The 2024 Alumni Career Development and Engagement Survey found that only 15 percent of alumni organizations offer robust career services.

Alumni networks are pivotal to a student’s career success. It’s essential to learn how your school (or schools) of choice emphasize their alumni network. What type of events do they offer, and how often do they occur? Are they on-site, virtual, formal, or casual? Does the school teach students how to network? What are they doing to increase their students’ success? Are the events for all majors? Are they received well by the students? What’s the percentage of students that attend? What are some success stories associated with their alumni network? All of these are questions that ought to be asked by students, parents, and guardians.

Alumni networks can be incredibly valuable if managed professionally. Sure, some alumni will be buffoons, but most will be pleasant, as they were in your shoes at one time. You automatically share a common bond; also, most older alumni just want to know what’s going on at the school, whether you’re enjoying it, and what you are planning for your career.

My counsel is this: Learn how to smile and nod your head, in person and on the phone. Alumni will likely have crazy college stories of being the Big Man on campus. To assist you through this, consider this quick tip: Comedian Chris Rock once did a skit about talking to his wife at the end of a workday. It’s worth watching because it shows that the simplest of responses works wonders. Basically, when listening to anyone drone on, smile and toss out, “No way!” or “You’re kidding me?” or “That’s nuts!!!” It will make you appear interested, perhaps even in awe, which people treasure. Bear in mind that a time will come when you will be telling young students all of your dull university tales. Chances are, a student will bark back, “Sounds like you were the BMOC!”