lead
As the mentee, you gain the most—so take the initiative to reach out first. Be timely, respectful, and enthusiastic in your message.
- Do your research
Check your match’s Saint Connect or LinkedIn profile before the chat. Know who you’re speaking to and tailor your questions accordingly.
- Prepare your questions
Think in advance about what you want to learn. A good starting point is using the Informational Interview approach. Try these resources:
- Informational Interview – UC Berkely
- Informational Interview Questions (with hints and tips) – Indeed
- Be open to the unexpected
Your match might not be exactly who you imagined—but that’s okay. Learning from someone outside your field of interest can be surprisingly insightful and help develop adaptability and resilience.
- Don’t stop at one connection
Even if your Coffee Connect match isn’t perfect, you can continue networking using the Saint Connect directory. Use filters to find alumni who align with your interests and reach out on your own terms.
What you give is what you get
The more effort and curiosity you bring to your Coffee Connect experience, the more valuable it will be. Whether you’re seeking advice, mentorship, or simply inspiration, this programme can help you explore new directions and make lasting connections.
And when the time comes, you can return as a mentor and help guide future students—just as others did for you.
Need help or have questions?
Reach out to the team at: [email protected]
Or log in to Saint Connect to explore, register, or reconnect.