How a Strong Alumni Network Can Benefit Students

Benefiting students and graduates alike, alumni networks can help kickstart your career planning through connections to local industries, access to job shadowing, cross-country networking and so much more.

Secure a place in one of Pacific’s innovative advanced degree programs as soon as your first year on campus with Guaranteed Graduate School Admission, which includes leading degrees in education, healthcare, business and more!

Graduation is just the beginning. 

Getting your degree is only the first step in discovering how to turn your passion into purpose. 

Not only does the transition from student to graduate signal the start of your career, but it also means joining your college’s alumni network. 

And while you may think that a school’s alumni network doesn’t matter much when choosing a college, its impact can be felt as early as your first year on campus.

The best alumni associations not only help students after graduation through networking and job opportunities, but also bring their knowledge and connections back to campus and provide a pathway to internships while students are still getting their degrees. 

See how choosing a school with a strong alumni network can help you land a career that enables you to make a difference in your community.

INQUIRE TODAY

What is an Alumni Network?

Consisting of graduates from throughout a college’s history, an alumni network is a community of experienced professionals and thought leaders who care deeply about the success of their alma mater. 

Pacific’s alumni network has over 33,000 former students. That means over 33,000 opportunities to learn more about potential careers, network in your industry, and get your foot in the door at organizations that excite you.

Alumni networks include former students now working in local communities and around the world. No matter where you end up, odds are there are alumni in your area waiting to connect.

But alumni organizations do so much more than organize class reunions or homecoming tailgates.

Rather, alumni networks serve both former and current students by helping graduates stay connected with their college and their peers, fostering lifelong relationships based on mutual pride.

You don’t have to have graduated (yet) to take advantage of your university’s alumni network.

How do Alumni Serve Current Students?

The pride many alumni feel about having attended their college results in them wanting to give back to current students in ways that can help them succeed during school and after graduation.

A strong alumni association benefits current students by:

• Helping fund campus projects. Paying it forward through donations, alumni associations help fundraise for scholarships, academic programs and research opportunities.

• Bringing in experienced teachers. Many alumni use their experience and expertise to teach at the same colleges they themselves attended, using their prowess to help shape the next generation of change makers.

• Fostering networking connections. From tabling at career fairs to connecting with faculty to help students find internship, volunteer, or job opportunities, alumni networks are essential for students looking to take the next step in their career.

• Providing mentorship opportunities. Interacting with the campus community by working with academic clubs or as preceptors in professional health programs, alumni organizations facilitate putting students in touch with leaders in their field.

Can an Alumni Network Help Start Your Career?

Whether it’s your first year as an undergrad or you’re preparing to graduate with an advanced degree, connecting with alumni through your school’s alumni network can give your career search a massive boost.

Through the alumni association at your college or through online platforms like LinkedIn, getting in touch with alumni who share your passions is easy.

Due to the wide breadth of expertise within a large alumni network, matching up with someone with demonstrated experience and industry connections in everything from education to journalism to optometry is at your fingertips. 

Informational interviews, job shadowing (especially useful for those pursuing advanced degrees), and entry-level roles to help establish a resume are all things that alumni networks are excited to help facilitate.

What are the Benefits of a Strong Alumni Network?

The best alumni networks are those that combine community building and career networking at every stage of your college journey. 

You can take advantage of your university’s alumni network in different ways depending on where you are in your degree path.

Financial aid and scholarships (many of which are partially funded by alumni donors) are available to all incoming students. Inquire today to see how you can start your journey to become a Boxer.

PLAN A CAMPUS VISIT