Looking for a job in Kansas City? Then you likely know you need to use every networking tool available to you. But one group that’s oftentimes forgotten about by job seekers is their college alumni network.
As one of the leading employment agencies in Kansas City, Morgan Hunter knows this is a big mistake.
In fact, alumni generally think their school is the best and are happy to help out a fellow alum. They want to see each other succeed, feel good about giving back to the school that helped them succeed, and are typically more than willing to hand out advice and job search help to other alumni.
So if you haven’t included your school’s alum in your networking efforts, now’s the time to start. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
Go to Your College’s Career Center.
Many schools have career centers with a database of alumni who are willing to talk with students and other alumni about career issues. You can typically search these databases by industry, degrees, or geographic areas.
Attend Campus Networking Events.
Many colleges today have Career Weeks or different recruiting and networking events they host for students and alumni. So be sure to attend those that are geared toward you. Usually the company representatives that attend are graduates of the school (and oftentimes biased in favor of alumni), so you automatically have some common ground with them.
Get a Copy of the Alumni Directory.
Most schools publish alumni directories, which you can get a copy of at the alumni office. Some of them even offer directories online, as well. These are often organized by industry, major, and geographic location.
Check Out Class Notes in the Alumni Magazine.
Get the latest copy of your school’s alumni magazine and review the Class Notes section. This is where alums describe what they’re doing, where they’re living, and any important life or career accomplishments. So look for alumni who work in similar industries or at companies you’re interested in working for.
Find Out About a Nearby Alumni Chapter.
If you don’t live near your alma mater, then find out about an alumni chapter that’s near you. These groups can be valuable resources when searching for a job or even just looking for some career advice.
Join the Alumni Association.
Many times, alumni associations host their own networking events, which offers just another avenue for you to connect with fellow alumni who may be able to help you in your job search.
Want More Help Finding a Job?
Let us know. As one of the leading employment agencies in Kansas City, we’ve helped thousands of job seekers find the next great opportunity in their careers. And we may be able to help you too! We’re just a phone call away. Contact Morgan Hunter today to learn more.