Roadrunner Alumni
Looking Back, Moving Forward
A Young Alumni
Survival Guide
By Ariana Rivera ’18 | Fall 2025
Ramapo alumni offer advice and tips for recent graduates.
Strengthen your Networking and Communication Skills
“Create a LinkedIn profile to build your network and connect with others.”
– Elaine Santiago ’01
“Developing effective management and people skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, leadership, critical thinking, conflict resolution, empathy and active listening are critical to becoming a good manager.”
– Warren Shafer ’76
“Things rarely go as planned in your career. Being able to adjust, learn quickly and stay positive when circumstances shift will make you stand out.”
– Drew Grieco ’98, ’19
“Stay connected with your friends, and keep up your passions. Who knows? Even your passion projects could lead to a business opportunity, career change or more.”
– Karlito Almeda ’17
“Pay attention to the movement of senior leaders within the company and the skills they demonstrate. You can learn from them and emulate what works for you.”
– Warren Shafer ’76
“Network with classmates and professors—you never know where your job will come from, and your network will be an important part of seeking and furthering employment.”
– Elaine Santiago ’01
“Committing to continually develop and nurture a network of contacts will pay dividends in the future, often in ways you’d never predict.”
– Warren Shafer ’76
“Your network is as valuable as your résumé. Take time to build genuine connections, and look for ways to give as much as you receive.”
– Drew Grieco ’98, ’19
Elaine Santiago ’01
Business Administration
Warren Shafer ’76
Biology
Drew Grieco ’98, ’19
Business Administration and MBA
Karlito Almeda ’17
History
Build Healthy Habits
“Don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities outside your major.”
– Anthony Miragliotta ’21
“Always ask questions. Persistent curiosity will help you in the long run.”
– Karlito Almeda ’17
“It is completely OK to fail in a post undergraduate world. Your 20s are the time where you learn the most about yourself.”
– Anthony Miragliotta ’21
“Practice healthy selfishness. You can’t give your best without self-care.”
– Allison Contreras-Ortiz ’24
“Be willing to push boundaries and take risks for those issues you feel strongly about. Be bold!”
– Warren Shafer ’76
Anthony Miragliotta ’21
Political Science
Allison Contreras-Ortiz ’24
Psychology and Spanish Language Studies
Esme Espinosa ’24
Psychology
Anjali Patel ’22
Law and Society
Stay Connected to Ramapo
“The summer you graduate, really try to enjoy it and plan as many hangouts as you can with your college friends. After graduation, everyone’s life path slowly starts to kick in, and people get busier and busier.”
– Esme Espinosa ’24
“If the opportunity arises that you are invited to speak on an alumni panel, take the opportunity. Current students love to hear the perspectives of alumni.”
– Anthony Miragliotta ’21
“Give back! You were once one of the students stepping through the Arch with many questions and not as much direction in finding the right answers. Consider participating in alumni panels, mentorship programs and other events. Be someone that incoming and current students can reach out to and learn from.”
– Anjali Patel ’22
“Plan a trip with friends after graduation to mark the milestone.”
– Esme Espinosa ’24
“Alumni get free lifetime parking permits to visit campus!”
– Anjali Patel ’22