Building Influence Networks with Alumni Groups

Do you keep in touch with old classmates or coworkers? You should. College and corporate alumni groups are the perfect foundation on which to build your network. Networking with the right professionals can lead to informational interviews, promotions, exclusive job postings, and more. If you’re looking to become an entrepreneur, your network is your source of early-stage venture capital. 

The good news about accessing your alumni networks? Colleges and corporations have done the hard work already. Both invest in strong alumni networks with varying goals. This can include LinkedIn groups, magazines, databases, email lists, and more. While colleges mostly rely on their alumni for fundraising, businesses have several goals in mind. When companies invest in lifelong relationships, they see a 6-fold increase in their attractiveness as an employee. They gain access to a larger labor pool, drive referrals, boost business development, and increase sales. 

What does this mean for you? It means you should reach out to fellow alumni today. Send updates to your alumni magazine’s notes column about startup launches or career changes. Share your professional experiences during alumni events. You never know where a connection might lead you. Always keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved.

Infographic provided by: AcademicInfluence.com