by Burt Bollinger

For those looking to take their careers to the next level, a graduate degree is often an option worth considering. While the degree itself is certainly attractive, those who want to get the most out of their time should look at the bigger picture. The connection made with classmates, alumni, and the university itself may have the most positive overall effect on today’s professional student.

“Today networking is so important that a graduate degree alone is only part of what is necessary,” says Penny Schafer, director of Keller Graduate School of Management in St. Louis. “While some people have connections when they come to us, others don’t.To really take advantage of your degree, you do need to try and force those communications,” Schafer says.

In today’s graduate school programs, the connections students make in the “real” world are just as important as the academics. These interactions can be surprisingly informal. For instance, simply getting to know other classmates and learning how they arrived where they are in their careers can be informative.

“We stress the importance of the connections you make with the people next to you in the classroom. Also, another valuable connection that can be made is with alumni,” says Schafer.

“Alumni financially support their alma maters, hiring graduates and assisting with the placement of new graduates,” explains Gina M. Sholtis, assistant dean for Development and Alumni Relations, Saint Louis University School of Law.

Sholtis says it’s not by chance that many of the top universities spend a great deal of money, time and talent in nurturing relationships with alumni. They know well-qualified students will apply, and most importantly, their graduates will find jobs.

“Alumni interactions can happen in a variety of ways,” says Sholtis. “Examples of programs an alumni relations office might develop include young alumni events and alumni and student mentoring. In addition, alumni often return to campus to teach in a specialty area of study or research, bringing a practical skills application to the classroom.”

“In most instances, it is a really wonderful thing for students to interact with alumni,” says Shari Burns, an independent program advisor for The College Network. “In an interview, your alumni association with a specific institution can be to your advantage. Also, if someone is coming out of school and they have pre-existing connections, they may be able to get their foot ‘in the door’ so to speak,” says Burns.

In addition to alumni, professional students are using other methods to get noticed. More and more are getting involved in organizations that help them make the connections they need to get into their field of preference.

“If you are working on a master’s degree in human resources management, you may want to consider getting a student membership in one or more of the professional HR groups in St. Louis, such as the Human Resources Management Association or the Society of Human Resources Management,” says Schafer.

These types of organizations usually meet monthly, and they can help with certification training, networking and all kinds of career coaching type of activities. If nothing else, students can learn to present themselves in a way that is marketable to a human resources director or a project manager.

“You are not sitting in a classroom, but you are still learning a lot about hot issues and topics in your particular field, which would hopefully make you better versed in an interview or in any forum where you might be trying to sell yourself,” says Schafer.

It’s clear that getting ahead in today’s competitive job market sometimes takes more than a degree alone. The good news is that there are opportunities within reach for growth and development that don’t involve classroom performance.

“I’d recommend that students choose a school where they feel at home, where they want to be, and where they feel a part of the community,” says Burns. “The school they select should make them want to give back to their community.”

Forming ties while in school and participating in the community of recent alumni can help form solid business ties that can lead to greater opportunities. And, graduates with many years of practical experience in their fields can benefit those still in school by serving as alumni advisors. The end result is a richer educational experience, and a chance for prospective employers and future employees to learn more about each other.

BACK TO NETWORK HOME

Networking is an important part of the graduate school experience.

 

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