After graduation, students officially become alumni. This, as seniors are often reminded, is the longest relationship status with your school. But what does that relationship entail, and how can your alumni office help you? Outside of newsletters and the annual alumni magazine Hamptonia, here are a few reasons to stay (or get) connected with the alumni office team.
Networking
One of the first things that often comes to mind for networking is events. Events are certainly valuable experiences to make connections, but there are great practices to get you started. You can network by simply submitting a class note. Not only does this keep your classmates up to date on what you are doing, but a note also makes you easily accessible to alumni in similar fields and interests. Likewise, you may find your next business partner while reading alumni profiles and class notes.
Mentoring Opportunities
Graduates are a source of inspiration for many young students at your alma mater. Staying connected helps to demonstrate a potential willingness to speak and connect with students who may be considering your career path. If working with students is of interest to you, share this with your alumni office. Not only will you be able to give back by sharing your knowledge, but you’ll also gain valuable experience in public speaking and general mentoring. From more formal opportunities through our Alumni in Residence program, or smaller engagements such as Arts Day or classroom visits, your voice can be valuable in connecting with students.
News and Events
Faculty news, alumni news, school news—you name it, we’ve probably shared it. Newsletters are a great resource to easily keep in touch with the school. Events are also key in connecting alumni, whether on campus or on the road. If there aren’t events in your area, and you would like to host or help organize an alumni event near you, please reach out to the alumni office. We can help make it happen! And, be sure to glance at our newsletters, you never know when there’s an event or opportunity for you.
Partnerships and Internships
Partnership and internship opportunities provide excellent and relevant career experience for young alumni and current students. Likewise, alumni can fill needs within their companies from a talented pool of students, and potentially find a new connection or colleague for years to come. We are always seeking openings for summer and year-round partnerships and internships, and many of our current student programs are made possible through generous connections with our alumni such as Project Week.
History
Alumni teams seek to both share and receive stories and archival materials with the greater school community. Sharing your vintage New Hampton t-shirt from 1980 could be the inspiration for the next throwback tee in the campus store! And, likewise, a picture from 1992 of students at a favorite hangout spot could use your help in identifying a long, lost classmate. The history of our school is always more than just the annual events. The people, places, small moments, and memorabilia provide incredible depth and spirit to our community.
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Staying connected means we all benefit. Visit the alumni & advancement team page online to learn more about our team, and keep in touch—we’re here to help!
