17 answers
Sean
Student
Santa Clara, California
3
Questions
Asked
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How do I connect with alumni who had my major?
I'd like to learn what kind of business roles are best for me.
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17 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Dean; Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
787
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
If you want to learn which business roles might suit you, connecting with alumni is a great idea because they can share what their careers are actually like.
You can look for your university's alumni directory, LinkedIn page, or career services office. Search for graduates who studied your major and are now working in different business roles, such as marketing, finance, HR, consulting, operations, sales, or business analysis.
Additionally, you should speak with several alumni rather than relying on one person's experience. After a few conversations, you may start seeing patterns about which roles match your interests, strengths, personality, and preferred working style.
You can look for your university's alumni directory, LinkedIn page, or career services office. Search for graduates who studied your major and are now working in different business roles, such as marketing, finance, HR, consulting, operations, sales, or business analysis.
Additionally, you should speak with several alumni rather than relying on one person's experience. After a few conversations, you may start seeing patterns about which roles match your interests, strengths, personality, and preferred working style.
Laura E. Lin
People Intelligence & Analytics Manager
16
Answers
Quincy, Massachusetts
Updated
Laura E.’s Answer
As Wong said your alumni association can be a great resource to make connections - depending on your school, your department chair or other professors may also connect you with alumni. One of my professors maintained as department chair a list of jobs alumni from the department had achieved, to show the variety of possibilities. If you're interested in a specific company, LinkedIn may also have connections listed who went to your school if there is any overlap.
Kim Gravell
Healthcare Executive
7
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Sean
Great idea to connect to alumni with business degrees. I have business degrees from a different school, but would be happy to provide some thoughts on business role opportunities.
Depending upon your emphasis in school, there are several options to consider. For example, if you had a focus in finance, there are typically financial development programs that you can plug into. Often, operations has similar programs. Marketing usually has entry level positions that allow you to learn about the business and determine which direction you want to take. Human Resources has a similar career path.
Your connections through your alumni association will provide additional insights. I would also suggest that if a connection with one or more alumni feels like a good opportunity to form a mentor/mentee relationship, ask if that would be possible. That mentor relationship could be invaluable as you navigate your career path.
Best wishes for a successful journey.
Great idea to connect to alumni with business degrees. I have business degrees from a different school, but would be happy to provide some thoughts on business role opportunities.
Depending upon your emphasis in school, there are several options to consider. For example, if you had a focus in finance, there are typically financial development programs that you can plug into. Often, operations has similar programs. Marketing usually has entry level positions that allow you to learn about the business and determine which direction you want to take. Human Resources has a similar career path.
Your connections through your alumni association will provide additional insights. I would also suggest that if a connection with one or more alumni feels like a good opportunity to form a mentor/mentee relationship, ask if that would be possible. That mentor relationship could be invaluable as you navigate your career path.
Best wishes for a successful journey.
Shirley Wang, CPA
Senior Manager
12
Answers
Cranford, New Jersey
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Hi Sean - your desire to connect with alumni is a great idea! You can get first hand insight into where their majors have taken them and hear about their current roles/experience to gauge your interest!
Within your school, reach out to the counselors to determine if there is a alumni network listing. Consider attending alumni events and browsing LinkedIn as well. Remain open to connecting with alumni that may not have had your major but are working in an industry that is of interest to you.
Ty to connect with a number of people as a connection can not only give you the insight you are looking for but could also lead to a mentor!
Within your school, reach out to the counselors to determine if there is a alumni network listing. Consider attending alumni events and browsing LinkedIn as well. Remain open to connecting with alumni that may not have had your major but are working in an industry that is of interest to you.
Ty to connect with a number of people as a connection can not only give you the insight you are looking for but could also lead to a mentor!
Ryan Wootten
Product Management
2
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Starting with your university's alumni association(s) and LinkedIn are going to be your best bets here - then you can broaden your searches to local organizations, depending upon your major, if there are relevant networking events and conferences that you can attend.
Jason Capili
Ethics and Compliance
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hi Sean, building your professional network is key to a successful career. Start by joining your college's alumni association, as it connects you with former students who share your major or career interests. If your college has local alumni chapters, attend their events to expand your network and build valuable relationships. Having worked closely with my college's alumni associations, I can attest to the wealth of knowledge and opportunities they offer. Use these resources to grow your network, and good luck!
Melissa Chan
Project/Program Manager
3
Answers
Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Hi Sean,
Try asking your college if they have a newsletter or a group for alumni from your major. You can also look for groups on Facebook or LinkedIn. Maybe the alumni office can give you a contact to help you start building your network. Don't forget to reach out to your classmates and people you graduated with—they might know someone who can help. Good luck!
Try asking your college if they have a newsletter or a group for alumni from your major. You can also look for groups on Facebook or LinkedIn. Maybe the alumni office can give you a contact to help you start building your network. Don't forget to reach out to your classmates and people you graduated with—they might know someone who can help. Good luck!
Lauren Marino, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Director
6
Answers
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
I would leverage LinkedIn as a starting point and you can also reach out to your school's admissions office or alumni network. Your connections on LinkedIn will likely expand your reach significantly. Many people are happy to share their personal experiences and career journey!
Regina Funches-Berry
Public Auditor
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Regina’s Answer
Hi Sean,
To connect with alumni from your school, try joining LinkedIn groups or other platforms related to your major or school. I often receive requests from students and alumni from my alma mater. I connect with those starting at my firm or who are interested in the firm or industry I work in.
To connect with alumni from your school, try joining LinkedIn groups or other platforms related to your major or school. I often receive requests from students and alumni from my alma mater. I connect with those starting at my firm or who are interested in the firm or industry I work in.
Shiv T
Strategy & Operations Director
5
Answers
Danville, Pennsylvania
Updated
Shiv’s Answer
Hello! I suggest getting in touch with your university's alumni association and checking out LinkedIn. Feel free to reach out—people enjoy sharing their experiences!
Elise Palasak
Healthcare Technology Consultant
3
Answers
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Updated
Elise’s Answer
LinkedIn is a fantastic way to connect with alumni in your major! If you find someone with similar interests and a background you like, feel free to reach out and ask for a chat. Many people are glad to share their experiences and offer helpful advice!
Lisa Specter
Learning and Development
3
Answers
Voorhees Township, New Jersey
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
There are some good tips here. You might also want to check out local alumni events to meet people and learn from their experiences. Even if someone isn't in your field, you can ask them to introduce you to others in their network who might share your interests. This way, their network can become your network.
Sydney Thompson
Consultant
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sydney’s Answer
Definitely use LinkedIn, but also look for alumni or recruiting events, whether they're in person or online. These can be really helpful for new graduates.
Cindy Thai
Tax
4
Answers
Whittier, California
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
To connect with alumni from your major, start by using your college's alumni directory or career center matching program. You can also try LinkedIn's alumni tool, filtering by major, and send friendly, specific connection requests. Ask your teachers or professors for introductions, as they often know where past students are now. Look for alumni panels or volunteer events hosted by your school or department, and join clubs related to your major. When reaching out, keep your request simple and clear, like asking for a 15-20 minute call instead of a long-term mentorship.
Andrea Mazie
consulting
23
Answers
Providence, Rhode Island
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
LinkedIn is a great, easy place to start and get several potential contacts from your school - of all ages and career stages. And when you are ready to reach out - remember - people actually really like helping! As we move along in our careers, we learn some hard lessons and it's so nice when other people, like you, can benefit from those lessons. Plus, almost everyone had someone who helped them along when they were starting out and "paying it forward" is something most of us like to do.
As you reach out - also keep in mind people are busy, sometimes miss seeing messages, etc. None of that is personal. Cast a wide net in reaching out and if you get to actually talk or exchange messages with three or four people, you're doing great.
Good luck!
As you reach out - also keep in mind people are busy, sometimes miss seeing messages, etc. None of that is personal. Cast a wide net in reaching out and if you get to actually talk or exchange messages with three or four people, you're doing great.
Good luck!
Lakshmi Nair
Auditor
6
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Lakshmi’s Answer
To connect with college alumni who studied the same major as you, try using the LinkedIn Alumni Tool. Go to your university’s page, click on the "Alumni" tab, and filter by your field of study, location, or companies you are interested in. When you find someone you’d like to connect with, send a friendly and personalized message. Mention that you both went to the same school and ask if they would be open to a quick chat to share their experiences. Also, make use of your university’s career center or attend networking events and alumni panels on campus. These are great ways to meet graduates who are excited to help current students like you.
Yvette Pabon
Executive Assitant
16
Answers
Clermont, Florida
Updated
Yvette’s Answer
Alumni are honestly one of the best resources for figuring this out! 🤝 Start with LinkedIn or your school’s alumni network and search for people who had your major but ended up in different business roles.
When you reach out, keep it casual and specific—ask about what they do, how they got there, and what they wish they knew in college. You’d be surprised how many people are happy to share their experience!
Also, don’t go into every conversation thinking you need to ask for a job. Treat it as a chance to learn. After a few conversations, you’ll probably start noticing which roles sound exciting to you and which ones definitely don’t—and that’s super helpful too! 😊
When you reach out, keep it casual and specific—ask about what they do, how they got there, and what they wish they knew in college. You’d be surprised how many people are happy to share their experience!
Also, don’t go into every conversation thinking you need to ask for a job. Treat it as a chance to learn. After a few conversations, you’ll probably start noticing which roles sound exciting to you and which ones definitely don’t—and that’s super helpful too! 😊