The value of LinkedIn has increased yet again. Now that LinkedIn has partnered with colleges and universities to launch the "Alumni" piece, school connections and networking are skyrocketing. As a Former Student (that is what we call ourselves) of Texas A&M University and a current Career Coach at this dear institution, I could not be happier to see this partnership blossom. Texas A&M University knows the value of current and former student networking. Our Association of Former Students does an amazing job keeping our Aggie family strong. Anywhere you travel in the world, the Aggie Ring is easily noticed. So why not take it virtual. These types of partnerships between colleges and universities and LinkedIn are growing everyday.
Of course Texas A&M has a website for alumni which also provides opportunities to connect with fellow current and former students, but the partnership with LinkedIn has taken it to a whole new level. You can now connect your LinkedIn URL and profile to your AggieNetwork account. In addition, I can go to LinkedIn and find Aggies through this resource using their Alumni section. My online Rolodex just got even stronger. We still share business cards, but gone is the day of worrying about maintaining an up to date physical Rolodex.
There is a saying here at A&M that Aggies love to hire Aggies, and I'm sure other schools feel the same about their own schools. When you become a student at A&M, you join a network that is thousands and thousands strong. Tapping into the AggieNetwork for any current job seeker is imperative. It is widely known that networking is the best way to find a job. The AggieNetwork builds and strengthens relationships between current and former students. This Network has proven time and time again that employed Aggies love to help current students achieve their career goals. Let this Network work for you and return the favor once employed by paying it forward to our future students.
Before you stop reading my blog today, please do the following:
1. Log into the AggieNetwork (or your collegiate alumni organization) and connect with your LinkedIn account if this feature is available.
2. Log into your LinkedIn account, click on Network, and click on Find Alumni.
3. Reach out alumni based on your interests and goals, connect for guidance and networking, and build your professional presence.
