Alumnae Resource Network

What is the Alumnae Resource Network (ARN)?
When can I use the ARN?
What do I say when I meet an alumna?
Beginning to networking

 

What is the Alumnae Resource Network (ARN)?

The Alumnae Resource Network is a computerized database system that lists names, addresses, telephone numbers and career histories of 4500 Saint Mary's alumnae. The purpose of the ARN is to connect Alumnae with current students for the purpose of gathering information about a career field, a particular company or graduate school, and to build your network of contacts as you plan your next steps after graduation.

The Alumnae Resource Network can be accessed through the Career Crossings Office (114 Spes Unica Hall). This computer system is VERY user friendly and information can be accessed in the following categories:

* Major *Job Level *City/State * Alumnae Club *Class Year *Position Title *Company Name
*Graduate Schools

The information provided is for the express purpose of linking students with graduates to learn more about the world of work, individual career paths, career information, and networking. Students using the ARN may receive assistance from the Career Crossings Staff.


When do I use the ARN?

The hours of the Career Crossings Office are Monday through Friday, from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

What do I say when I meet an alumna?

INITIAL CONTACT

Introduce Yourself
Hi, my name is___________ and I'm a (class year) majoring in_________ at Saint Mary's. I got your name from the Alumnae Resource Network at the College.

Arrange For Convenient Time
I'm going to be relocating to the ___________ area and I was wondering if you had some time now to talk about your field and about employment prospects. (If not, make arrangements to call back at a time convenient for alumna.)

Ask If Willing To Network
 I'm going to be looking for a job as a ______________ and I'm just beginning the networking process. As a professional in the field, I was wondering if you could give me some advice and suggestions about how to develop contacts in this industry/field. Would it be possible to send you my resume to give you a better idea about my background and then call you in a week or so to hear your recommendations? (Wait for the response.)

Arrange For Convenient Follow-Up time
Thank you for your time. I appreciate it. (Please be sure to get/check her address.) When would be a good time to reach you (next week)? Thanks again.

SECOND ALUMNAE RESOURCE NETWORK CONTACT

Introduce Yourself
Hi, this is ________________ from Saint Mary's College. We spoke recently about my (job search, networking, etc.). I was wondering if my resume arrived yet? (If yes, proceed.) Is this a good time to talk?

Ask For Networking Ideas
I've done some basic research and I'm interested in working for a (type of firm or organization, i.e., bank, not-for-profit agency, advertising agency, etc.). I was wondering if you have some ideas about what organizations or people I might contact regarding employment opportunities? (Wait for her response.)

Ask For Correct Approach
If they give you the names of individuals to contact, ask:
In your opinion, what's the best way to reach (name of person.) Should I send a resume/cover letter first or phone first?
Would it be possible to use your name when I make the contact?

If they give you a company name, ask:
Who would you suggest I contact? (Be sure to get the correct spelling of any name(s) and a phone number.) Would it be possible to use your name?
Do you think they are hiring?
How would you recommend I make the contact? Phone or mail?

Ask For Any Recommendations
As a new graduate entering the _____________ field, do you have any recommendations for me?

Thank You
Name, I really appreciate all your help. If it's okay with you, I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again for your time!

Remember: send a typed, error-free thank you note.

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What do I say to get some networking help?

Introduce Yourself
Hi, this is ________________ from Saint Mary's College. We spoke recently about my (job search, networking, etc.). I was wondering if my resume arrived yet? (If yes, proceed.) Is this a good time to talk?

Ask For Networking Ideas
I've done some basic research and I'm interested in working for a (type of firm or organization, i.e., bank, not-for-profit agency, advertising agency, etc.). I was wondering if you have some ideas about what organizations or people I might contact regarding employment opportunities? (Wait for her response.)

Ask For Correct Approach
If they give you the names of individuals to contact, ask:

  • In your opinion, what's the best way to reach (name of person). Should I send a resume/cover letter first or phone first?
  • Would it be possible to use your name when I make the contact?

If they give you a company name, ask:

  • Who would you suggest I contact? (Be sure to get the correct spelling of any name(s) and a phone number.) Would it be possible to use your name?
  • Do you think they are hiring?
  • How would you recommend I make the contact? Phone or mail?

Ask For Any Recommendations
As a new graduate entering the _____________ field, do you have any recommendations for me?

Thank You
Name, I really appreciate all your help. If it's okay with you, I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again for your time!

Remember: send a typed, error-free thank you note.

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Informational Interview

Job Shadowing
Informational Interview by Telephone
Questions to ask

 

 

Informational Interviewing/Job Shadowing

We hear a lot about Informational Interviewing and Job Shadowing. Professors and career services people are quick to say that Informational Interviewing and Job Shadowing are a wonderful way to understand careers and employment options within a particular major.

Perhaps you are unsure of a major or a career path and the process of seeking internship opportunities is leaving you not knowing exactly the type of company to contact. You may not be sure of what you want to do. Informational Interviewing and Job Shadowing can assist you in finding out more information about yourself and the world of work. Both can be useful tools in the career-decision making process. The purpose of having an informational interview or a job shadow experience is to determine specific skills used on a particular job.

How do you know that the major you have selected and the career you are planning on entering is really a good fit? We often don't know. One way to eliminate some of the uncertainty is to interview a professional or to visit the office setting to see the professional in his/her professional work space.

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Difference between Job Shadowing and Informational Interviewing:

Job Shadowing:

  • Puts the burden of the experience on the professional
  • Is a request to an employer that the student makes to determine career interests by observing the work of the professional for a period of time (usually one half of a day; rarely a full day) at his/her workplace.
  • Will take a substantial part of the work day for the professional you are shadowing.
  • Takes a good deal of planning for the professional (when she/he agrees to a job shadow experience, the professional wants to be sure that she/he is providing a quality experience.)

Informational Interviewing:

  • Puts the burden of the experience on the student
  • Is a face-to-face or a telephone conversation where the student is asking questions about the professional's career and career path.
  • Rarely lasts more than one hour, usually a request for 20-30 minutes is appropriate.
  • Will give the student a realistic picture of the professional's career path
  • Will give the student specific information about careers and a realistic view of the profession.
  • Can be an excellent method of including and excluding certain careers.

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Preparation

  • Identify general interest areas, i.e., accounting, budget management, auditing, computer programming, business management, non-profit sector positions, etc.
  • Identify businesses and companies that employ those with similar interests to yours.
  • Think about people you already know working in similar positions who may be very approachable: family members, friends, past employers or teachers who have had experience in the business world.
  • Use the Alumnae Resource Network to identify alumnae working in your area of interest. This is an excellent resource as Saint Mary's Alumnae are eager to share information with current students.
  • RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! Knowing information about the company will greatly enhance your experience during the informational interview and will leave an excellent impression on the person you are interviewing.
  • Send a letter to those identified introducing yourself and the purpose of the letter.
  • Call the person you would like to Shadow within two weeks of sending the letter to inquire about Job Shadowing possibilities. Request a time period that would be manageable for the professional and ask what is most convenient for the professional and the company; two hours, a half day, or a full day. Rarely will the company be able to accommodate you for a full day. Realize every company is different and can or cannot accommodate your request.
  • Have a prepared list of questions available at this point. This list should include your expectations for a Job Shadowing experience and why you are requesting the Job Shadow.
  • If the professional you have contacted cannot accommodate your request, ask for any suggestions or recommendations with whom you might be able have a Job Shadow experience.
  • Whether you obtain an Job Shadowing experience or not, ALWAYS thank the professional for considering your request.
  • DAY OF - Dress as you would for an interview.
  • Arrive five to ten minutes early to feel settled.
  • Introduce yourself to the receptionist and let him/her know that you have an appointment and with whom and at what time.
  • Briefly review your questions.
  • You have requested this meeting. After you have introduced yourself and the person you are interviewing has introduced him/herself, begin with your questions. Keep an eye on the time and as you close in on the 20-30 minute time period, acknowledge the time and begin to close the conversation.

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Follow Up Phone Call

When the time period you specified in your letter has arrived, make the telephone call. This, for some, can be somewhat stressful; however, if you have rehearsed and perhaps have a script, this contact can be relatively painless. *NOTE: Never read your script, have it available for reference.

INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Hello, this is _________ from Saint Mary's College. Last week, I sent a letter to Ms. Smith. I am wondering if she has received my letter.

ARRANGE FOR A CONVENIENT TIME
I would like to arrange a convenient time to meet or speak with Ms. Smith. As stated in my letter, the purpose of this meeting would be to discuss the business field and Ms. Smith's career experiences. (If your contact person is not available for some time, ask if there would be a better time to set up a meeting.)

THANK YOU
Thank you so much for making time for this meeting (or telephone call). Re-confirm the date, time and mode of discussion (in person or telephone call).

If the person you are trying to meet with is unable to meet or talk with you, please remember to thank them for considering your request. If it seems appropriate, ask for names of others this person may know who would be good sources of information.

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BY TELEPHONE

  • If your informational interview will be by telephone and you are responsible for making the call at a given time, follow these guidelines:
  • Make your call at the appointed time.
  • Avoid calling early and certainly do not call late.
  • Have your list of questions by the telephone along with additional paper and pen.
  • You have requested this meeting, after introductions, begin to ask your questions.
  • Keep an eye on the time and when the 20-30 minute time approaches, acknowledge the time and begin to close the conversation with perhaps a final question.

    ALWAYS SEND A THANK YOU LETTER AFTER THE INTERVIEW!

     

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

1. How did you get started in your career?
2. What was your major in college?
3. Tell me about the industry and some of the trends you see emerging.
4. What credentials, degrees and certifications are needed in your position or for someone starting out in this industry?
5. What are you responsible for, specifically, in your position?
6. What is your philosophy of work?
7. What skills you see as being essential for someone in this business (definable such as: computer programming, accounting, instructing, public speaking, etc., and less definable such as: organizing, attention to details, flexibility, and multi-task projects).
8. What is a typical day like for your in your position?
9. What are the positives about this position and what are some of the negatives?
10. Do companies such as this view internships as way of getting into this industry?
11. What qualities do you look for in employees?
12. How does one succeed in this industry?
13. What educational backgrounds do you look for when hiring new employees?
14. What prior experiences are helpful and what are essential for someone in this career?
15. Can you give me any advice that might be helpful as I pursue this career path? You may find that you will not have time to ask all 15 questions. Choose those that make sense for you and the person/position with whom you are having the Informational Interview. Rank in order the most important questions you want to ask.

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