CMS Career Blog

Last night I attended an event for the alumni Association of my graduate school (the MIM Program at PSU).  It was a great event!  I saw a bunch of old friends, made some new ones, and heard the latest on where the program is heading.  I have made a substantial investment in this program (both time and money), so hearing about what the school is doing to increase the value of my education was exciting!  I’m writing a check this morning to send to the scholarship fund!  That’s how important this program is to me. 

But there was something else that was even more important — the opportunity to network with old and new colleagues.  Graduates from this program work at some of the largest, most prestigious companies in the world — Intel, Nike, Microsoft, Panasonic, etc.  Through my relationship with these former classmates I realize that I also have a vast resource of networking opportunities.  Perhaps I can assist some of them by introducing them to someone in my network.  Perhaps they can help me or someone in my network by introducing us to their network.  That’s what it’s all about!  Kathie Nelson (the Networking Guru) defines networking as “making connections for mutual benefit.”  She’s so right!  It’s not about what my network can do for me, it’s about how I can help my network (and their network) make connections for mutual benefits.  My Alumni Association event reminded me about how vast my network already is.  I’m already thinking about ways to help connect people I talked to last night with some of my network who have expressed specific needs to me.

I hope YOU are involved in your Alumni Association.  It’s a great opportunity to connect on purpose!