Northern Michigan University's Career Services and Alumni Relations offices have teamed up to establish the Alumni Resource Network, an effort to connect students to NMU alumni who can offer career and professional development advice and opportunities.
“The Alumni Resource Network is the result of a variety of requests from current students to NMU Career Services staff for assistance, mostly with their job search,” said Alumni Relations Director Robyn Stille. “Students had been asking if there were alumni in specific fields who can answer questions about jobs in a field and provide advice on securing internships. Some were looking to sharpen their interview skills or have someone review their resume.”
The Alumni Resource Network is an initiative of the Alumni Association Board's career and professional development committee to address the need identified by NMU Career Services. Committee Chair Lindsay Desmke, a 2001 graduate, said it was established "to support the strong interest in a resource consisting of alumni who are willing to share their personal and professional expertise with other graduates and current students."
“This opportunity can either be an ongoing mentorship or it can be a quick Q & A when information is needed,” said NMU Career Services Director Katie Korpi.
The Alumni Resource Network is in a pilot phase, as organizers continue to work out the logistics, monitor usage and identify any potential gaps. About 70 NMU graduates have signed up to participate.
“We want to make sure the network is utilized and successful,” Korpi added. “We want this to be intentional, so beginning as a small pilot phase and growing where we can is important. Our goal in Career Services is to give any information we can in any way we can. From presentations, personal appointments and urging our faculty and staff to find interest within their classes and encouraging students to get connected.”
NMU alumni can register to participate by contacting the NMU Alumni Relations office at 877-472-3668 or alumni@nmu.edu. Students interested in utilizing the network can contact Career Services.