You ask.
They answer.

SIU alumni love helping students and fellow alumni. So what’s one question you have for someone who’s done what’s ahead of you

How It Works

01

You ask.

Need help with an idea or active startup? Wondering about career options?

02

We recruit.

Our technology (powered by Protopia) uses AI to find the best experts to answer you.

03

Get answers.

We “hunt” until you have one or more responses. Delivered right to your email inbox.

04

Say ‘thank you.’

And build your network by continuing to stay in touch (such as via LinkedIn).

Not sure how to ask? We’ve got a 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. 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.

Need inspiration? Here’s what others like you have asked.
"I am Emma Johnson, a junior majoring in marketing and finance at SIU. I am very interested in working in digital marketing, particularly social media. I would love to connect with alumni who can provide advice about how I can best achieve this goal — valuable classes, opportunities outside the classroom, etc. I would also like to know people’s thoughts about whether it is better to start out working for a company or an agency.

Thank you in advance!"
Need inspiration? Here’s what others like you have asked.
"Hi! My name is Darius Babson. I am a sophomore computer engineering major. I have been looking for an internship for a few months, but have not had any luck.

I’m looking for advice on how to land an internship. In particular, what languages is it important to know if I want to work as a software engineer? Beyond learning additional languages, is there anything I can do on my own to stand out? Thank you!
Need inspiration? Here’s what others like you have asked.
"Hi SIU Alum! I’m Aaliyah Tishe. I am a senior closing in on a mathematics education degree. I am very interested in obtaining a secondary math teaching position through Teach for America. My long-term passion is improving academic outcomes in higher education for diverse students. I am hoping to connect with alum who have participated in Teach for America or who can provide advice related to how to position myself for the future.

I'm so thankful that you are willing to take time to help current students. Thank you!"
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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 Saluki is subject to our Terms Of Use. Questions? Contact us at ask@alumni.siu.edu.