Welcome to the City Events Will Connect Recent Grads

Moving to a new city right after graduation is one part thrilling, one part terrifying. It can mean chasing big dreams, starting a first job and finding new rhythms – all while figuring out how to create connections. Landon Smith ‘24 ’25 knows this well. He moved to Boston this June after graduating with his master’s in analytics.

“It’s been a big change. No one from my program or in my circle moved to Boston, so there is a bit of starting over,” said Smith, who works as a data scientist for N1 Health, a health-tech startup. 

With this in mind, the NC State Alumni Engagement team launched the Welcome to the City series. From Seattle to South Florida, Austin to Atlanta and countless cities in between, the first event kicks off this July.

“I’ve found ways to connect with others and meet folks who have shared interests and affinities, whether it be church, a run club or professional spaces,” said Smith, who’s now looking forward to connecting with other NC State grads. “Having a way to connect with fellow Wolfpack alumni, even being so far away from Raleigh, allows me to retain that identity and network with others who have that shared experience,” he said.

Never Alone

Welcome to the City is designed for new grads and longtime residents to meet, make connections and explore the city together. It’s an opportunity for alumni to grow their network and make new friends who share the same Wolfpack pride. Events are hosted at favorite local spots.

“Getting connected to the alumni network early opens doors to friendships, professional opportunities and a sense of belonging that lasts well beyond graduation. No matter where life takes you, being part of the Pack means you’re never alone,” said Harrison McLamb ’23, Regional Engagement Manager with Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving.

Getting connected to the alumni network early opens doors to friendships, professional opportunities and a sense of belonging that lasts well beyond graduation.

Jada Langston ’99 will be hosting the Welcome to the City event in Baltimore and said she wishes she had a similar opportunity after her graduation. “It was my Wolfpack family that was there for me after college, and we are just as connected as our first day on campus. I want to support others in keeping those connections strong in such a transitional time of their lives.”

Langston feels so much of a connection to the Pack that she has been involved with the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia Wolfpack Regional Network since 2007 and started serving as a Pack Leader this year.

“While you may move for a new job it is always important to stay connected to people who are experiencing life after college, too, and especially from the same college. It’s like family, and it is always nice to have family around as you move into a new stage in your life,” she said.

Keeping the Pack Connected

Beyond the Welcome to the City events, NC State Alumni has developed a Think and Do Checklist for recent grads to stay connected. The checklist ranges from Joining the Young Alumni Facebook Group to Finding Career Support.

“I am very excited to meet other NC State alumni and learn about their experiences in Boston, especially how they adjusted to this environment after moving from Raleigh,” said Smith. “Whether I meet young or old, I’m eager to share stories of my time at State and learn how others have grown their careers and personal lives in Boston.”