How can you use alumni networks to build your professional network in robotics?

1 Find your alumni networks

The first step is to identify the alumni networks that you can join or access. You might have graduated from a school or a program that has a robotics club, a research center, or a faculty group that is active in robotics. You can also look for alumni associations or chapters that are related to robotics, such as the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society or the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence. You can search online, check your school's website, or contact your former professors or advisors to find out more about these networks.

2 Reach out to your alumni contacts

Once you have found your alumni networks, you need to reach out to your alumni contacts and introduce yourself. You can use email, social media, or online platforms like LinkedIn or Meetup to connect with them. You should be polite, respectful, and professional in your communication. You should also be clear about your goals and interests in robotics, and how you can benefit from their advice or guidance. You can ask them questions about their current projects, their career path, their challenges, and their recommendations. You can also invite them to join your network, follow your work, or share your portfolio.

3 Engage with your alumni community

After you have established some initial contacts, you should engage with your alumni community and build rapport with them. You can do this by participating in online forums, webinars, events, or newsletters that are organized by your alumni networks. You can also join or create groups, chats, or projects that are related to robotics and invite your alumni contacts to join. You should be active, helpful, and supportive in your interactions. You should also share your insights, feedback, and achievements in robotics, and acknowledge the contributions of others.

4 Seek opportunities from your alumni network

The next step is to seek opportunities from your alumni network that can help you advance your career or skills in robotics. You can ask your alumni contacts for referrals, recommendations, or introductions to potential employers, clients, or partners in robotics. You can also look for job openings, internships, scholarships, or grants that are posted or advertised by your alumni networks. You can also propose or join collaborations, projects, or challenges that are relevant to robotics and involve your alumni contacts.

5 Maintain your alumni relationships

The final step is to maintain your alumni relationships and keep them strong and lasting. You should follow up with your alumni contacts regularly and update them on your progress and achievements in robotics. You should also thank them for their support, feedback, or opportunities that they have provided or facilitated for you. You should also offer your help, advice, or resources to your alumni contacts if they need it. You should also celebrate their successes and milestones in robotics, and congratulate them on their accomplishments.

6 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?