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With more than 185,000 Duke alumni, including 15,000 Pratt graduates, Ask A Blue Devil – Pratt will connect you with the best experts who can help you with advice and introductions.

You ask, they answer.

ASK A QUESTION
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You ask.
They answer.

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

ASK A QUESTION NOW

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 search 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.

“I want to say thank you. Ask a Blue Devil has been such an amazing system for me. Both times I have used it I have been contacted by multiple generous alumni. Most recently, it has helped me find a remote internship for the summer. I definitely intend to use Ask a Blue Devil again and would highly recommend it to others.”
Peter L. ’21
“Ask a Blue Devil facilitates connections between community members needing assistance and alumni that can provide it. When I needed mentorship, support and encouragement for an unfamiliar project, I turned to the platform. I received boundless, genuine guidance from accomplished alumni. This very powerful tool should be utilized by those seeking knowledge or new understanding.”
Mark B. ’93
“Thank you so much for this resource! It is wonderful to be in touch with alumni who have explored so many career paths. The future can be intimidating, and it is incredibly comforting to be in contact with alumni who are willing to help us learn from their experiences and make the best decisions for ourselves.”
Grace S. '20
“I have always found that the Duke community generously shares their time and expertise. Ask a Blue Devil is fueled on the generosity that Dukies intrinsically have and fosters new relationships with alumni that are outside of one’s own circle. With one question, I was able to connect with four alumni that I otherwise would not have known.”
Cece M. ’15
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Need inspiration? Here’s what others like you have asked.
“Hello, I’m Stacy, a first-year student at Duke intending to major in biomedical engineering.

I would like to know about the process for finding a job with a BME degree at a biotech or a pharmaceutical company.

Thank you for your time and advice.”
Need inspiration? Here’s what others like you have asked.
“I’m Hasan, an ECE major with strong experience in coding languages including Java, Python, C+, MATLAB, and Arduino. I’m interested in a software engineering career, and am looking for a summer internship to gain work experience in the field.

I’d appreciate guidance or leads from other ECE alumni in the field.

I really appreciate your help!”
Need inspiration? Here’s what others like you have asked.
“Warm regards! My name is Binita. I work in biomedical product management, and I am considering making a transition into the tech-transfer licensing realm.

I would like to connect with professionals who have had experience in tech transfer to understand the opportunities with such careers. Would you be available for a short informational interview?

Thank you.”
Need inspiration? Here’s what others like you have asked.
“My name is Toni and I am a Pratt grad with a civil engineering degree. I am seeking a career in the development sector and looking for advice/mentorship in advancing my professional career, in Southeast Asia if possible.

Are there alumni who have experience in UN-affiliated organizations/development banks/NGOs who are willing to have a chat or be a mentor?

Thank you in advance for your help.”
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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 A QUESTION?

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.

Go ahead and ask

It has never been simpler to get help from others that have done what’s ahead of you.

Seriously.

ASK A QUESTION

The use of Ask A Blue Devil is subject to our Terms Of Use. Questions? Contact us at help@daa.duke.edu