Job Search: Alumni Network Makes A Real Difference!

People think alumni networks are only for prestigious institutes like IITs and IIMs. Or only they matter. Because their alumni are sitting in power positions and they can open doors for each other.

But that's a myth. When it comes to job search, career planning and mentorship, nothing comes close to the power of our alumni groups. Even if we aren't from an A-league institute.

This is not a mere wish. I am talking from my experience. I am co-founder of GECU Samvad, an alumni group of my Alma Mater Government Engineering College Ujjain (Nicknamed GECU!) We started the GECU-Samvad interview series about 30 months back, and discovered our college friends in about 50 countries, in almost all industries, all companies. Name a company— Google, Apple, Tesla—?and our alumni are there. They are in responsible positions like-- global heads and country heads, and CEOs too.

I believe we aren't an exception. Alumni from small town colleges may begin at a lower rank, but over time, the cream always rises to the top.

So, believe in the power of your alumni group.?

Here are some insights into how the alumni network helps in job search and career planning.

Quick power of expansion. Networking takes time, especially for creating relationships. An alumni group is a ready-made network! You can expand your reach 10X by getting involved in alumni activities and events.

Networking works best when the connections are closely knit. If you have 800 LinkedIn connects who are mostly unrelated to each other, it won't have such a powerful impact on your career. But if those connects are also connected to each other, the amplification factor is enormous.

An alumni group is naturally well-knit. And the connection is emotional. When you get an industry award or being recognised in your company, the news runs fast through various communication channels. Other alumni share the pride of your success.?

Reaching senior industry leaders is easy. Most networking happens among?peers. It's difficult to reach senior industry leaders for someone in mid-management or a junior position.

But that doesn't apply for an alumnus. The difference of years and designations disappears when 2 members of the same Alma Mater meet.?

These senior leaders can open gates for you. And when a recruiter looks into your profile and sees these leaders in your network, the credibility surely goes up.

A LinkedIn recommendation or endorsement from them is even better.

Now, let's focus on how to maximize your benefits from your alumni groups—

1: Use school search filter. That's powerful.

I choose my LinkedIn connections carefully. But when someone is from my institute, even a student, he is accepted.

So, utilise the school filter in 'LinkedIn search' and find out all the alumni. Then, narrow it down to seniors and peers in your industry. Start following them. Like their posts and articles. Make some meaningful comments. And then introduce yourself.

2: Join the LinkedIn alumni group of your institute. If there isn't one, start one!

It gives you a splendid chance to be seen by industry seniors. And an opportunity to connect with them through comments and chats. Even when they aren't connected to you, you can send them a message as a group member.

Now, never ask for a job directly.?

Post in the group regularly. Celebrate the success of others. Help other alumni members with opportunities in your company or circle of influence.

Ask for industry or company insights.

This visibility will help you when you approach them for a job opportunity.

3: Find out hidden gems in your alumni community?

All alumni groups are subdivided into many smaller groups.

To give you a sense, in GECU we have over 100 WhatsApp groups. Batch-wise groups, city-wise groups, industry-based groups. As well as groups for common interests and hobbies: Creativity group, AI group, entrepreneur group, investor group, fitness group....And a central GECU Samvad group.?

Group members regularly ask for help and share job opportunities in their organisations. These requirements are also cross posted in other groups through members who are part of multiple groups.

Let's?appreciate?that not?all jobs are advertised.

About 40 to 50% of job vacancies are filled through such referrals. And when they are advertised, you are in a much better position to spot them when you are part of such alumni groups.

My suggestion is to find out about such groups in your alumni community. And add value to others. You will get many times over in return.

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Now, let's focus on something not so obvious about the job search —

Job search isn't a one in a few years' activity. It is an ongoing process. Even if you are very satisfied with your current job!

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?A senior HR person from our community suggested in a mentorship session--

Always have your resume up-to-date. Meet a few prospective employers every year or so. This will help you understand what the market demands. What employers are looking for. Then update yourself on those requirements. Even if you don't want to leave your organisation!

The alumni group helps you prepare for the next level in your career by continuously updating you about job market dynamics.

To get the best out of your alumni network, focus on these 3 special groups--

1: Your buddies--

These are people from your batch, or contemporaries, in the college. This group helps the most in the earlier years of a career. As the freshers get into the working world, they are all facing the same hiccups.

So, they share a lot of tips about company culture, the salaries offered, and often recommend their friends for new openings.

2: Match-Makers:

All alumni groups have some members who are highly connected. Those who are admins and moderators, natural networkers. These people find joy in connecting you to more and more people. When someone gets success through their efforts, it is their reward.

Find out who these community leaders are in your alumni group, and ask them for volunteering opportunities. This way, you will be seen. And your network will expand even faster. These match-makers will surely help you get ahead in your career.

If you take this advice seriously, you won't be searching for jobs. You will have more opportunities to choose from.

3: Mentors

These are thought leaders, consultants, industry veterans in your alumni group.?They can pinpoint your pitfalls and will suggest a roadmap to speed up your career journey. This guidance is invaluable and can become your edge in the job market.

These seniors are a great help when you wish to take a career leap.?For reference checks and recommendations, their words have weight.

Let me give you a little insider view here—

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An alumnus in a middle management position called me--

'Hello, sir! I have news that is confidential and only for your ears!'

He whispered in my curious ears, 'I am being considered for a business unit head position in an Indian company. The position is about 3 levels up from what I am doing today. Now I need your help!'

I immediately connected the call with a very senior (8 years senior to me, 15 years senior to the caller) industry leader. Despite his very busy schedule, he took some 40 minutes out. And gave practical tips. He suggested what questions our alumnus should ask the prospective employer. What should be the salary he should ask for. That was 30% more than the junior guy was expecting.

2 other senior alumni, decision makers in their own companies, did a mock interview with him.?

Now, he is a business unit head. With a real good leap in his salary package, as well as designation and responsibilities.

This couldn't be possible without the alumni group's support.

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To summaries:

Job search is not a one-time sporadic activity. You must prepare yourself for the next level in your career continuously. To achieve this, become part of Alumni groups. These groups help you not just with career openings, you also grow as a professional through sharing of knowledge and insights.

If you make good use of LinkedIn, WhatsApp groups and offline alumni events, and add good value to others through these platforms, you won't need to search for a job.

You will choose between the jobs!

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Do share your experiences and suggestions. And if you wish to launch a knowledge-sharing alumni initiative like GECU Samvad , we are ready to share more insights with you.