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BACKGROUND
What is DukeConnect?
Why should I use DukeConnect?
What types of questions can DukeConnect help answer?
What are the differences between the new DukeConnect and the old version?
Who can use DukeConnect?
Is my information secure?
Is DukeConnect an employment service?
How much does it cost?
HOW TO
How do I maximize my searches?
How do I get volunteer contact information?
How can I manage the information I want displayed/hidden?
How do I update my profile?
ALUMNI FAQ
What is the difference between DukeConnect and the Alumni Directory?
Do I need to make separate log-ins for DukeConnect and the Alumni Directory?
If I was a member of DukeConnect in the past, do I have to do anything to join the new DukeConnect?
I am a Duke alum, and I have never registered.
What if I no longer wish to volunteer as a DukeConnect contact?
Can I use DukeConnect to reach out to a fellow alum without offering myself as a volunteer?
What other career services does Duke offer for alumni?
NETWORKING TIPS
What is networking?
Why should I network?
How does online networking work?
Sample Opening Questions
TROUBLE-SHOOTING
What do I do if I've forgotten my username/password?
Where should I submit questions or comments?
What is DukeConnect?
DukeConnect is an online database of alumni willing to provide career, life-stage, or other general advice to students and fellow alumni. DukeConnect is not a job-posting/seeking database.
Why should I use DukeConnect?
Members of the Duke community are encouraged to utilize DukeConnect as a networking resource. The best way to fuel your career path is by building relationships and exploring your options, whether you are choosing classes or considering a major life change
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What types of questions can DukeConnect help answer?
DukeConnect can be useful to network and answer questions regarding:
- Cities or Regions
"I'm moving to Detroit. What are the best neighborhoods for families? Where are local parks? Do you have recommendations for a veterinarian?"
- Jobs or Career Paths
"I'm considering shifting from finance to the non-profit sector. Is this hard?"
- Life Stage Assistance
"I took time off from work to raise my kids, but am trying to return to the workforce -- any advice?"
- Affinity Groups
"I planned events for the Union, too! Has that experience helped your career?"
- Current Student Help
"I think I want to be a music video dancer -- what path did you take to become one? Does major matter?"
(note: there are currently no music video dancers in DukeConnect)
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What are the differences between the new DukeConnect and the old version?
Below is a list of common DukeConnect complaints and how we have resolved them with the new version:
- "DukeConnect is confusing and difficult to log-in to."
Since alumni only need their SSN's and directory log-ins, joining DukeConnect is now easier than ever (no "Alumni ID Verification Codes" or other confusing secret ID's!). By linking DukeConnect directly to the Alumni Directory, alumni can now log-in once to access all of the resources available to them.
- "I've made changes to my profile, but I can't see them."
We have eliminated the 48-hour lag period that existed in the old system when information was changed. Any profile edits made now appear in your profile immediately and are transferred to our university database overnight.
- "I'm concerned about my email address being readily available."
We have implemented a blind messaging system so that students do not see volunteers' emails until after the volunteer has responded to the students' initial message.
- "I can't find any volunteers that I'm interested in contacting."
The Duke Alumni Association has undertaken a major marketing campaign encouraging alumni to join, with the goal of increasing and diversifying the volunteer pool.
- "The number of alumni I'm allowed to contact per month is too small."
We have increased the student quota to 250 alumni per month whom they are allowed to contact, trusting that students will use discretion and professionalism in doing so.
- "DukeConnect is ugly."
Hopefully that change is pretty obvious!
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Who can use DukeConnect?
All alumni and current students are encouraged to become members of DukeConnect.
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Is my information secure?
We have built in multiple security measures to protect your personal information, including:
- Blind Messaging
Volunteer email addresses will remain hidden until the contacted volunteer chooses to respond to the initial message.
- Student Contact Quotas
Students may contact no more than 250 volunteers per month.
- Volunteer Contact Restrictions
Volunteers may restrict the amount and type of information shown in his/her profile, and also the number of times he/she can be contacted per month.
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Is DukeConnect an employment service?
No. You cannot post or search for jobs on DukeConnect.
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How much does it cost?
DukeConnect is free for the Duke community!
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How do I maximize my searches?
You may use DukeConnect for purely informational purposes without any intention of contacting alumni or you may search for alumni and obtain contact information. There are monthly limits on obtaining contact information.
- View only, without obtaining contact information:
Search for alumni career examples by major, career field and more. This can be especially helpful for viewing career examples according to your major, a major or minor you are considering, or for doing preliminary research, even if you are not currently interested in contacting alumni. There are no monthly limits on searches, but there are limits on obtaining contact information.
- Obtaining contact information and monthly limits:
After obtaining alumni search results and viewing details, you have the option of clicking for contact information. You are limited to obtaining contact information on 10 alumni per month and each alum is limited to 10 student contacts per month. Clicking for alumni contact information will count towards these monthly limits. Contacts limits are in place so that alumni are not overburdened with requests.
- Hidden Contact Information:
Alumni contact information will not be viewable if the alum has reached the maximum number of contacts or by alum's request. Contact networking@daa.duke.edu if you need assistance.
Note: Use the ctrl key (or apple key for Macs) for multi-select AND de-select within the search menus.
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How do I get volunteer contact information?
Before clicking for contact information, be certain that you intend to contact that volunteer within one month, as obtaining this information will count towards your monthly maximum of 250 volunteer contacts.
- Preferred Contact Method
Business and/or home contact information will be provided, along with the volunteers' preferred contact method. Always use preferred contact method, if stated.
- No Contact Information
If no contact info is viewable, the volunteer has either reached that month's maximum contact quota or has requested that the information be hidden. Check back next month or make an appointment with your career counselor.
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How can I manage the information I want displayed/hidden?
You are encouraged to remove/include the information you prefer at any time by quickly updating your DukeConnect profile.
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How do I update my profile?
After logging-in, you may update your profile quickly by going to "My DukeConnect Profile" and selecting "Click to Update" in the profile areas you wish to change.
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What is the difference between DukeConnect and the Alumni Directory?
The alumni directory is an "opt-out" system with information on all 135,000+ Duke alumni, and is available to Duke alumni only. The new directory also includes social networking resources such as My Groups, My Events, and My Friends. DukeConnect is an "opt-in" system with more extensive career information for the smaller pool of alumni who have volunteered themselves to be networking resources, and is available to the entire Duke community.
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Do I need to make separate log-ins for DukeConnect and the Alumni Directory?
No -- one of the biggest improvements we have made is that both resources now use the same username and password, and share profile information between them (though more extensive career information is requested from DukeConnect volunteers).
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If I was a member of DukeConnect in the past, do I have to do anything to join the new DukeConnect?
Current DukeConnect members are simply asked to verify or update their profile information in the new system, as we have added further profile details to improve search specificity.
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I am a Duke alum, and I have never registered.
First-time users must follow these basic steps to join DukeConnect (more details can be found at Registration Help):
- Registration Step 1: Search for your record
Enter your information in the search form provided to pull your record from the list of eligible members (Duke alumni).
- Registration Step 2: Select your name from the search results list
Once you have clicked "Find My Record," you will see a list of individuals matching your search criteria -- select your name from the list.
- Confirm that it's me
After selecting your name from the search results, you will be given additional information on that specific listing to allow you to verify that in fact this is your own listing.
- What if I can't find my name?
If none of these names listed appears to be yours, click NEW SEARCH to return to the Search form and refine your search criteria. It is also recommended that you search with last name only and, when applicable, try variations of your last name. For example, "De Rosa" may be listed as "DeRosa." If you still cannot find your name after searching for all possible entries, your name may have been inadvertently omitted from the member list. If you believe you are qualified to join this community and have not been successful in your search, click on the email link. You will be prompted to enter personal data, which will be sent directly to your community administrator so that your case can be researched.
- What if I'm already registered?
If the system informs you that you are already registered, there are a few possible explanations:
- You really have already registered. If this is the case, you don't need to register again. Simply go to any member's only area within the community and enter your User ID and password when prompted. If you have forgotten your User ID or password go to the home page or within the Member Services area, and click on Lost ID or Password.
- You selected the wrong name from the list. There may be other members in your community member list that have the same name as you. Compare the additional information provided and make sure you did select the right name.
- If you do not remember registering, or if you are still having difficulty, please contact the Member Services department by clicking the Feedback link.
- Registration Step 3: Validate your security information
To validate your information, enter your ID number (last four digits of your SSN).
- What if my security information doesn't match?
If you are informed that the security information does not match, press the Back button on your browser, verify the information you entered, and try again. If the message persists, then the security information on file for you differs from what you expected. If you are still unable to successfully enter the security information, click the Feedback button on the right of the page and supply your biographical information. This information will be mailed directly to the administrator, who will research the problem and reply to you by email. Please be sure to include a working email address.
- Registration Step 4: Select User ID and password
At this point you have successfully identified yourself and the system has acknowledged that you are authorized to register. You will now need to complete the registration form, answer security questions, and create a secure username and password.
- Terms and Conditions of Use
All members of the Online Community are expected to accept and adhere to the Terms and Conditions of Use.
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What if I no longer wish to volunteer as a DukeConnect contact?
We encourage alumni who feel that they do not want to volunteer any longer to simply hide their profile information, as opposed to deleting their profiles, in the event that they may want to volunteer again in the future.
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Can I use DukeConnect to reach out to a fellow alum without offering myself as a volunteer?
Since every story is unique and we believe every Duke alumni has something special to offer the community, we encourage all alumni to volunteer as a resource for their fellow Dukies. However, alumni who do not wish to be volunteers may create a profile that includes no contact information.
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What other career services does Duke offer for alumni?
The Duke Alumni Association is currently in the process of revitalizing and expanding the career services we offer. Currently, career resources are limited to DukeConnect and www.Experience.com (an online employment database with which Duke holds a membership -- alumni are encouraged to create profiles and search for jobs on this website). Alumni up to 2 years out are eligible for career counseling at the Duke Career Center; more information can be found at career.studentaffairs.duke.edu.
In the future, the DAA and Career Center hope to create a system for online Duke-to-Duke job postings and searches, expand counseling services, and establish more regional and on-campus networking events.
More information and links to useful sites can be found at www.dukealumni.com/careerservices.
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What is networking?
- Networking is:
- Talking with people - anyone - who can provide insight. Informational interviewing is a form of networking.
- Learning about career fields and jobs, and expanding your contacts.
- The only entry into the hidden job market (finding job opportunities that are never advertised).
- The most effective means of finding a job!
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Networking is not:
- An interview for employment.
- A guarantee of employment or even employability.
- Business card swapping at a meeting or conference.
- Cold-calling people out of the phone book or the Duke Connect contacts.
- Passing out your resume indiscriminately.
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Why should I network?
Networking is one of the best ways to fuel your career exploration process.
- Leverage your Duke education
Alumni, parents, and administrators can all be helpful. If they're impressed with you, they're likely to think of you when opportunities come up, and to refer you to other people.
- Learn about the possibilities
It's an ideal way to learn about positions, companies, industries, career fields, and career paths.
- Gauge your "fit"
You can get a sense of your "fit" within a field, company, or position.
- Improve your interview skills
You'll gain confidence in your ability to describe your interests, skills, and values.
You'll be better able to articulate in subsequent "real" interviews why you are the ideal candidate.
- Find out about job openings
Most jobs are never advertised (10% are advertised in print; 10% online).
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How does online networking work?
DukeConnect is to be used exclusively for individual career exploration and networking.
The alumni listed in DukeConnect have volunteered to be a career resource to Duke students and alumni. Because networking is about building ongoing relationships, it is important to make the best first impression possible. To help you do that, read the guidelines below to ensure that you are ready to contact alumni and have a conversation about your individual career interests and/or goals.
- Do Initial Homework Before Contacting Alumni:
Alumni you contact are busy professionals. Informational interviewing or networking with alumni and others should always follow your own research on career fields. Prior research will help you to ask pertinent questions and express yourself in an articulate manner. Help is also available from the Career Center for students and alumni up to 2 years out. Find valuable resources on the Career Center website including drop-in advising while classes are in session. Initial homework may include all of some of the following:
- Meeting with a career counselor (for students and alumni up to 2 years out)
- Visiting the Career Resource Room during drop-in advising to review print materials (for those on-campus)
- Using the Career Center website (WetFeet insider guides, Vault Career Library, Industry Insights)
- Attend Career Center workshops,career-specific programs, and employer information sessions (for those on-campus)
- Know Your Purpose:
Consider your reasons for contacting the alum and the type of assistance you are seeking:
- Career information and insight into how this field might match your interests and skills.
- Advice on the skills sets, experiences and/or academic requirements necessary to break in and be successful in a field.
- Industry and/or employer information and suggestions for further research.
- Recommendations and feedback on your search strategies for an internship, summer job, or full-time/entry position.
- Advice on graduate/professional school.
- Referrals to others in your field of interest.
PLEASE DO NOT contact alumni to ask for a job or internship; this is not the purpose of DukeConnect!
- Contact Alumni According to Their Preferred Contact Method:
Contact the alum via email, phone, or letter, as specified in their profile. If no preference is stated, begin with the method that is most comfortable for you. An introductory email, followed by a scheduled telephone appointment, works best in most cases. Remember that you are limited to contacting 250 alumni per month.
Scheduling a Telephone Appointment or Personal Meeting
It is likely that you will be able to gather valuable career advice solely through email correspondence. Depending on the availability and willingness of the alum, you may also want to schedule a telephone appointment or personal meeting at the workplace to allow for more in-depth questions and conversation. If an appointment is scheduled, it is a good idea to always follow up with an email to confirm the date and time.
When calling alumni, be courteous and professional at all times.
Introduce yourself as a Duke student/alumnus contacting him/her in the hope that he/she can be a career resource to you.
- Let the alum know that you obtained his/her name from DukeConnect .
- Your introduction should include your career interests and/or major and the assistance you are seeking.
- Anticipate that the alum may be busy or unable to speak with you at the time of inquiry. Always ask if the alum has a few minutes to speak with you or if he/she would prefer to arrange a more convenient time. Be brief and courteous!
- If you reach an assistant first, identify yourself as a Duke student or alum and ask to leave a voice mail message . You can also inquire as to the best time to reach the alum or try earlier the next morning, before the busy day begins.
- If You Get No Response:
Although alumni have volunteered to be a career resource, you will have to ascertain their current willingness and availability to assist you. Their job status may have changed or the demands of their position may prevent a timely response. If you do not connect with the alum after a reasonable period of time (a week), try again via the same or an alternate contact method. Contact networking@daa.duke.edu with outdated or new alumni data. It is likely that you may encounter alums who no longer wish to serve as a resource or who may need to be refreshed about the program.
Sample Opening Questions
The following is a list of questions that may be tailored to fit your specific inquiry:
- I've always wanted to be in xyz field. Can you tell me what qualifications most people have to enter the field? Do you have to have a graduate degree to get to the upper levels?
- Your career field is known for its low pay. How do lower level employees make things work?
- I notice that you call Washington, DC home. Is it a good place for people to live and work?
- I'm thinking of working for a company like xyz. Since yours is a predominantly male field, can you tell me strategies for being successful as a woman?
- You and I both have degrees in history. I notice you're now an entrepreneur. Did you always want to go into business for yourself? Why did you choose history as a major?
- What advice would you have for getting your foot in the door in the xyz field?
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What do I do if I've forgotten my username/password?
Please go to our password retrieval page to retrieve a forgotten username/password (which will be emailed to the address provided in your profile).
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Where should I submit questions or comments?
Please email networking@daa.duke.edu to submit questions or comments about DukeConnect.
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