Ask only after the alum has enough context to understand your background and why you are applying.

A natural approach is to tell them you are preparing to submit and ask whether they recommend any next step. If they are comfortable referring you, that often creates an easy opening.

If you need to ask directly, keep it low pressure: say you have appreciated their advice and ask whether they would feel comfortable referring you for the specific role and office.

Do not treat the school's alumni connection as an entitlement to a referral. The relationship still matters. Make the logistics easy by sending the final resume and exact job information only after they agree. For more detail, see the consulting networking guide and the consulting coffee chat guide.

I asked whether they had any advice before I submitted and they offered the referral themselves.