13 answers
Nicholas
Student
Lindenhurst, New York
1
Question
Asked
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How do I create professional relationships with alumni from my school?
I am a Senior at a finance school in NYC, finishing up my BBA in Economics and have a job in an Education company focused on Mergers and Acquisitions and some Operations as a part time. I am planning to work towards a MBA in 5 or so more years after I get more experience under me, for a end goal of working in Financial Consulting at MBB. I know the importance of networking and expanding my professional relationships and have done a good job doing so at work, however I am struggling to leverage my school ties to professionals in the field that I have never met. What advice do you have for me in terms of leveraging past alumni connections and how do I approach creating and maintaining a meaningful professional relationship with them
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13 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Building professional relationships with alumni is all about genuine connection and strategic effort. Here’s how you can make it natural and effective:
1. Join your alumni association and check if your school has networking events, mentorship programs, or online alumni groups. These are great entry points to meet people who’ve walked the same path.
2. Use LinkedIn the Right Way
Search for alumni in your field and send a connection request with a short, personal note. Mention your shared school background and a specific reason for reaching out (e.g., their career path, experience at a certain company, etc.).
Engage with their posts by commenting or sharing insights—it keeps you visible without being overly formal.
3. Make the First Move (But Keep It Casual)
A simple message like:
"Hey [Name], I noticed you also went to [Your School]! I’m currently finishing my BBA in Economics and working in M&A education. I admire your experience in [their field], and I’d love to hear any insights you might have as I navigate my next steps. If you’re open to a quick chat, I’d really appreciate it!"
Keep it light—people respond better when it doesn’t feel like an obligation.
4. Meet Up When Possible
If an alumnus is local, suggest grabbing coffee or attending an industry event together. If they’re remote, a quick Zoom call works too. A little face-to-face (even virtually) goes a long way.
5. Keep the Relationship Going
Networking isn’t a one-time thing. Follow up after conversations, share updates on your progress, and check in occasionally with a thoughtful message.
Offer value where you can—maybe it’s sharing an interesting article, making an introduction, or even just showing appreciation for their advice.
The key is to be real, respectful, and consistent. Approach networking as building relationships, not just making contacts. Good luck hope this helps! 😎
1. Join your alumni association and check if your school has networking events, mentorship programs, or online alumni groups. These are great entry points to meet people who’ve walked the same path.
2. Use LinkedIn the Right Way
Search for alumni in your field and send a connection request with a short, personal note. Mention your shared school background and a specific reason for reaching out (e.g., their career path, experience at a certain company, etc.).
Engage with their posts by commenting or sharing insights—it keeps you visible without being overly formal.
3. Make the First Move (But Keep It Casual)
A simple message like:
"Hey [Name], I noticed you also went to [Your School]! I’m currently finishing my BBA in Economics and working in M&A education. I admire your experience in [their field], and I’d love to hear any insights you might have as I navigate my next steps. If you’re open to a quick chat, I’d really appreciate it!"
Keep it light—people respond better when it doesn’t feel like an obligation.
4. Meet Up When Possible
If an alumnus is local, suggest grabbing coffee or attending an industry event together. If they’re remote, a quick Zoom call works too. A little face-to-face (even virtually) goes a long way.
5. Keep the Relationship Going
Networking isn’t a one-time thing. Follow up after conversations, share updates on your progress, and check in occasionally with a thoughtful message.
Offer value where you can—maybe it’s sharing an interesting article, making an introduction, or even just showing appreciation for their advice.
The key is to be real, respectful, and consistent. Approach networking as building relationships, not just making contacts. Good luck hope this helps! 😎
Thanks for the help.
Mike Kimiecik
Cyber Security & Cyber Risk Management
4
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hi Nicholas,
This is a great question! A way that I found to be effective is (if possible) join your schools Alumni organization. Most college/University Alumni organization host a wide variety of Alumni events throughout the year, and in many cases, even in area's away from the school, where there is a congregation or a measurable population of alumni members, meaning different cities & even states where there are alumni. Attending these events gives you access to many alumni from many different area's of the school which will allow you to meet many people, and more importantly for you, them an opportunity to meet you. Every Job I've ever held (with the exception of joining the military right out of High School) is due to my network of friends and acquaintances I've met at various events, or worked with somewhere in my past. Networking is key - regardless of whether it's with Alumni, professional organizations, volunteering, etc. as it allows others to meet the "real" you, not just the "interviewing" candidate, or someone looking for an interview.
Good Luck!
-Mike
Join School Alumni & attend events
Join Professional organizations related to your field & attend events
Volunteer with an organization that may be related to your goals
Post relevant content on appropriate social media platforms
This is a great question! A way that I found to be effective is (if possible) join your schools Alumni organization. Most college/University Alumni organization host a wide variety of Alumni events throughout the year, and in many cases, even in area's away from the school, where there is a congregation or a measurable population of alumni members, meaning different cities & even states where there are alumni. Attending these events gives you access to many alumni from many different area's of the school which will allow you to meet many people, and more importantly for you, them an opportunity to meet you. Every Job I've ever held (with the exception of joining the military right out of High School) is due to my network of friends and acquaintances I've met at various events, or worked with somewhere in my past. Networking is key - regardless of whether it's with Alumni, professional organizations, volunteering, etc. as it allows others to meet the "real" you, not just the "interviewing" candidate, or someone looking for an interview.
Good Luck!
-Mike
Mike recommends the following next steps:
Lauren B.
Consultant
5
Answers
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Start by reaching out to alumni through your school’s alumni network, LinkedIn, or campus events. Introduce yourself politely, mention your shared connection to the school, and express genuine interest in their career path. Ask thoughtful questions and look for opportunities to learn from their experiences. Remember to be respectful of their time, follow up with a thank-you note, and keep in touch periodically to build a lasting professional relationship.
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
394
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Nicholas,
First, begin by exploring your university’s alumni network or LinkedIn group to find relevant events and connect with graduates in your field. Reach out with personalized messages and feel free to seek advice through informational interviews. Alos,engage with their online content and contribute your own insights to maintain the conversation. Remember, genuine connections are key, so keep interactions friendly and consistent—send thank-you notes after discussions and consider finding a mentor. Building these relationships requires some effort but from personal experience can be highly rewarding, facilitating your path into consulting!
First, begin by exploring your university’s alumni network or LinkedIn group to find relevant events and connect with graduates in your field. Reach out with personalized messages and feel free to seek advice through informational interviews. Alos,engage with their online content and contribute your own insights to maintain the conversation. Remember, genuine connections are key, so keep interactions friendly and consistent—send thank-you notes after discussions and consider finding a mentor. Building these relationships requires some effort but from personal experience can be highly rewarding, facilitating your path into consulting!
Kristina Du
Enterprise Technology Solutions Associate at PwC
50
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
You're already doing a great job by recognizing the importance of networking early on! To leverage alumni connections, start by reaching out via LinkedIn or your school’s alumni network, sending a personalized message mentioning your shared school background and interest in financial consulting. Attend alumni networking events or career panels, and don’t be afraid to ask for informational interviews to learn from their experiences. The key is to build genuine, long-term relationships, so stay in touch by following up, sharing industry insights, and supporting their professional milestones. Since your goal is MBB consulting, focus on connecting with alumni in that space, as they can provide the best insights and potential referrals down the line!
Cindy Huang
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Hi Nicholas,
To maintain connections with professionals, I think you could find a way to email them. Introduce yourself and maybe ask them if they have time for a few questions you may have.
LinkedIn is a great website as well for networking! You could find some professionals in the same school as you and message them through there. Again, make sure to introduce yourself! Maybe you could mention your goals or what you aspire to be. If you would like to, ask them out for a chat and ask if it is alright to go to them for advice in the future.
Another great way is to attend events/ school fairs!
Hope this helps! Good luck!
To maintain connections with professionals, I think you could find a way to email them. Introduce yourself and maybe ask them if they have time for a few questions you may have.
LinkedIn is a great website as well for networking! You could find some professionals in the same school as you and message them through there. Again, make sure to introduce yourself! Maybe you could mention your goals or what you aspire to be. If you would like to, ask them out for a chat and ask if it is alright to go to them for advice in the future.
Another great way is to attend events/ school fairs!
Hope this helps! Good luck!
ketifa Hebert
Business Analyst
4
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
ketifa’s Answer
Build a friendly connection with alumni whose career paths align with your goals. Approach them with respect and keep your interactions genuine.
Use linkedin
Make thoughtful introductions
Ask for insights and not a specific job
Follow up with gratitude
Stay in touch
ketifa recommends the following next steps:
Christopher Williams, CEBS, PMP
Senior Engagement Manager
69
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Join Alumni Groups: Look for online groups (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook) specific to your school or major and engage in discussions, share relevant content, and connect with other members.
Update Your Profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date with your latest experiences and displays a professional image to attract positive attention.
Utilize Social Media: Stay updated on alumni news, events, and achievements through social media and engage by commenting, liking, or sharing their posts.
Alumni Networking Events: Attend career fairs, industry showcases, and alumni networking receptions to make new connections.
School Events: Participate in school events like sports games, art showcases, or theater performances to connect with alumni who may be attending.
Update Your Profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date with your latest experiences and displays a professional image to attract positive attention.
Utilize Social Media: Stay updated on alumni news, events, and achievements through social media and engage by commenting, liking, or sharing their posts.
Alumni Networking Events: Attend career fairs, industry showcases, and alumni networking receptions to make new connections.
School Events: Participate in school events like sports games, art showcases, or theater performances to connect with alumni who may be attending.
David Gnau
IT, Enterprise Architecture, Sales Consulting, Management
9
Answers
Medina, Ohio
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Nicholas, everyone who answered your question, has great answers!!! Best advice is to re-read all the advice. Good luck and please ping this group with any follow-up questions, you could not ask for better replies.
Cassidi Elowsky
HR Policy
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Cassidi’s Answer
Some great answers already have been shared! Once you create those relationships, keep up with the regular connects and meet ups. Networking is one piece of the puzzle to success that so many professionals state was their reason for where they are today.
Kenneth Romanowski
CFP Board Emeritus (R), CTFA (Ret.), Instructor and Researcher of Financial History
33
Answers
Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kenneth’s Answer
Hi, Nicholas!
Does your school offer career counseling? Colleges and universities typically have career services and leverage their alumni to help students make connections. LinkedIn is also another great way to connect and you can screen for alumni.
Your alumni may also offer events, so you may wish to use these as a way to meet new people.
Finally, regarding your MBA… be flexible about when you start. Circumstances may present themselves to make it better to begin sooner. Also, be sure that your major aligns well with your goals, which may change the further along you go in your career.
All the best to you!
Investigate career services at school
Investigate alumni association
Investigate LinkedIn
Does your school offer career counseling? Colleges and universities typically have career services and leverage their alumni to help students make connections. LinkedIn is also another great way to connect and you can screen for alumni.
Your alumni may also offer events, so you may wish to use these as a way to meet new people.
Finally, regarding your MBA… be flexible about when you start. Circumstances may present themselves to make it better to begin sooner. Also, be sure that your major aligns well with your goals, which may change the further along you go in your career.
All the best to you!
Kenneth recommends the following next steps:
Christian Gregorich
Management Consultant
37
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Christian’s Answer
I think it's helpful first of all to think about your goal here. Networking , in my opinion, should not be a goal in and of itself - that is a waste of your and others' time. You need to think about what value you and the other person will actually get out of such a conversation. One of the previous posters mentioned being "genuine," and this is spot-on. A very natural and genuine entry point into these conversations is if you see someone in your alumni network who is doing a job that you find interesting because it's a job you might want to do someday or you just think it's cool. Use LinkedIn or similar tools to find people further along in their career path in these interesting jobs. Then, simply shoot them a quick note saying something akin to "I think your job is interesting and would love to learn more about it. Are you available to talk about it for 20 mins?". I think this is both the most authentic and the most valuable way to approach networking. For jobs like consulting, investment banking, or other roles with highly-structured campus recruiting, I'd recommend doing this outside of the busy recruiting season from August-November.
For what it's worth, thinking about your goals of business school and MBB, by far the most important factor within your control is your performance at your job. I would recommend ensuring that this is your primary professional focus. Additionally, I'd recommend refining your understanding of the career path, work subject matter, and day-to-day in management consulting. Your "financial consulting" language is extremely broad and not one I'd recommend using in networking conversations. MBB tend to be organized by industry areas (e.g., TMT, consumer, industrials, healthcare, aerospace) and/or functional areas (e.g., M&A, sales and marketing, human capital, technology implementation).
For what it's worth, thinking about your goals of business school and MBB, by far the most important factor within your control is your performance at your job. I would recommend ensuring that this is your primary professional focus. Additionally, I'd recommend refining your understanding of the career path, work subject matter, and day-to-day in management consulting. Your "financial consulting" language is extremely broad and not one I'd recommend using in networking conversations. MBB tend to be organized by industry areas (e.g., TMT, consumer, industrials, healthcare, aerospace) and/or functional areas (e.g., M&A, sales and marketing, human capital, technology implementation).
Sheetal Aggarwal
Data Engineer, Manager
7
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Sheetal’s Answer
Building professional relationships with alumni can be a valuable strategy for advancing your career, especially in competitive fields like finance and consulting. Here are some steps you can take to effectively leverage your alumni network:
1. Research and Identify Alumni: Start by identifying alumni from your school who are working in your desired field or at companies you're interested in. Use LinkedIn, your school's alumni directory, or the alumni office to find potential contacts.
2. Join Alumni Networks: Participate in alumni associations or groups specific to your school. Many schools have formal networks or online platforms where alumni connect. Engage actively in these communities to increase your visibility and discover opportunities for networking.
3. Attend Events: Attend alumni events, networking sessions, or industry conferences where alumni might be present. These events are great opportunities to meet people in person and establish initial connections.
4. Reach Out Thoughtfully: When reaching out to alumni, personalize your communication. Mention your shared school background and express genuine interest in their career path or advice. Be clear about your intentions, whether it's seeking career advice, learning about their role, or discussing industry trends.
5. Request Informational Interviews: Ask for informational interviews to learn about their experiences, career paths, and insights into the industry. Approach these meetings with specific questions and show appreciation for their time and expertise.
6. Leverage Social Media: Use LinkedIn to connect professionally. Share relevant content, comment on posts, and engage with industry discussions to build rapport over time.
7. Be Genuine and Respectful: Focus on building genuine relationships rather than just seeking favors. Respect their time and contributions, and offer assistance when possible.
8. Follow Up and Stay in Touch: After initial meetings, follow up with a thank-you note. Keep them updated on your progress or achievements, and check in periodically with meaningful updates or questions.
9. Offer Value: As you build relationships, think about how you can offer value to them, whether it's insights from your current job, connections in other areas, or assistance with projects.
10. Mentorship Opportunities: If possible, seek mentorship from alumni who are willing to guide you on your career journey. This can lead to deeper and more supportive relationships.
By being proactive, respectful, and strategic, you can effectively leverage your school's alumni network to build meaningful professional relationships that can support your career goals.
1. Research and Identify Alumni: Start by identifying alumni from your school who are working in your desired field or at companies you're interested in. Use LinkedIn, your school's alumni directory, or the alumni office to find potential contacts.
2. Join Alumni Networks: Participate in alumni associations or groups specific to your school. Many schools have formal networks or online platforms where alumni connect. Engage actively in these communities to increase your visibility and discover opportunities for networking.
3. Attend Events: Attend alumni events, networking sessions, or industry conferences where alumni might be present. These events are great opportunities to meet people in person and establish initial connections.
4. Reach Out Thoughtfully: When reaching out to alumni, personalize your communication. Mention your shared school background and express genuine interest in their career path or advice. Be clear about your intentions, whether it's seeking career advice, learning about their role, or discussing industry trends.
5. Request Informational Interviews: Ask for informational interviews to learn about their experiences, career paths, and insights into the industry. Approach these meetings with specific questions and show appreciation for their time and expertise.
6. Leverage Social Media: Use LinkedIn to connect professionally. Share relevant content, comment on posts, and engage with industry discussions to build rapport over time.
7. Be Genuine and Respectful: Focus on building genuine relationships rather than just seeking favors. Respect their time and contributions, and offer assistance when possible.
8. Follow Up and Stay in Touch: After initial meetings, follow up with a thank-you note. Keep them updated on your progress or achievements, and check in periodically with meaningful updates or questions.
9. Offer Value: As you build relationships, think about how you can offer value to them, whether it's insights from your current job, connections in other areas, or assistance with projects.
10. Mentorship Opportunities: If possible, seek mentorship from alumni who are willing to guide you on your career journey. This can lead to deeper and more supportive relationships.
By being proactive, respectful, and strategic, you can effectively leverage your school's alumni network to build meaningful professional relationships that can support your career goals.