Let’s start with a truth bomb: your degree might be gathering dust somewhere, but the relationships you built while earning it? Still gold. Yet, so many people treat their alumni network like that group chat with your coursemates full of potential but mostly memes and silence.
Whether you graduated last year or last decade, your alumni network is more than a nostalgia club. It’s a buffet of opportunities, mentorships, job referrals, collaboration, career advice, and the occasional “my uncle is hiring” hookup. And guess what? You don’t need to be a networking ninja or a LinkedIn influencer to use it.
So let’s dive into how to actually leverage your alumni network without sounding like a desperate job-hunter or becoming the person people mute in group chats.
1. Reconnect Without Being Weird
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: reaching out after 5 years of no contact feels awkward. But guess what? Everyone’s busy adulting. No one expects a handwritten apology for ghosting the class group after NYSC.
Start small:
Comment on a post a former classmate shared on LinkedIn.
Drop a “Long time! I hope you’re doing well” message.
Slide into DMs (professionally, not like you’re looking for campus love 2.0).
Here’s a script for the shy ones:
“Hey Ramatu, I saw your update about working at Street2suit, and I’m really inspired. I’ve been exploring opportunities in a Tech-Industry, and I’d love to hear more about your journey if you’re open to a quick chat.”
Yes! You’ve reconnected without sounding weird.
2. Don’t Just Ask for a Job. Ask for Insight.
Nobody likes being treated like a human job board. “Please help me find work” might tug at the heartstrings, but it won’t open as many doors as “I admire your career path and would love to hear how you navigated the transition from an Intern to a permanent position.”
Instead of jumping straight to “Are they hiring?”, try:
- “What skills helped you land your current role?”
- “What would you have done differently after graduation?”
- “What do you wish someone had told you when you started?”
People love to talk about themselves. Let them. Ask good questions, listen more than you speak, and you’ll likely get valuable tips and maybe even a referral without begging.
3. Use Social Media Like You Mean It
LinkedIn is your best friend here, if you use it for more than stalking recruiters and liking posts about “leaving a six-figure job to follow my passion for writing.”
Here’s how to actually make LinkedIn work:
- Follow alumni from your school, use the “Alumni” tab on your school’s LinkedIn page.
- Send personalised connection requests, not “Hi”, but “Hi, I’m a fellow Kogi State University Ayingba alumni and I noticed you’re in Street2suit. I’d love to connect and learn from your journey.”
- Engage with their content, Like, comment, share. Don’t just lurk.
- Post your own stuff – Share your career updates, thoughts on your industry, or that seminar you attended. People need to see you to remember you.
Twitter (or X, if Elon hasn’t renamed it again) and Facebook alumni groups are also goldmines for opportunities if you’re active and helpful, not just begging for jobs.
4. Show Up (Virtually or Physically)
If your alma mater organises events, alumni mixers, virtual hangouts, and webinars. Go! Even if all they serve is awkward silences and puff-puff, go.
Why?
- You meet people in the same boat as you.
- You reconnect with seniors who might be hiring.
- You position yourself as someone who is serious about growth.
The more your face shows up, the more people remember you. Eventually, when there’s an opportunity, your name won’t sound like an unfamiliar password. If you’re shy, volunteer to help organize these events. Nothing breaks the ice like sweating behind a registration desk with other volunteers.
5. Give Before You Take
Here’s the cheat code: generosity is memorable. You don’t need to have millions or a blue tick to add value. Try:
- Sharing a job post with your alumni group.
- Recommending a fellow alum for a gig.
- Posting useful resources or free courses.
- Offering your skillset (graphic design, CV review, emotional support at 2 AM, you get the point).
When you give without expecting immediate returns, people remember. And when you need help, they’re more likely to respond.
6. Find (or Become) a Mentor
Somewhere out there is an alum who’s walked the path you’re struggling through. They’ve made the mistakes you’re about to make and lived to tell the tale.
Find them.
Message someone you admire and say:
“Hi Ramatu, I’m currently working towards Content Writing, and I noticed you’ve made significant progress in that space. I’d really appreciate 15 minutes of your time to learn from your experience.”
Most people are flattered, not bothered, especially if you keep it short, respectful, and don’t ask for a job right away.
And if you’re a few years ahead of someone else? Be the mentor. Even if you’re just two steps ahead, your guidance could change someone’s life—and that’s the kind of legacy LinkedIn doesn’t show in endorsements.
7. Join Alumni Platforms (Yes, Even the WhatsApp Group)
Your school probably has:
- WhatsApp or Telegram alumni groups
- A formal alumni association
- Email newsletters
- Job boards or talent directories
Join them. Not every message will be useful (expect the occasional “good morning family” and prayer chain), but hidden in those chats are opportunities:
- “My company is hiring”
- “We need a designer”
- “Who can handle social media for a month?”
If you’ve been inactive for too long, try reintroducing yourself:
“Hi everyone! I’m Ramatu, class of 2017. Currently working in customer service and content writing. I’d love to collaborate or assist with any alumni project coming up.”
Let them know who you are. Closed mouths don’t get fed especially in alumni circles.
8. Stay Consistent (Career Growth Is Not Instant Noodles)
One message won’t change your career. One event won’t guarantee a referral. Leveraging your alumni network is a process, not a magic spell.
So:
- Keep showing up.
- Keep offering value.
- Keep learning from others.
- Keep your CV warm (you never know when someone says, “Send it now!”)
Eventually, someone will remember your name when there’s a seat at the table. Or better still, you’ll build your own table and invite others in.
Conclusion
Don’t Be Ashamed to Use Your Network! Let’s be honest: sometimes, we feel guilty about “using” people. But leveraging your alumni network is not manipulation, it’s community. It’s people helping people with shared experiences, dreams, and that common trauma of eating rice and stew every Sunday at the home.
So go ahead. Reach out. Reconnect. Offer help. Ask questions. And remember, every big career move often starts with one small conversation.
Because in this life, and especially in this job market, it’s not just what you know but who sat beside you in 300-level EDS class.
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