alma-matter

Your alma mater matters.

Alumni networks have the people. They have the tools (WhatsApp, LinkedIn, FB). What's missing is the cultural protocol — that an ask from someone in the network gets a genuine reply, not a ghost.

We're testing whether a public, receiver-side commitment can fix that. Starting with IIM Calcutta. Job-search referrals first.

Help us shape it

A 3-minute questionnaire

We're asking 8-10 IIM-C alums in Bangalore what they actually do today, and whether a public Pledge between alums would change anything. The Pledge itself is at the end of the form — and editable. Your honest answers and edits shape what gets built and shipped before the May 30 meetup.

Anonymous unless you opt in at the end. Takes ~3 min. No skipping — every question shapes the design.

Section A

Behavior

What actually happens today.

I receive professional asks (referral, advice, intro) from IIM-C alums I don't personally know.

When I receive such an ask, I respond with at least an acknowledgment.

When I receive such an ask, I take meaningful action (refer, intro, advise).

I have ignored an alum ask and later regretted it.

I have ignored an alum ask without regret.

Section B

Attitude

Your honest read on the culture.

IIM-C alum culture supports reflexive professional help between alums.

I feel a social obligation to respond to asks from IIM-C alums.

The main reason I don't respond is lack of time.

The main reason I don't respond is that the ask is unclear or unreasonable.

The main reason I don't respond is that I can't actually help with what's asked.

Section C

The Pledge

The Pledge text appears at the end of this form (editable). For each question below: Yes, No, or pick Advice to suggest a better version.

I would sign the Pledge privately.

I would sign the Pledge publicly, with my name on a visible list.

A public Pledge list would meaningfully reduce hesitation for juniors reaching out.

If asks were structured or templated, I would respond more often.

Section D

General wording feedback

Anything else about how this Pledge or its questions are worded? Optional.

Section E

The Pledge — edit as you like

Pre-filled with our current draft. Edit it. Cut, rewrite, tighten — whatever makes it feel like a Pledge you'd actually sign.

Section F

Founding pledged receivers

We're recruiting a small group of IIM-C alums to publicly take the Pledge for the May 30 Bangalore meetup pilot. Optional.

14 question(s) left to answer.