Alumni connections are strong.
A common alma mater is an incredibly helpful connection to have when you are searching for an internship, job or mentor. The more connections you have with someone, the more likely they will be willing to help you.
Within your network of alumni, there are alumni with whom you will find that you have a stronger connection. These are the alumni who share a similar college experience with you.
For example, if you played football in college, reaching out to alumni who were past team members will be very effective. If you were in a sorority, reaching out to sisters who graduated before you and have established their careers will provide a great resource of mentors.
By pinpointing these alumni, you have a better chance of making a lasting connection. You not only share the same alma mater, but a similar college experience. The conversation will flow easily as they inquire about what has changed and what has stayed the same. They will want to meet with you and reminisce about their college experiences.
The next question, of course, is how to find these alumni.
Look to the groups, teams, and organizations that you belonged to while in college. Many will plan at least one alumni event each year. These are great networking events for students as well as alumni. Attend and bring plenty of business cards.
As an alum, you may also have access to a local or national directory. Take some time to search through it. Prepare pointed emails to the people that you would like to meet. Use your networking profile and ask if you could take him or her out for a cup coffee. You may be surprised how quickly your calendar will fill up.
Another great resource to use to connect with alumni with a similar college experience is to utilize LinkedIn. There may be groups for your team, club or organization. If there is not a group already established, start one!
On LinkedIn, you may be able to use advanced search features to narrow alumni by the years that they attended college and the activities that they were involved in.
Of course, don’t forget to make yourself an available resource as an alum. Whether you can offer advice to an underclassman or guide a high school student though the college admissions process, your kindness will not be forgotten.
When you pay it forward, you make networking work for you.
