| One of the perks of graduating from college is that | | | | may be easier for you to talk with individuals at events. |
| you become one of thousands of alumnus that have | | | | As previously mentioned, having something in common |
| attended the same school. Networking with your fellow | | | | with someone is a great way to build a relationship. |
| university alumni is a great way to build your network. | | | | Depending on the event, alumni functions can be good |
| Take advantage of this major accomplishment when | | | | events to bring your significant other, family or friends. |
| you need to connect with people in the business world. | | | | Networking events are typically more professional in |
| After all, having something in common with another | | | | nature and you may not get a chance to include your |
| person is a great way to begin building a relationship. | | | | family. |
| Leverage Your Alumni Database | | | | Volunteer With Your Alumni Association |
| Immediately after you graduate from a university, you | | | | While attending events is a great way to meet other |
| instantly become an alumnus. More important, you can | | | | alumni, so is volunteering with your alumni association. |
| start tapping into your alumni database, which is | | | | You will be able to build some great relationships while |
| probably the largest network that you will ever get to | | | | you're a part of that group. |
| access. | | | | It doesn't matter how much time you donate so long |
| After you graduate, make sure to get your alumni login | | | | as you help out in a positive and productive way. You |
| and password for any online databases, your alumni ID | | | | may decide that you want to get involved on the |
| card and anything else you may need to leverage | | | | board or a committee. You may just want to help out |
| your alma mater. | | | | at events. |
| Before you access your alumni database, find out the | | | | Whatever you decide to focus on, make sure you put |
| school's process and how often you can request | | | | yourself in a position to get to know others who are |
| contact information. Some schools may allow you to | | | | helping the association. The other volunteers are |
| access the database at any time while others may | | | | like-minded individuals and you will have a connection |
| have some restrictions. | | | | with them. |
| Definitely abide by these restrictions and don't abuse | | | | Take these relationships seriously because they could |
| the system. The last thing you want to do is get | | | | help you find a new job, act as a good reference or |
| yourself banned from this database. | | | | provide you with business advice. You will be able add |
| If you're looking for a job, you can search the | | | | them to your network so long as you build a mutually |
| database for an alumnus who works at a firm that | | | | beneficial relationship with some of these people. |
| interests you. You may also be able to search the | | | | A great way to quickly build credibility with the alumni |
| database to find a mentor in your field. | | | | association is to take a leadership role on the board. |
| Whatever your reason, be professional and have a | | | | With this role, you will be visible to the alumni and you |
| purpose for contacting an alumnus. You want to make | | | | will put yourself in the position to build some long-lasting |
| a good impression and hope to develop a new | | | | relationships. |
| relationship. | | | | For example, I received my M.B.A. from DePaul |
| Attend Alumni Events | | | | University and I sit on the board of the Business and |
| While it may be obvious, a great way to meet other | | | | Technology Alumni Network. As an active board |
| alumni is to attend alumni networking events. It's | | | | member, I have helped plan events and I have |
| important to attend these events so you stay | | | | discussed the direction of the group. |
| connected with your school. | | | | Because of my involvement, I have expanded my |
| Make sure you're on your school's distribution list so | | | | network and have enjoyed giving back to the school. I |
| you are notified of all alumni events. You don't want to | | | | feel good that I have been working with others who all |
| miss out on an opportunity to meet fellow alumni. | | | | have a similar desire to be a part of a special group of |
| Your university may offer a variety of events that are | | | | people to serve the alumni community. |
| social, cultural and business in nature (such as | | | | Final Thought |
| basketball games, theater events or professional | | | | Many ways exist for you connect with others through |
| development seminars). Whatever the event, it may | | | | attending networking events, volunteering with an |
| be worthwhile for you to attend several of these | | | | association and asking for referrals. Remember that |
| because you never know who you'll meet. | | | | networking with your alma mater is also a great way |
| Because of your alumni connection with other people, it | | | | to build your Rolodex. |