How can you use alumni associations to build your professional network for Large Group Facilitation?

As a large group facilitator, you know the importance of connecting with diverse and relevant stakeholders, learning from their insights and experiences, and creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation. But how can you expand your network and reach more potential clients, partners, and peers in your field? One way is to leverage your alumni associations, which can offer you access to a rich and varied community of professionals who share your educational background and interests. In this article, we will explore how you can use alumni associations to build your professional network for large group facilitation, and share some tips and best practices to make the most of this resource.

1 Why join alumni associations?

Alumni associations are organizations that connect graduates of a specific institution, program, or field of study. They offer a wide range of benefits, such as networking events and workshops to help you meet and learn from other alumni who work in related fields. You can also access career services, job boards, referrals, and recommendations to find new opportunities. Additionally, alumni directories, newsletters, social media groups, and online platforms can help you stay in touch with former classmates and professors. Moreover, there are alumni discounts, scholarships, grants, and awards to access professional development resources and further education.

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Verima P.

Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California, San Francisco
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Joining an alumni association can be profoundly beneficial. Firstly, it creates a network of individuals that have shared educational experiences, easing the ability to connect. This network stems as a valuable resource for career opportunities, mentorship, and collaboration. Alumni associations generally organize events, reunions, and networking sessions, providing a platform to meet people from various industries and career stages. This exposure can broaden your perspective, introduce you to different career paths, and help you stay informed about industry trends. Moreover, alumni associations may offer exclusive benefits such as job placement services, continued education opportunities, and access to specialized resources.

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Jennifer Bowie

Connecting Bobcats to one another and their university, forever.
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Yes, our alma maters offer amazing resources and opportunities through their Alumni Associations. From access to career resources, networking, and mentorship, to special events, volunteer roles, and special discounts. But, the most important reason to engage with your Alumni Association? When you do, you'll make a difference in the lives of current students and your fellow alumni. Your story will resonate with a student looking to build a career in your field. Your experience will inspire a grad in your home town to join an alumni group. Your passion will inspire future generations of students to choose your alma mater. Get engaged. It matters.

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2 How to find alumni associations?

If you are looking for an alumni association that fits your needs and preferences, there are many options available. Start by checking your alma mater's website or contacting their alumni office; they may have an official network you can join. You can also look for regional, national, or international chapters that cater to your geographic location or have a global reach. Additionally, there are alumni groups based on industry, sector, or niche, such as organizational development or social innovation. Finally, there are other types of alumni networks that focus on criteria such as diversity, affinity, or social impact.

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3 How to network effectively with alumni?

Once you join an alumni association, you want to make sure you network effectively with other members and build meaningful and lasting relationships. To do this, be proactive and engaged by attending events, participating in activities, volunteering for roles, and contributing to discussions. Show your respect and support for others by listening to them, asking questions, offering feedback, and sharing resources. Additionally, be authentic and genuine by sharing your story, goals, passions, and challenges. This will help you establish a connection with others. Lastly, be strategic and intentional by identifying your networking objectives, researching potential contacts, preparing your pitch, following up with them, tracking your progress, and measuring your results.

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Jennifer Bowie

Connecting Bobcats to one another and their university, forever.
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In my experience, alumni love to hear from other alumni. And they're easy to find thanks to LinkedIn! Reach out, introduce yourself, ask a specific question, or make a specific observation about another's career. Make sure you know why you're reaching out and then be a human. Enjoy talking about your shared educational experience!

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4 How to use alumni associations for large group facilitation?

Alumni associations can be an invaluable resource for those looking to further their large group facilitation work. Through alumni associations, you can showcase your portfolio, pitch your services, and get referrals and recommendations from other alumni in your target sectors or organizations. You can also network with other alumni who have complementary skills, expertise, or resources, and form alliances, partnerships, or joint ventures. Additionally, alumni associations provide the opportunity to connect with more experienced individuals in large group facilitation, and seek their guidance, advice, or feedback for professional development. Finally, alumni associations provide access to professional development resources, further education, or recognition for your large group facilitation work. You can also use them to learn from best practices, case studies, or trends in large group facilitation and apply them to your own work.

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5 How to give back to alumni associations?

As a large group facilitator, you can give back to your alumni associations and contribute to their growth and impact. Offering to host or facilitate events, workshops, webinars, or mentorship programs for other alumni can be a great way to share your expertise and insights. You can also refer other alumni who are looking for projects, clients, partners, or mentors in large group facilitation or related fields. Additionally, providing feedback and suggestions to the alumni association leaders, organizers, or staff on how to improve their services and activities can be beneficial. Sharing your ideas, opinions, or perspectives on how to address the challenges or opportunities facing the alumni community is also encouraged.

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Jennifer Bowie

Connecting Bobcats to one another and their university, forever.
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Uplift your alma mater and help to enhance its reputation. Support student recruitment. Get involved supporting current students (share your experience and expertise in a classroom, offer an internship, review resumes, be a mentor). Participate in programs and activities that support the personal and professional development of your fellow grads. Volunteer ... for a local alumni group, for your academic department.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you use alumni associations to build your professional network for Large Group Facilitation?

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1 Why join alumni associations?

2 How to find alumni associations?

3 How to network effectively with alumni?

4 How to use alumni associations for large group facilitation?

5 How to give back to alumni associations?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Large Group Facilitation

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How can you use alumni associations to build your professional network for Large Group Facilitation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Why join alumni associations?

2 How to find alumni associations?

3 How to network effectively with alumni?

4 How to use alumni associations for large group facilitation?

5 How to give back to alumni associations?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Large Group Facilitation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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