The Power of Alumni Connections

Alumni connections can open doors to mentorship, career insight, and long-term professional growth—but only if you know how to build those relationships thoughtfully.

In this episode of UMBC Mic’d Up, host Dennise Cardona shares practical, approachable strategies for connecting with alumni and turning those connections into meaningful professional relationships. From making your outreach more personal to following up with intention, this episode offers guidance you can apply at any stage of your academic or career journey.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about networking or reaching out, this conversation will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Transcript

00:00:00  

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of UMBC Mic'd Up. I'm Dennise Cardona, your host. Today, I come to you with what I hope will be helpful information. We talk a lot about networking, but one of the most powerful and sometimes overlooked resources is your alumni community. 

00:00:17  

A strong alumni network can lead to internships, mentorships, job opportunities and long term career growth. And the best part, alumni have already walked the path that you're on. Their insight comes from lived experiences. That being said, even when people understand the value of alumni connections, many aren't quite sure how to start or how to build those relationships in a meaningful way. 

00:00:47  

So let's break this down into something practical and approachable. First, let's talk about connecting with alumni. One of the easiest ways to start is by leaning into shared identity, going to the same institution, studying a similar field, or even sharing interests, gives you natural common ground, that connection matters more than you think. 

00:01:12  

Another simple step is showing up. Alumni are often involved in career panels, networking events and virtual meetups. Attending those events puts you in the same space and creates opportunities for organic conversation. No awkward, cold outreach is required when you do reach out directly, personalization goes a long way. 

00:01:37  

Introduce yourself, explain why you're contacting them, and be clear about what you hope to learn. It shows professionalism, respect and intention, and don't be afraid to ask thoughtful questions. Ask about their career path, what challenges they faced, or what they wish they had known earlier. 

00:01:58  

Most alumni genuinely enjoy sharing lessons that can help someone else avoid common missteps, just as important, always follow up a quick thank you and a brief update on how their advice helped you can turn a single conversation into a lasting connection. Now, once you've made these connections, how do you build relationships that last. It starts with clarity. 

00:02:26  

Be honest with yourself about what kind of guidance you're looking for. Is it career direction? Skill Building help navigating next steps. Knowing this helps others support you more effectively. Open communication matters too. Share your goals, interests and even your challenges. When mentors understand where you're coming from, they can offer advice that's truly relevant. 

00:02:52  

Showing initiative makes a big difference. Come prepared with questions or updates. It signals that you value their time and are serious about your growth, and when someone offers guidance, use it mentors. Appreciate hearing how their advice made an impact and what you plan to do next. Most importantly, remember that strong relationships don't end after one conversation. Stay in touch. Share progress. Keep asking thoughtful questions. 

00:03:23  

That consistency is what turns a connection into a trusted professional relationship. Before we wrap up, let's touch on a few common mistakes to avoid. Try not to reach out only when you need something urgently. Avoid vague or impersonal messages don't show up to conversations unprepared, and never underestimate the importance of gratitude and follow through. 

00:03:50  

Letting connections fade after one interaction is one of the biggest missed opportunities when done thoughtfully, alumni, connections and mentorship can be truly transformative with clear communication, intentional outreach and consistent follow through, you can build relationships that support you at every stage of your academic and professional journey. Keep expanding your network, stay curious and approach every interaction with purpose and professionalism. Thanks so much for tuning in to this episode until next time. Keep up the good work.