Tell me how your college alumni network helped you...

[Anonymous]

I've seen many posts concerning the strength of certain schools alumni networks. What does this actually mean? Can't be just pure numbers of graduates in a certain region. Assume it means an alum going out of his/her way to help a student with internships, advice or job placement. Is this really a factor that should be factored in when looking at various colleges, and how can one truly measure this? Anyway, would love to hear any thoughts on this topic, and especially interested to hear anecdotes about how your college alumni network actually helped you out.

[Anonymous]

Graduated from a Seven Sisters College. The alumnae network is a big benefit for students who go in with no connections. The career office arranged for me to have an internship with an alumna at a financial services firm in NYC. I gave back by hosting an intern (same field) every year. They were all very bright and some were from less privileged backgrounds where they would have been unlikely to find connections for internships. My particular college ranks high on social mobility.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it is a huge factor, but you also need a student to proactively take advantage of the network. I believe it can be leveraged anywhere.

[Anonymous]

Zero.

But the internships and practical experience in classes I had because of the college helped me graduate with some real work experience. I think this helped immensely when applying for entry jobs. I am encouraging my kids to look at schools that have something like that in their programs. It helped me decide which aspects of my field I wanted to specialize in too.

[Anonymous]

Went to an Ivy, was editor of the school newspaper, and one of our grad board members helped me get my first job at a paper right after graduation. And I met my future husband there.

[Anonymous]

I cold emailed alums of my school who were doing what I wanted to do and asked if they’d be willing to chat about how they got there. Almost all of them responded, and some went out of their way to help me get an interview/job. I went to a flagship state U with a great alumni network (and awesome sports). Definitely recommend it but you have to put in the legwork to take advantage of opportunities.

[Anonymous]

HYPS. Zero network help. I think it's largely a myth.

[Anonymous]

Went to a regional state school (think Towson) & alums from my field would come back to recruit students to work where they did. Got an internship which led to a job that way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:HYPS. Zero network help. I think it's largely a myth.

+1
I went to a very average state school and the idea that any type of school network would help me is laughable. I think name brand recognition of a school could definitely be a benefit early on in your career.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:HYPS. Zero network help. I think it's largely a myth.

Same here.

[Anonymous]

Married a classmate.

[Anonymous]

JHU grad. Honestly it never occurred to me to seek out alumni anything. So no help. But perhaps it would have been there if I was proactive.

[Anonymous]

Dartmouth alum and it definitely got me my first big job.

[Anonymous]

Zero

[Anonymous]

For undergrad (a UC) zero. For grad school, yes it directly helped me get my first job after graduation and also the "name value" has helped since.

Also, this is slightly different but the college professors I know all routinely help former students find academic jobs or PhD program spots.