Put Your Alumni Network to Work on Your Job Search!
Posted September 30, 2013 & filed under Job Search, References
Are you in close contact with members of your alma mater? You should be! An alumni network can provide you with networking pathways that can lead to new and exciting careers. They won’t give you a free pass to a new job, though. Most of your fellow alumni won’t give you a job simply because you coincidentally wore the same colors while you walked across the stage on graduation day. Like any network, you need to leverage through the interpersonal bonds you’ve created. Only then can you open up doors that would be blocked by your independent job search.
An Easy Icebreaker
One of the beauties of building an alumni network is that you instantly have a major point of common ground. You don’t have to contrive a random ice breaker to shift the conversation into gear from scratch. You have a whole litany of things to discuss – professors, sports teams, campus events, and academic programs – that can keep the conversation flowing as you build up your relationship. It’s also much easier to find your fellow alumni; just attend any number of alumni events throughout the year.
Connections Near & Far
On-campus events or those run by the local chapter of your alumni association are both equally conducive to your job search. When you return back to your old stomping grounds for events like Homecoming or reunions, you will be networking with people from major U.S. cities and exciting international locales. Your time may be more limited but the ripples can extend far beyond a traditional job search, especially if you’re trying to relocate for work.
Through your local alumni association, you may be connecting with people on a more limited scope but you can make stronger, longer lasting bonds as you interact with your fellow alums on a regular basis. Plus, if you’re not looking to relocate for work, you’re more likely to find those opportunities that are close to home.
Don’t Be Demanding
When talking with your fellow alumni, you should never discuss job opportunities with a sense of entitlement. No one owes you an opportunity at a job interview because of your alma mater alone. Prove to your alumni network that you would make a perfect employee.
When speaking with any fellow alum, you want to show off your soft skills – your intelligence, your drive, your charisma, etc. – to engender a sense that you’re a good connection to have in their network. Ask questions that show your interest in your new alumni contact. If that fellow alum is in your industry or works for your dream employer, ask for a few pointers on how to distinguish yourself from the competition. If you treat your network contacts as potential mentors instead of meal tickets, they’ll be more inclined to provide you with directions and maybe even vouch for you in the future.
by James Walsh
