How can you use your alumni network to build a strong professional network?

Making connections is important, however how we capitalise these for mutual benefit is important. Online platforms are great to expand and broaden one's network and also an opportunity to be part of and respond to conversations in real time. Contributing to meaningful discussions expands the potential to identify and align interests and collaborate. Following other's stories and sharing professional posts enables reaching out to likeminded alumni. It is important to be authentic in one's tone. A short introduction note while making a connection adds value. Organising a social meet where possible with one's online community, is a great way to engage face2face which further offers related possibilities to grow one's professional network.

In my experience, a good way to maintain relationships with people is to actively engage with them by sharing things, asking questions, and keeping the conversation going. Often, we wait for others to take the initiative, but it's better to be proactive and take a leading role. Don't wait for others to make the first move.

Debemos empezar identificando contactos relevantes en plataformas como LinkedIn y participando en eventos o reuniones organizados por la institución educativa. Actualiza tu perfil profesional, conecta de manera personalizada y destaca tus logros. únete a grupos de antiguos alumnos, participa en conversaciones, y asiste a eventos para establecer relaciones cara a cara. Colabora en proyectos profesionales con antiguos compa?eros. Aprovecha recursos como recomendaciones y solicitudes de información para fortalecer tu red y acceder a oportunidades de desarrollo profesional.

In my experience, cross-functional and diverse skill sets are critical to designing and delivering top quality projects. The fundamental principle is being inclusive, managing and bringing different perspectives to a relevant outcome. An alumni network that is involved is is not only engaged but inspires fellow alumni to participate and contribute. Identifying alumni interests and goals and providing them with suitable opportunities to make a contribution. Developing a pool of alumni contributors and volunteers made it possible to engage them in current and future initiatives across the institution. Recognising the efforts of alumni collaborators is non-negotiable and critical to maintaining an enduring connection.

Maintaining and nurturing alumni relationships requires a methodical and structured strategic approach that considers best practises and allows benchmarking. Often alumni from older cohort are overlooked in favour of more recent alumni who are easy to connect with and engage. Alumni from older cohorts provides an immense network of experience professionals from industry who are vital to student and institutional success. Designing programs and initiatives should be centered around delivering value across all business functions to expand an institution's alumni outreach. Celebrate your alumni through awards, success stories, distinguished speakers and other platforms. Showcase the institution's progress to develop alumni pride and advocacy.