Help local alums boost one anothers’ careers

Each Duke regional network designs career and networking events that meet the specific needs of their members. Here are a few ideas to try with your local group:

Networking Events

Most every regional network event, from a hoops watch to a cocktail hour, gives alumni an informal opportunity to share career knowledge, advice and connections. In his or her welcome speech, the leader should encourage people to seize the opportunity.

For more focus, consider hosting formal networking events, where alumni pre-register and are matched with others in their fields of interest. Try speed networking, giving each participant several minutes to speak with a dozen or more others. Host a career fair to connect employers with qualified alums. Or try “focus meals,” breakfasts, lunches or dinners centered on one successful alum sharing expertise with just five to 10 others.

Informational Events

These involve experts sharing resume, networking, or interviewing tips, knowledge and advice about a particular field or industry. Assemble a panel of three to six speakers with different perspectives on a theme and a personable moderator to field audience questions and direct the conversation.

You could invite one or two presenters to teach others using a PowerPoint or other multimedia aid. Or bring in an HR professional or career coach to critique participants’ resumes in short, one-on-one discussions with each participant.