How to ask alumni for help with internship and jobs

You have to thank your stars if you know someone who is a giant in the business field you aspire to pursue! Getting an insider to endorse your skills and experience could be just the ticket to snagging your first job. But sometimes, you don’t need to personally know a person. You need to have enough in common for him/her to take up your case.

But understandably, persuading someone who you don’t know, or who don’t know you, to bat for you and put their reputation on the line, is asking a bit too much right? This is where you tap your school’s alumni network.

But if you think it’s as simple as sending them an email and hoping they’d respond, think again. Alumni are blessings which you need to chase a little more than others. So here is a little guide to help you land a job through establishing the right connections!

School/College Alumni Network: A prized possession

A college alumni network offers a way for college graduates to stay connected. Alumni networks serve as an association of former students from a university, fraternity/sorority, club, or region.

Often maintained by the college’s career services or alumni affairs office, the alumni network contains information on each graduate’s career, residence, and contact information.

Alumni can access the network to ask for career information or job search advice from other alumni. College alumni networks are an excellent way to make contacts in one’s field or to get help starting on a new career path. If your college/school has a career service team, they organize socials, send out newsletters, conduct fundraising, and create a window of opportunity for networking and business relationships. Schools may call accomplished alumni to help students with career guidance.

Alumni: Things you must know

How to find alumni

Many schools/colleges have regional alumni chapters. These local alumni groups often throw informal mixers, where students and alumni can meet in a casual setting. Another way to connect with people is to ask professors to introduce you to their former students!

Alumni network can help pass on resumes, getting in a good word and often guiding you through a confusing phase in school. They can advise you on interviews, internships and the pitfalls of different industries. They may prove to be highly valuable to in your job or internship search, particularly if you attended, or are attending, an academic program similar to the one the alum attended.

You can figure out your school alums through the database, and use the information to set up a small meeting or correspondence as per their comfort level. You could reach out to them through LinkedIn, personal emails, or official routes. USE LINKEDIN. Most professionals have a presence on LinkedIn and it’s a great place to strike a rapport.

 

NEVER ask them for a job

You will come across as selfish and ungrateful for the chance to interact with the concerned person. You should never start a conversation by asking whether there’s any position suitable for you at the alum’s organization.

It always pays to start off with genuine queries, and a discussion about common interests, and the alum’s experience in the college you are looking out for.

Maybe once you strike a more personal rapport can you ask them for recommendations or an internship opportunity.

Scholarship opportunities

Many colleges greatly value students who are recommended by alumni. Chevening/Commonwealth scholars stay in touch and can help you navigate the process in case you also wish to apply to the same university/fund.

Engaging with Alumni

  1. School/College events: Alumni often attend their school events, in order to reconnect with each other and their juniors. Social gatherings will also provide a comfortable opportunity to meet alumni while pursuing a common interest
  2. Prepare your questions: Keep all your cards ready. A brief introduction which will give alumni a summary of some of your key assets, interests, and aspirations will be very handy. Preferably carry your resume.
  3. Try to arrange for a meeting: After a brief interaction at an event, always follow up with emails with polite language and request for a follow-up meeting to discuss college opportunities or career guidance. Ask for general advice about the field, any missteps to watch out for, and the name and contact information about other resource-persons you could speak to. Of course, after the interview, you should email her a thank-you note.
  4. Use LinkedIn: As mentioned, use LinkedIn to reach out to common groups and seniors in different fields. You’ll be amazed at how much people respond to.

Social media is a boon in today’s world. It is so easy to connect with seniors and alumni and you must use this chance to the best of your ability.



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