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<p>Well, in my experience the conversation starters you describe are pretty useless in the academic world. When interviewing for grad school and faculty positions, your interviewer is unlikely to care about eateries in and around your alma mater - even if their kid goes there. Much more important is how your research stacks up against that of your peers. You’ll come across as a good candidate not simply through charm, but though your ability to demolish theory A and, in its place, loudly and efficiently proclaim your theory B.</p>