FIRST Alumni are Part of the FIRST Community for Life

By Michelle Long, Director, Alumni Relations, FIRST^® 

As a FIRST^® alum, your FIRST story doesn’t end after high school; it evolves. You belong to a global network of innovators and changemakers who are using their FIRST-learned skills to build a better world. What’s more? FIRST is still here for you as an alum! We want to stay connected and continue to support you on your career journey.  

As an alum, you’re living proof that by starting with FIRST, you can get anywhere. We are proud to see FIRST alumni continue to uphold the FIRST ethos of Gracious Professionalism^® and Coopertition^® as you progress through your life, your career, and other exciting endeavors. To deepen your connection to FIRST as an alum, we’ll be highlighting insights and opportunities crafted with you in mind. 

This blog offers a preview of content you’ll find in the FIRST newsletter, the FIRST Community Blog (be sure to subscribe!), and on social media where we recognize and support our alumni community with career tips, inspiring stories, and ways to stay involved with FIRST for life. 

Career Tip from FIRST Supporter: 

Tudor Piroteala, Lead Engineer, R&D, Automotive – Novelis, Inc. 

“A mindset that’s been critical to my career growth is to ‘fail fast.’ Embracing rapid prototyping, testing, and refinement allows you to learn and grow faster—especially from what doesn’t work.” 

Building the Future with Novelis and FIRST

Curious how to turn your FIRST experience into real-world impact? See how the Novelis and FIRST partnership is fostering the next generation of problem solvers and get inspired to grow your own skills. 

#PeopleofSTEAM: Meet Luiza 

From FIRST participant to STEM advocate, FIRST alum Luiza shows what’s possible when curiosity meets community. Discover how she’s using her FIRST experience to open doors for others. 

Stay Connected with FIRST! 

Your FIRST journey is lifelong! Stay connected with FIRST and a growing network of inspiring alumni like you:

• • Join the FIRST Alumni Network on LinkedIn to network with fellow alumni and stay updated on opportunities, career tips, and much more. 

• • Subscribe to the FIRST newsletter for more alumni stories, resources, and ways to stay involved. 

• • Follow the official FIRST channels on social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook) to join the conversation and connect with our global community. 
  • We love it when FIRST alumni pay it forward! Explore volunteer opportunities or mentor a FIRST team in your region.  

Let’s keep building the future together! For more information about opportunities and resources for FIRST alumni, send us an email at alumni@firstinspires.org.