Alumni-Student Networking

About the Program

The Alumni-Student Professional Networking Program provides a forum for students and recent graduates to connect with an alumnus/a in their field of interest via email, phone or visits for the purpose of:

• Sharing knowledge and wisdom
• Encouraging professional growth
• Providing access to professional role models
• Broadening potential career paths

The benefits of this program are numerous for both alumni and students, here are some of our favorites:

Alumni

• Opportunities to stay connected with the Michigan Tech community
• The ability to share your professional experience and industry knowledge
• A chance to use your leadership skills
• The satisfaction of helping students progress their career development strategies
• A new perspective on your professional and personal experiences
• The chance to network with fellow alumni

Students

• A first-hand glimpse into potential careers
• Expanding your view of where your degree can take you
• Advice on looking for work after graduation
• Unbiased advice about your goals and career plan
• Support and encouragement from someone with a similar background

*The duration of the professional networking relationship is left to the discretion of the participants. It is not designed to interview candidates or inquire about a position; although, if an employment opportunity arises there is no restriction on hiring a participant.

Getting Started is Easy!

Alumni and Friends

1. Join the Michigan Tech Alumni Association LinkedIn group (Not on LinkedIn yet? Here’s a great resource on creating a profile). Requests to join the group will be reviewed within 2 business days.
2. Join the Alumni-Student Professional Networking subgroup
   1. Click on Groups at the top of your homepage
   2.  Select Michigan Tech Alumni Association. Note: This is a private group for alumni and students (thus reducing the amount of unsolicited ads and creating a secure environment to network).
   3. Under the More dropdown menu, select Subgroups
   4. Click Join this subgroup (Alumni-Student Professional Networking)
3. Be ready to share your experiences with students and recent grads! 
   1. Don’t be shy! We encourage you to respond to posts if students are looking for someone with experience similar to yours, or if you feel you have something to add.
   2. You may also be contacted through LinkedIn private messaging or email.
4. Looking for conversation starters? Here are some suggestions
5. Having trouble connecting? Let us help! Email alumni@mtu.edu or call our office at 906.487.2400

Students and New Grads

1. Join the Michigan Tech Alumni Association LinkedIn group (Not on LinkedIn yet? Here’s a great resource on creating a profile).  Requests to join the group will be reviewed within 2 business days.
2. Join the Alumni-Student Professional Networking subgroup
   1. Click on Groups at the top of your homepage
   2.  Select Michigan Tech Alumni Association. Note: This is a private group for alumni and students (thus reducing the amount of unsolicited ads and creating a secure environment to network).
   3. Under the More dropdown menu, select Subgroups
   4. Click Join this subgroup (Alumni-Student Professional Networking)
3. Connect with alumni! There are a couple ways to do this:
   1. Spread the word. In the networking subgroup, post what type of alumnus/a you wish to connect with, the more details the better! (i.e. “I am a 3^rd year Geological Engineer interested in an upstream petroleum career. Does anyone have experience in this field?” or “I am a 4^th year Finance major and I would love to live in the Portland area. What would my job options be in that area?”)
   2. Do your research. Look up alumni profiles in the group and personally select who you’d like to network with, then send a LinkedIn private message.
4. Looking for some conversation starters? Remember to keep it professional, here are some suggestions!
5. Having trouble connecting? Let us help! Email alumni@mtu.edu or call our office at 906.487.2400