The Social Work integrative Research Lab (SWiRL) provides opportunities for undergraduate students to engage meaningfully with research and allows graduate students to develop mentoring skills. We conducted a survey of alumni (N=20) to learn whether: a) alumni endorsed the benefits of participation and b) SWiRL experiences contributed to professional development. We also conducted a social network analysis (N=16) of current participants to explore community dynamics. The data supported our assertions that participation in SWiRL helped establish the value of research and fostered both leadership development and community. Satisfied alumni were diverse and reported acquiring skills beyond research, including career and identity development. Many of the study participants reported using their skills in their current jobs.