Does an exchange program make you an alumni?
I am from Europe and I have a master from a target European universities, however the alumni network has not much recognition in the United States. During my bachelor (also in Europe) I went on a one year exchange at a pretty good American university, and now I found on LinkedIn some very interesting people who went there.
Do you think that I can try to contact those people and leverage our common experience as "alumni" of that uni or would I be ignored? Do you feel more inclined to help people who just went on exchange in your uni but have no degree?
Obviously I am going to contact them anyway, but I was wondering what's the general consensus about this.
Leveraging your exchange program experience to connect with alumni from the American university you attended is a smart networking strategy. While technically, being an exchange student may not grant you full alumni status, the shared experience of attending the same institution can still serve as a strong common ground. Here's how you can approach this:
Highlight Shared Experiences: When reaching out, emphasize the time you spent at their university and any specific aspects of campus life, courses, or professors you enjoyed. This can help establish a connection based on shared experiences.
Be Transparent and Genuine: Clearly state that you were an exchange student and express genuine interest in learning from their career journey or seeking advice. People are generally more receptive to helping when approached with honesty and sincerity.
Mention Mutual Connections or Interests: If you have mutual connections or shared interests, mention them in your outreach. This can make your message more personalized and increase the likelihood of a response.
Express Your Value: While you're seeking advice or connections, also think about what you can offer in return. Perhaps you have insights into the European market or your specific field of study that could be of interest.
Use LinkedIn Wisely: LinkedIn is a great platform for this type of outreach. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and reflects your connection to the university during your exchange. Joining relevant alumni groups on LinkedIn can also be beneficial.
Remember, networking is about building relationships, not just making requests. Approach each interaction with the goal of establishing a meaningful connection, and be patient as you cultivate these relationships over time.
Sources: An Open Letter to High School Seniors, How can I make it into AM in the U.K, Q&A: My journey, from the lab to MMPE, One day to decide: US or UK?, MBA – Invaluable experience or incredibly overrated?
Networking is networking, regardless of whether you are an alum or not. You having studied there for a year serves as a plus and a good icebreaker. I highly doubt you'll get ignored because of it.
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