The following Q&A is part of the “Diplomats Hire Diplomats” series, which features stories of Franklin & Marshall alumni connecting, opening doors and paying it forward across the F&M network.

Teagan Durkin ’26 believes the key to networking is simple: Be bold and talk to people. That philosophy helped her utilize the Franklin & Marshall College alumni network and land her first job after graduation.

Durkin took to LinkedIn to share her job search experience, which caught the eye of F&M alumnus Brandon Wind ’93, assistant corporate counsel at Olympus Corporation of the Americas. They began a conversation that led Durkin to Olympus, where she began working in August as a commercial paralegal. Their story is a reminder of one of the most powerful parts of the F&M experience: Diplomats helping Diplomats—and then paying it forward.

“To Brandon, and everyone else who took time to respond to my connection outreach, thank you!” said Durkin, a transfer student who completed a joint major in anthropology, French, and English (creative writing) at F&M. “I was terrified that the job search would feel isolating, but making real connections along the way both encouraged me to keep going, and inspired me to one day support future Diplomats in their professional pursuits.”

Teagan Durkin ’26, seen here discussing a project at F&M's Research Fair, began a conversation with Brandon Wind ’93 that led her to the Olympus Corporation of the Americas. (Photo by Deb Grove)

How would you describe your responsibilities and the team you work with?

Currently, I’m still in the onboarding process as I work in the legal sector of a highly regulated industry. I’m learning the different contract terms and parameters for Olympus, as well as all their products. I communicate with Olympus sales representatives across the country to negotiate medical device contracts with various hospitals, and also provide legal support to Olympus in-house initiatives. The legal team has been very welcoming and supportive of me. As this is my first post-graduate position, everyone has also shared advice about navigating the corporate world.

How did you start making connections with F&M alumni?

During my sophomore year at F&M, one of my friends joked that I’m always networking because she noticed that I was chatting with everyone else in line at Blue Line café (now Diplomatic Cafe) on campus. For me, networking is less about making a beneficial connection, and more about just connecting with people who have a wealth of interesting experience in fields that I’ve never even considered. LinkedIn has been a great resource for connecting with F&M alumni, and has led to many wonderful conversations with thoughtful advice.

Brandon Wind ’93 first introduced me to Olympus and this opportunity. Numerous other alumni have taken the time to offer me advice, coach me on interview techniques, and just chat about navigating life in general. To everyone who answered my LinkedIn outreach, thank you! I’ve also enjoyed staying connected with students who are recent graduates. As we all navigate post-grad life, graduate studies, or the job market, it’s nice to know that the folks around me are figuring out similar challenges.

How did Brandon Wind ’93 help you find your new role?

On my LinkedIn, I posted that I was interested in a corporate paralegal position. Brandon saw this and messaged me about connecting. We met virtually and chatted for nearly two hours about Olympus, F&M, and a paralegal position on the commercial team. As I went through the traditional interview process, it was helpful to have already connected with Brandon, discussed the role, and how my work would support the legal department.

To Brandon, and everyone else who took time out of their day to respond to my connection outreach, thank you! I was terrified that the job search would feel isolating, but making real connections along the way both encouraged me to keep going, and inspired me to want to one day support future Diplomats in their professional pursuits.

What advice do you have for students or alumni who are looking to make connections or who are considering becoming a resource for current students or recent graduates?

Be bold and just talk to people. Whether this is in person at a coffee shop, or through LinkedIn, you never know where a single conversation will lead.