With Homecoming weekend only days away, alumni are returning to Penn State. Students can make the most of this by reaching out and taking advantage of the opportunity to network. Networking allows students to develop relationships that can be beneficial as they explore and pursue their career goals. The goal is not to use people to get jobs; it is about building and maintaining professional relationships.
A number of services and programs are available to help current students connect with Penn State alumni and professionals. Career Services hosts the “Penn State Career Connection” group on LinkedIn.com, connecting Penn State students with employers on career-specific issues.
Students can talk with a drop-in counselor to learn more about “A Day in the Life” job shadowing opportunities or LionLink, a professional networking program that links Penn State students and alumni with alumni volunteer career coaches. Drop-in counseling is available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, in the Bank of America Career Services Center.
In conjunction with Penn State Homecoming, the Penn State Alumni Association will host a Student-Alumni Ice Cream Social for students to get to know alumni from 1-4 p.m. on Friday at the Hintz Family Alumni Center. The social will be followed by the Penn State Homecoming Parade from 6 to 8 p.m.
For more tips and information about how to prepare for a networking opportunity, visit http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/career/students/job_search.shtml#net online.