Watch Alumni Stories in Action

A William & Mary education is built to last — not just for four years, but for a lifetime of meaningful work. Through close mentorship, hands-on learning and a culture that values curiosity and initiative, students graduate ready to navigate their careers with confidence. And they don’t do it alone. A deeply connected alumni community and ongoing career support help W&M graduates adapt, grow and lead in a changing world.

Hear directly from alumni as they share how their experiences at W&M helped them find their path — and thrive in it.

From Liberal Arts to a Consulting Career

Ann Marie Higgins ’06, M.ACC ’07 studied business administration and management as an undergraduate and returned to campus to earn her Master of Accounting. She has over 16 years of experience in the finance industry and is a partner at Ernst & Young (EY), crediting her adaptability and determination to W&M’s liberal arts & sciences education.

Alumni Connections Open Unexpected Doors

Milan Chakraborty ’00 majored in accounting and now works as the head of film at Marginal MediaWorks, producing and executive producing dozens of projects. He credits his success to the support he received from the W&M community. Continuing W&M's tradition of giving back, he is an adjunct lecturer for the Film & Media Studies Program.

Uncovering Centuries of History on Campus

As part of the team uncovering the foundations of the historic Williamsburg Bray School, Heather Little M.A. ’23 and Madeline Dorton ’24 were unearthing the history of the campus where they studied history and archaeology as students. They discuss their journey from the classroom to the dig site as archaeological field technicians on the Gates Hall renovation project.

Unknown Path Leads to an Academy Award

Cord Jefferson ’04 graduated from W&M with a sociology major, but didn’t know where his path would take him. The curiosity and critical thinking he built here traveled with him — through journalism, television writing and eventually to an Emmy win and an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his directorial debut film, “American Fiction.”

Student Research Becomes a Conservation Career

Grace Dho ’23 joined the Institute of Integrative Conservation and participated in their year-long conservation research program while double-majoring in biology and integrative conservation. Her experience on both the science and human sides of conservation sharpened the communication and critical thinking skills she needed to move the work forward in the field.

NFL Head Coach Learns Critical Skills at W&M

The son of a football coach, Sean McDermott ’98 knew he was headed toward a similar path as an all-conference football player and later graduate assistant coach at W&M. The former Buffalo Bills head coach credits William & Mary for sharpening traits critical to his success in coaching, such as professionalism, resiliency, a strong work ethic and a collaborative spirit.