Posted by When I started my MBA, I was laser-focused on acing classes and landing that dream internship. The alumni network, I figured it was just a nice perk, not something that could actually shape my career. Looking back now, I realize how wrong I was. This is why learning how to network with MBA alumni early can make or break your post-grad opportunities.
Turns out, those graduates who walked the same halls years before me became my secret weapon. Think about it, your MBA alumni network is packed with professionals who’ve been exactly where you are, made the leap into your dream industry, and often love paying it forward. But here’s the catch: you have to approach them the right way.
Why Your MBA Alumni Network Is a Goldmine
Sure, networking with classmates is great, but alumni? They’re the ones who’ve already navigated post-MBA life. They know the unspoken rules of your target industry, which companies are hiring, and most importantly they remember what it was like to be in your shoes.
Early on, I made the mistake of thinking alumni were too important to respond to a random student. Then, during a career workshop, a second-year student shared how an alum helped her land an interview at a top firm. That was my wake-up call. These connections aren’t just LinkedIn contacts; they’re mentors, advocates, and sometimes even the bridge to your next big opportunity.
How to Reach Out Without Sounding Like a Robot
Ever gotten a generic “I’d love to pick your brain” message? Yeah, alumni get those all the time. The key is personalization. Instead of blasting out 50 templated requests, I focused on a handful of alumni whose career paths genuinely inspired me.
For example, I found an alum who’d switched from consulting to tech exactly the move I was considering. My message mentioned a specific article they’d written about the transition and asked one focused question. Not only did they reply, but we ended up having a 30-minute call that clarified my entire job search strategy.
Creative Ways to Engage Beyond Coffee Chats
Coffee meetings are fine, but let’s be real not every alum has time for that. Here’s what worked better for me:
Attending alumni panels, Hearing their stories live gave me natural conversation starters for follow-ups.
Virtual check-ins, A quick Zoom or even a voice note kept the connection warm without demanding hours of their time.
Campus events, When alumni returned as guest speakers, I made sure to introduce myself afterward with a reference to their talk.
Pro tip: Always send a thank-you note after any interaction. It’s a small gesture that makes you memorable in a sea of MBA students.
Keeping the Connection Alive Without Being Annoying
Networking isn’t a one-and-done deal. After my first few chats, I started a simple spreadsheet to track who I’d met, key details like their kid’s name or a project they mentioned, and when to follow up. Every few months, I’d share an update, maybe a class project related to their work or a news article that reminded me of our conversation.
The best part? These relationships paid off in ways I never expected. One alum introduced me to a hiring manager. Another reviewed my resume before applications. And yes, a few even became lifelong mentors.
Final Thought: Start Early, Stay Genuine
Your alumni network isn’t just a directory, it’s a community. The sooner you engage, the deeper those relationships grow. And remember, it’s not about using people; it’s about building mutual respect. After all, today’s students are tomorrow’s alumni someday, you might be the one getting those eager messages.
References
Harvard Business School. (2023). The Value of Business School Alumni Networks. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/harvard-business-school-value-alumni-networks
Ibarra, H., & Hunter, M. (2021). How Leaders Create and Use Networks. Harvard Business Review. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/ibarra-hunter-how-leaders-create-use-networks
National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2022). The Impact of Alumni Networks on Career Outcomes. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/national-association-colleges-employers-impact-alumni-networks.