Completing your postgraduate studies in a UOnline program means earning the same prestigious degree held by students who attend the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus – but earning a degree is just one of the many benefits of being an alum.
Call on a 'Cane
UOnline alumni who have completed their coursework and are preparing to enter the workforce have the benefit of University of Miami’s tremendous and formidable network of 180,000 plus graduates. This means mentorship opportunities abound. UOnline students can easily connect with the more than 3,000 alumni who have volunteered to be advisers to current students working on their postgraduate degrees. Not only can a fellow Hurricane provide guidance and advice as to the realities of your job search, but he or she can probably steer you toward people and opportunities in your field that you might never have known existed.
UOnline Alumni Networking Tips
You may have a bevy of questions that you’d like to ask alums when you complete your master's degree online, those who have pursued career paths in the same field you've chosen. These alumni will probably be your most valuable professional contacts, but it's important to make sure you're using them wisely. A robust alumni network like UMiami’s can connect students and recent graduates with amazing opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable. Job postings and internship information in various companies aren’t always posted to the general public. Leveraging contacts with whom you already have a tie can mean the difference between embarking on a targeted job search with a high return and cold-calling businesses.
Use Your Resources
If you’re anxious or unsure how to go about networking, you're not alone – most people are. You have access to the Toppel Career Center as a UOnline student or recent graduate. In addition to helping you fine-tune your resume and cover letter, the advisers at the Career Center can direct you to the most appropriate alumni contacts in the network. They can advise you on how best to present yourself, whether you’re searching for your first post-graduate job or attempting to transition into another role within your current career.
Do Your Research
Make sure you're clear on exactly what you’re hoping to pursue before you conduct any real outreach with University of Miami alums. If there’s an internship program you’re particularly interested in, make sure you’ve made a list of the reasons it’s attractive to you. If you’re looking for a position at a particular company, be prepared to discuss why that company appeals to you, what you hope to accomplish there, and the reasons you feel you’d be a good fit. In addition to letting prospective employers know why you want to work for them, it’s critical to demonstrate that hiring you would be reciprocally beneficial because of the skills and personal traits you bring to the table.
Ask for What You Want
Recent graduates or soon-to-be graduates often feel shy about directly asking for an introduction, a meeting, or a recommendation. If you feel you're qualified for what you’re asking for, you have every right to graciously request it. Contacts can't simply provide you with a job, however, so request information about the company, hiring practices, work culture, and the way that they post available jobs. This gives you an opportunity to demonstrate how valuable you'd be as an employee. Remember that when an alum advocates for you, they are putting their own reputation on the line as well. Be certain that you're asking for help in an area where you are confident you can deliver. Students will often reach out to alumni with vague queries or high expectations. Alumni need to know exactly how they can help and your job is to facilitate this assistance. Make sure you’re asking for something easily actionable that won’t demand an excessive investment of the alum’s time.
Be Professional
After you’ve established a connection with alumni and someone has provided support, made introductions on your behalf, and helped to move you to the next phase of your career, don’t abandon the relationship. Keep him posted on your progress, and don’t forget to send a letter of thanks after any new development that he helped to facilitate. Be meticulous, responsive, and thoughtful when communicating with anyone to whom your alumni network has connected you. Your conduct reflects on the alum who vouched for you, so maturity, respect and professionalism are key.
References
University of Miami Alumni Associaton
4 Ways to Leverage Who You Know to Grow Faster
Understanding and Utilizing Alumni Relations to your Advantage
5 Steps to Effective Alumni Networking in a Job Search
