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How can you effectively network with alumni from your university?

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Networking with alumni from your university can be a valuable way to advance your nonprofit career, learn from experienced professionals, and find new opportunities. However, it can also be challenging to build meaningful and lasting connections with people you may not know well or have much in common with. In this article, you will learn some practical tips on how to effectively network with alumni from your university and make the most of your alumni community.

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NINSIIMA ESTHER

Reservoir Geologist | Co-Founder | Writer | Mentor | Speaker |

1 Identify your goals

Before you start reaching out to alumni, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from networking. Do you want to learn more about a specific field or organization? Do you want to find a mentor or a referral? Do you want to explore new career paths or opportunities? Having specific and realistic goals will help you narrow down your search, craft personalized messages, and follow up appropriately.

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NINSIIMA ESTHER

Reservoir Geologist | Co-Founder | Writer | Mentor | Speaker |
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In my experience, life after the university can be very lonely especially during the transition period where one hasn't secured a stable, well-paying job yet. It is therefore important to have effective alumni collaborations while navigating through this time and as well afterwards during career growth. The best way to do this is to stay in touch, closely contacting your buddies, rather that isolate oneself. Another way is to join social groups on watsapp, facebook, an investment club, sports club etc which specifically unites alumni. In my case, a watsapp group bringing together all graduates from my undergraduate course is magical and I love the way we share opportunities there and have the liberty to get in touch with each other anytime.

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2 Research your alumni network

The next step is to find out who are the alumni from your university that work in the nonprofit sector or have relevant experience or connections. You can use various tools and platforms to research your alumni network, such as your university's alumni directory, LinkedIn, social media, or professional associations. Look for alumni who have similar interests, values, or backgrounds as you, or who work in organizations or roles that you aspire to. Make a list of potential contacts and prioritize them based on your goals and their availability.

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3 Reach out with a warm and respectful message

Once you have identified your target contacts, you need to reach out to them with a warm and respectful message. You can use email, LinkedIn, or other channels depending on their preference and accessibility. In your message, introduce yourself and your affiliation with the university, offer a genuine compliment or appreciation for their work or achievements, make a clear and concise request for their help or advice, and suggest a time and format for a conversation. When crafting your message, avoid asking for a job, a donation, or a favor directly. Instead, focus on building rapport and trust while expressing your curiosity and enthusiasm. Make sure to be polite and professional with a friendly and conversational tone.

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4 Prepare for the conversation

If your contact agrees to have a conversation with you, you need to prepare for it well. Do some background research on their organization, role, and projects. Prepare some relevant and thoughtful questions that show your interest and knowledge. Also, think about how you can add value to them, such as sharing your insights, skills, or resources. Be ready to share your story, goals, and challenges, and ask for feedback or guidance. During the conversation, be respectful of their time, listen actively, and show gratitude.

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Simon Gleeson

Management Consulting at KPMG Australia
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It’s a give and get relationship. Make sure you listen, engage and add value back. Bring your insights and knowledge, and make sure you contribute and give them a reason to stay engaged

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5 Follow up and stay in touch

After the conversation, you should follow up with a thank-you note that summarizes the main points, expresses your appreciation, and suggests the next steps. You can also ask for their permission to connect on LinkedIn or other platforms, and share any useful information or resources that might interest them. To maintain the relationship, you should stay in touch regularly, but not too frequently. You can update them on your progress, ask for their opinions, or share relevant news or opportunities. You can also look for ways to support them, such as endorsing their skills, recommending their work, or introducing them to other contacts.

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Dion McInnis

Proudly developing support for TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue). Author: Daddin'; Listen to Life; LIFElines; Fundraisers Prayer Book & more. Photographer: Eye of a photographer, heart of a poet. Speaker.
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This one cannot be overstated. If I had a dollar for each time an alumnus said, "You're the first person from the university to come see me twice." Ouch. Because of comments like that, I always had branded yo-yos in my giveaway items....Invariably, when I handed one to an alum on the first visit, they would look perplexed and I would say, "Just a friendly reminder that I'll be back." Everyone loved the toy, the message and the fun.

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6 Expand your network

Finally, you can expand your network by asking your contacts to introduce you to other alumni or professionals who might be helpful or interesting for you. You can also attend alumni events, webinars, or workshops, and join alumni groups or forums. These are great opportunities to meet new people, learn new skills, and showcase your value. Be proactive, open-minded, and generous, and you will be able to build a strong and diverse network of alumni that can support your nonprofit career.

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Dion McInnis

Proudly developing support for TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue). Author: Daddin'; Listen to Life; LIFElines; Fundraisers Prayer Book & more. Photographer: Eye of a photographer, heart of a poet. Speaker.
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While at an engineering college eons ago, some alumni and I created the Engineering Network as a part of alumni outreach. We had great speakers at the events and alumni were encouraged to invite peers and colleagues that might be interested in the topics. The alumni were proud of their college, and proud to share with their friends and colleagues. Find ways to have the alumni and their ideas to be part of the successful programs.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dion McInnis

Proudly developing support for TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue). Author: Daddin'; Listen to Life; LIFElines; Fundraisers Prayer Book & more. Photographer: Eye of a photographer, heart of a poet. Speaker.
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I was the AVP-Advancement. At the meeting was the university's executive team (about 40 folks) and we were discussing a major initiative and its required funding. One member of the team said, "If each alum gave us $20, we'd cover the costs." Everyone turned to look at me. I said, "You're asking for 100% participation; that will never happen. Not everyone feels a need to give money to us, and some are still paying off school debt. They paid for services rendered while attending and don't feel the need. All of you make good salaries here and I know what you donate. 100% of you do not. Not even close." The room went quiet. There was zero response. Don't think like they did. Consider the realities of alumni lives.

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How can you effectively network with alumni from your university?

1

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3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify your goals

2 Research your alumni network

3 Reach out with a warm and respectful message

4 Prepare for the conversation

5 Follow up and stay in touch

6 Expand your network

7 Here’s what else to consider

Non-profit Leadership

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How can you effectively network with alumni from your university?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify your goals

2 Research your alumni network

3 Reach out with a warm and respectful message

4 Prepare for the conversation

5 Follow up and stay in touch

6 Expand your network

7 Here’s what else to consider

Non-profit Leadership

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