Is the Alumni Network really an important factor...

[Anonymous]

...in real life? In other words, does it really make a difference in one's life. Or is this the type of thing that everyone assumes is true because it makes sense, though there is nothing in terms of measurable evidence to back it up?

[Anonymous]

Depends on the institution. Of course it's not quantifiable. However, I went to an Ivy, and was part of a group there that has a very active alumni component. I wouldn't call any random person from my university up, but if it's someone related to the activity, I would absolutely reach out, and many of these people are extremely well placed. There's a bunch of people where I wouldn't say "oh, wow, that's the CEO" but instead "oh, that's Bob - haven't seen him since the last gathering of our group. Let's go say hi." I also get calls saying "would you meet with my friend's kid?" and I do it all the time.

Of course, you can't always be going to the well and only be looking to see what you can take from the other alums.

[Anonymous]

Anyone who went to one of the service academies will tell you that their alumni network is extensive and long lasting. The shared experiences and the high level of the education, not only in academics but also in leadership, allow academy grads to form an easy professional relationship with other grads they have just met. A resume with a BS from a service academy opens a lot of doors.

[Anonymous]

Agree that it depends entirely on the school. The alum network from my SLAC is strong and intensely loyal. I've had alums from previous years and decades go the extra mile for me both professionally and personally -- even when I didn't know these people at all before reaching out to them. OTOH, the alum network from my Ivy law school isn't anywhere near that strong. Sure, my friends and friends of friends will be responsive, but not someone who graduated 5, 10, or 20 years before me. Interviewing with an alum with whom I don't have a prior connection will simply elicit an "Oh, hey, was that pancake place still around when you went to school?"

[Anonymous]

Yes, it really matters. I would hire someone from my alma mater (an Ivy) over anyone else with the same qualifications. And if you were in my frat - you're golden!

[Anonymous]

The women's colleges have very strong alumnae networks. Bigger schools tend to have weaker ones mostly because of their size. However, I once got a coveted internship because I went to the same school as the hiring person.

[Anonymous]

I went to a Big 10 school and have been hired by alumni in 2 out of 3 jobs after college. My husband and my sister have had the same experience. It's not going to override basic qualifications for getting hired, but it's absolutely a kinship that gets you in the door. Also, because it's a huge school, there are alumni EVERYWHERE.

[Anonymous]

Doesn't just depend on the school -- it also depends on the grad (and, perhaps, to field of endeavor). In theory, I have access to a well-placed alumn network but I don't schmooze or seek out those connections and, in hiring situations I've been in, it's more credentials-driven (and decisionmaking is collective). I did once have a colleague who was PBK-obsessed (regardless of university) and I saw him consistently favor candidates who included that affiliation/honor on their resume, even when other stats weren't up to par.

[Anonymous]

The short answer is no.

It's how social and bonded you were with your fellow students that counts in the alumni network. Emphasis on network, not alumni. If you passed through four years of college and only made superficial friendships, your alumni network will be non-existent.

[Anonymous]

I don't agree with above PP - it really does depend on the school.

When I came back to the US after a fellowship abroad my first two years out of Amherst (age 24), I cold emailed several older alums who worked in the field that I was interested in. I ended up talking over the phone and emailing with about 6-8 across the country, landed two interviews after my resume was passed along, and landed my first "real" and dream job. Really launched my career.

These days you really have to have a contact within an organization help pull your resume out of the thousands of applications submitted online for each posting. Even a weaker connection - like alum you've never met vs. dear old family friend or frat brother - will help a tremendous amount in getting your foot in the door!

[Anonymous]

My first job was not in my chosen field, but I was only in it for one year. I met a big name in my chosen field at an alumni event, introduced myself and asked if he knew of any openings. I was in his office for an interview the next week.

Okay, that's totally anecdotal, but I bet there are tons of stories like this.

[Anonymous]

Not for me. Not for my husband.

[Anonymous]

HYP grad here. I got my first job from an alum I knew through my work at the school paper.

[Anonymous]

Yes, my dd went to Princeton. Every job, every apartment, etc. was through alumni connections.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
The short answer is no.

It's how social and bonded you were with your fellow students that counts in the alumni network. Emphasis on network, not alumni. If you passed through four years of college and only made superficial friendships, your alumni network will be non-existent.

Nah.