5 STRATEGIES FOR LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

The INROADS National Conference brought together an inspiring panel of accomplished alumni to offer candid advice on transitioning from student to professional life. Each panelist once sat where today’s interns are now—navigating early career uncertainty, seizing opportunities, and learning to thrive in competitive environments. Together, they shared powerful strategies for making the most of the INROADS experience and building momentum in life after graduation.

INROADS ALUMNI PANELISTS

XAVIER SCOTT

Business Analyst at Axon

Ammar Iftikhar

Manager on the Culture and People Strategy team at Peachtree Restaurant Partners

Lenford Rowe

Strategic Marketer and Brand Builder

Michael Daniels

Director of Strategy and Growth at Carelon, a subsidiary of Elevance Health

Darien Wright

Chief Financial and Operating Officer at the National Geographic Society

Krystal Johnson

Entertainment Executive, JD/MBA

INROADS offers more than internships—it teaches the etiquette, norms, and “unspoken code” of corporate America. Panelists credited the program for preparing them to navigate office dynamics, communicate professionally, and self-advocate with confidence.

These skills often make the difference between fitting in and standing out.

Internship seasons provide unique access—doors open to senior leaders, special projects, and mentorship that may be harder to come by once you’re a full-time hire. Alumni urged attendees to:

Book coffee chats before returning to school.
Use your company email to connect while you’re “inside.”
Attend professional events as a student to benefit from goodwill and mentorship opportunities.

Internship seasons provide unique access—doors open to senior leaders, special projects, and mentorship that may be harder to come by once you’re a full-time hire. Alumni urged attendees to:

Book coffee chats before returning to school.
Use your company email to connect while you’re “inside.”
Attend professional events as a student to benefit from goodwill and mentorship opportunities.

Lenny Rowe drew a sharp distinction:

Mentors – Accessible, unbiased advisors to help you think through ideas.
Sponsors – Senior leaders who can advocate for you when you’re not in the room.
Both are essential. Identify who can guide you day-to-day and who can influence major decisions about your future.

Sponsors are more likely to invest in you when you bring them results. Share tangible wins—projects completed, problems solved, measurable impact—and keep them updated even after your internship ends. Clarity about your goals allows them to recommend you when opportunities arise.

Sponsors are more likely to invest in you when you bring them results. Share tangible wins—projects completed, problems solved, measurable impact—and keep them updated even after your internship ends. Clarity about your goals allows them to recommend you when opportunities arise.

Career transitions—whether moving locations or switching industries—are easier when you show how your past roles add value to your next step. Field experience, cross-functional exposure, and diverse skill sets can become your competitive edge.

LIFE AFTER INROADS IS FULL OF POSSIBILITY.

Those who advance the fastest are deliberate: they network with intention, remain visible to decision-makers, and continue to sharpen the skills INROADS instilled. As Crystal Johnson advised,

“Take advantage of that willingness to help you now—and keep the conversation going.”

5 Strategies for Life After Graduation