Networking With Your Alma Mater Great For Building Your Rolodex

One of the perks of graduating from college is that you become one of thousands of alumnus that have attended the same school. Networking with your fellow university alumni is a great way to build your network.

Take advantage of this major accomplishment when you need to connect with people in the business world. After all, having something in common with another person is a great way to begin building a relationship.

Leverage Your Alumni Database

Immediately after you graduate from a university, you instantly become an alumnus. More important, you can start tapping into your alumni database, which is probably the largest network that you will ever get to access.

After you graduate, make sure to get your alumni login and password for any online databases, your alumni ID card and anything else you may need to leverage your alma mater.

Before you access your alumni database, find out the schools process and how often you can request contact information. Some schools may allow you to access the database at any time while others may have some restrictions.

Definitely abide by these restrictions and dont abuse the system. The last thing you want to do is get yourself banned from this database.

If youre looking for a job, you can search the database for an alumnus who works at a firm that interests you. You may also be able to search the database to find a mentor in your field.

Whatever your reason, be professional and have a purpose for contacting an alumnus. You want to make a good impression and hope to develop a new relationship.

Attend Alumni Events

While it may be obvious, a great way to meet other alumni is to attend alumni networking events. Its important to attend these events so you stay connected with your school.

Make sure youre on your schools distribution list so you are notified of all alumni events. You dont want to miss out on an opportunity to meet fellow alumni.

Your university may offer a variety of events that are social, cultural and business in nature (such as basketball games, theater events or professional development seminars). Whatever the event, it may be worthwhile for you to attend several of these because you never know who youll meet.

Because of your alumni connection with other people, it may be easier for you to talk with individuals at events. As previously mentioned, having something in common with someone is a great way to build a relationship.

Depending on the event, alumni functions can be good events to bring your significant other, family or friends. Networking events are typically more professional in nature and you may not get a chance to include your family.

Volunteer With Your Alumni Association

While attending events is a great way to meet other alumni, so is volunteering with your alumni association. You will be able to build some great relationships while youre a part of that group.

It doesnt matter how much time you donate so long as you help out in a positive and productive way. You may decide that you want to get involved on the board or a committee. You may just want to help out at events.

Whatever you decide to focus on, make sure you put yourself in a position to get to know others who are helping the association. The other volunteers are like-minded individuals and you will have a connection with them.

Take these relationships seriously because they could help you find a new job, act as a good reference or provide you with business advice. You will be able add them to your network so long as you build a mutually beneficial relationship with some of these people.

A great way to quickly build credibility with the alumni association is to take a leadership role on the board. With this role, you will be visible to the alumni and you will put yourself in the position to build some long-lasting relationships.

For example, I received my M.B.A. from DePaul University and I sit on the board of the Business and Technology Alumni Network. As an active board member, I have helped plan events and I have discussed the direction of the group.

Because of my involvement, I have expanded my network and have enjoyed giving back to the school. I feel good that I have been working with others who all have a similar desire to be a part of a special group of people to serve the alumni community.

Final Thought

Many ways exist for you connect with others through attending networking events, volunteering with an association and asking for referrals. Remember that networking with your alma mater is also a great way to build your Rolodex.

Jason Jacobsohn is a seasoned networker who believes in relationship building as a key component to business success. He enjoys helping others succeed by making introductions, planning events, and sharing resources. In addition, Jacobsohn enthusiastically shares resources with his network through his e-mail newsletter, Network Your Way to Success, and http://www.jacobsohn.com a comprehensive business and networking resources Web site. Further, he shares an additional perspective through his blog at http://www.networkinginsight.com

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