Networking is an underutilized but very useful tool for obtaining information in an efficient manner. More specifically, networking with other professionals may be the fastest way to find employment. Here are three creative ways to tap into your alumni network:
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- Utilize social media. Facebook and LinkedIn are excellent methods of keeping in touch with alumni, as well as other business contacts. With Facebook, once you have set up an account you can “find friends” under your school name. Keep in mind that it is considered bad practice to “friend” someone you have never met or been introduced to, so be sure to include a brief message indicating how you know them. With LinkedIn, it is more acceptable to “connect” with people you haven’t met, in fact it is set up to introduce people to each other. Once you have an account, under “contacts” simply select the school name you registered and an “alumni” page will come up. You can then select any profile to view, and send connection requests to the people you are interested in.
- Revisit your department. If you live near the school you graduated from, make a habit of stopping by occasionally to say hello. Email is also a great way to do this. Many academic departments are interested in keeping up with students’ accomplishments, so be sure to keep your former department up-to-date. If they can add your information into a newsletter, even better! Ask to meet for a consultation with one or more members of the department, and ask their opinion about your career path, or any other questions you have that they may be able to help with. In these conversations, it is likely that faculty will remember another alumni and possibly connect you to them. Regardless, this is a great way to network.
- Initiate connections. Join the alumni society, if your school has one. I realize that sounds obvious, but I think many opportunities are missed because graduates get caught up in their new lives. So make the time to attend these events, and be patient. If you didn’t make any connections on your first visit, try again. Also, maintain connections with your fellow students. They may have alumni connections they can share with you. Lastly, while you are in your program consider taking classes out of order to increase your exposure to other cohorts, if your program will permit it. It may be extremely helpful to befriend someone a year ahead of you! They can become an informal mentor and excellent source of information, as well as another source of alumni connections.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Barbara LoFrisco
Also check:
• https://mastersincounseling.org/counseling/when-counseling-and-your-morals-collide-what-you-need-to-know/
• https://mastersincounseling.org/counseling/dont-flub-the-admissions-interview-seven-essential-tips-for-success/
• https://mastersincounseling.org/education/unhappy-with-your-current-job-heres-what-your-employer-doesn%E2%80%99t-want-you-to-know-about-online-classes-part-iii/
