- 1. Unlock Professional Networking Opportunities
- 2. Find Career Support Through Career Services
- 3. Be a Student for Life With Continuing Education
- 4. Win New Business Opportunities
- 5. Socialize With Your Alumni Community
- 6. Score Exclusive Benefits and Discounts
- 7. Volunteer in Charitable or Philanthropic Causes
- 8. Engage in Political Advocacy
- 9. Enjoy Lifetime Alumni Benefits
- Getting Involved with Your Alumni Network
- Should I Join?
Joining an alumni association can be one of the most rewarding steps a graduate can take after leaving their alma mater.
From tailgates and happy hours to job fairs and service opportunities, these networks offer a wide range of benefits that are both personally and professionally rewarding. And let’s face it — there’s nothing worse than facing the post-graduation scaries alone.
Whether you’re a recent grad or a seasoned alum, the alumni association offers benefits that fit every stage of life! So, let’s dive into the 9 benefits of joining an alumni association and why every alum should consider joining one.
1. Unlock Professional Networking Opportunities
In a tough job market, finding the right career opportunities can often come down to who you know. That’s why one of the most significant advantages of joining an alumni association is access to professional networking opportunities. Alumni associations regularly organize networking events, career fairs, and professional development workshops. These events provide a platform for alumni to connect with professionals in their field, explore job opportunities, and find potential mentors. Establishing professional contacts through these events can lead to various benefits, such as career support, business opportunities, and mentorship. The shared background of attending the same institution often leads to stronger, more trustworthy connections, making professional networking through an alumni association particularly effective!
2. Find Career Support Through Career Services
Former students can greatly benefit from the extensive career services offered by many alumni associations. These may include job boards, resume workshops, and interview preparation sessions. Many strong alumni networks also have mentorship programs where experienced alumni provide guidance to those just starting in their careers – but seasoned alums considering a career change could benefit from this type of guidance, too. This support can be invaluable in helping alumni explore new industries, navigate career transitions, unlock new career opportunities, or climb the corporate ladder.
3. Be a Student for Life With Continuing Education
No matter your career path, lifelong learning is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. Alumni associations often facilitate continuing education opportunities, such as access to exclusive webinars, workshops, and courses designed to help alumni stay current in their field. Additionally, many alumni networks partner with the educational institution to offer discounted or free access to certain classes and educational resources, making it even easier for alumni to continue their education and professional growth!
4. Win New Business Opportunities
Joining a school’s alumni association means becoming part of a network of influential business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. If you’re a mover and shaker, these alumni networks can provide you a unique platform to promote your business, raise capital, and connect with fellow leaders. They frequently host events that create opportunities for collaboration and partnership – so whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your business, or finding new clients, this could be perfect for you! Many alumni associations also have business directories and forums for advertising services, seeking advice, and exploring investment opportunities. The support from your alumni network can be a game-changer, enabling you to find investors, partner with other entrepreneurs, and leverage shared experiences to build successful business relationships.
5. Socialize With Your Alumni Community
Beyond professional and educational benefits, alumni associations offer numerous social and recreational activities for former and current students. From reunions and homecoming events to regional meetups and travel opportunities, these events allow alumni to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. The sense of community and belonging fostered through these activities can lead to lifelong friendships and a robust support network, both of which are a powerful antidote to the isolation that can sometimes accompany post-graduation life.
6. Score Exclusive Benefits and Discounts
Membership in a university’s alumni association often comes with a variety of exclusive benefits and discounts that are unique to your institution. These can range from discounts on insurance and travel to special rates on event tickets and merchandise. Some associations even offer access to campus facilities such as gyms, libraries, and recreational centers, allowing alumni to continue enjoying their alma mater’s amenities well after the days of being a student.
7. Volunteer in Charitable or Philanthropic Causes
Looking to make an impact on the world? Alumni associations provide numerous opportunities for alumni to give back to their community and alma mater through philanthropic and volunteer efforts. Whether it’s participating in fundraising campaigns, mentoring students, or volunteering at alumni events, these activities allow former students to make a positive impact. Engaging in these efforts can be incredibly fulfilling and help alumni stay connected to their alma mater in meaningful ways.
8. Engage in Political Advocacy
Many schools’ alumni networks engage in political advocacy, working to influence policies that affect higher education and the broader community. By joining an alumni association, alumni can become part of a collective voice that advocates for important issues, such as increased funding for education, student rights, and more. This collective influence can lead to significant positive changes, benefiting both current students and the wider community.
9. Enjoy Lifetime Alumni Benefits
For those seeking long-term engagement, many alumni associations offer lifetime memberships that come with additional perks. These can include lifetime access to networking events, continuous career services and support, and special recognition within the alumni community. Lifetime membership can be a worthwhile investment for those who want to maintain a strong, ongoing connection with their alma mater and have that commitment recognized.
Getting Involved with Your Alumni Network
Getting involved with your alumni association is a great way to stay connected with your alma mater and fellow alumni. There are many ways to get involved as a current student or recent grad, including attending alumni networking events, volunteering for committees, and participating in online forums. Here’s how to get involved with your university’s alumni network:
Attend alumni events, such as career fairs, networking receptions, and reunions. These exclusive events provide opportunities to connect with fellow alumni and learn about job opportunities and industry trends.
Volunteer for committees or boards within the alumni association. These alumni groups often focus on specific areas, such as philanthropic events, community outreach, and fundraising. By participating, you can give back to your alma mater and make a positive impact on the lives of current students and fellow alumni.
Participate in online forums and social media groups. Many universities have online communities where alumni can connect, share news and updates, and ask for advice. By participating in these online communities, you can stay connected with fellow alumni and stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments from your alma mater.
By getting involved with your alumni association, you can reap many benefits, including career advancement opportunities, networking connections, and a sense of community and belonging. So why not get involved today and start making the most of your alumni experience?
Should I Join?
Overall, joining your school’s alumni network offers many benefits for alumni, from professional opportunities and career development to continuing education and exclusive discounts. The social, philanthropic, and advocacy opportunities further enrich the alumni experience, fostering a lifelong connection to their alma mater and fellow graduates. For any alum looking to maximize the value of their education and maintain a meaningful relationship with their institution, becoming a member of an alumni association is a step worth taking.
For the best business connections, class reunions, and more, join Aluum — the largest global alumni network for current and former students alike. Aluum’s online alumni network connects you with fellow alums from your university, as well as other graduates from across the world. Aluum’s online portal for alumni networking is free, fun, and easy to use, making it one of the best alumni networks recent graduates and distant alums alike.
