Introducing a NEW and unique alumni career resource for W&L Alumni and Students! In conjunction with the Career Services, Communications, and Advancement Operations Offices, Alumni Affairs is pleased to present our "Alumni Perspectives" advice editorials written by our "Alumni Guides." Read on for more information about the new platform.
A level of uncertainty about the future is common in the months and years following graduation from college. There can be a great deal of anxiety over the prospect of obtaining a job in this tough economy. Even for those of us "successfully" navigating the work world as career professionals, there are still lots of questions about the future. Wouldn't it be great if we could help reduce some of the uncertainty in our lives by having access to advice from those of who walked the road before us?
That's where you come in. The power of a Washington and Lee University diploma is multifaceted but unquestionable. In many respects, one of the greatest value-adds of a degree is access to the network of unbelievably successful alumni who have carved out meaningful careers in business, law, government, entertainment, as entrepreneurs. Those alumni who have achieved success most often point out that their career growth was a result of "networking," and the tips they've received while doing so.
In many respects, we're attempting to simulate the act of networking or an informational interview right here on the W&L Alumni website. We've asked alumni of all ages and professional backgrounds to write short editorials about their experiences in the work world, graduate school, or work/life, and the advice they would offer as a result. Our hope is that not only will you leave comments and tweet responses (#wlunetwork), but that you'll be compelled to tell your story as well. We're looking for Alumni Guides willing to write 3-5 paragraph editorials that contain for you advice wrapped up in a little narrative context. Our goal is to post 2-3 new Alumni Perspectives per week so we need your help! A few topics you might write about are:
What was a professional decision you made and what was the impact?
How could another alum get a job like yours?
When/why should you consider going to graduate school?
What professional advice have you received?
Our efforts here are meant to coincide with the other networking opportunities the Alumni Affairs Office has worked diligently to create for you; the Alumni Chapter Events, and On-Campus Events where these conversations occur in person.
In addition, you'll find an active Social Network of resources through the W&L Alumni website. If you haven't joined the Alumni Linkedin Group, you absolutely should do so right away. While our conversations are open to everyone here on the Alumni website, they are closed to alumni or W&L constituents on Linkedin. Please become active on Linkedin, and use Facebook and twitter to share links and information you find useful.
Interested in becoming an Alumni Guide? Please contact Ryan Catherwood, Asst. Director of Digital Communications and Social Media (rcatherwood@wlu.edu).
