I agree with the importance of alumni networks. Schools like Cornell publish career outcomes that suggest many jobs are sourced through internet sites. LinkedIn is the primary source for accessing alumni networks so the outcomes disclosures can be misleading as alumni network and internet are often one and the same. This is exactly what my kid experienced and took advantage at his Ivy.
In the finance space this is particularly the case. I get several dozen alum a year reaching out to me looking for IB opportunities. I always respond and we are very active as an alumni community. Similar to what you describe at Colby and Gettysburg, alum of my LAC take pride in assisting one another which I think is under appreciated by those who donât experience or take advantage of it.
I previously mentioned how SMU seems to be on the rise but you make a good point on Tulane.
You can disagree. I didnât say nobody uses alumni. I said today, as the Cornell data shows, is less prevalent.
Btw while nobody knows what a student is thinking when they pick a source, alumni is a choice - so presumably if alumni help them, they donât check linked in.
These are overall #s. Iâm sure majors and industryâs differ. Those are overall #s at Cornell. I use them because of the schools Iâve found that post career outcomes, they are the most transparent.
Your experience may differ and thatâs fine.
However, please donât discount the scoreboard. I get numerous PMs from parents for turning them onto indeed and their kids finding jobs whereas they struggle before.
Back to the thread - I hope the student chooses the school most comfortable for them.
I also 100% agree with you about the value of networking. Often it is not what you know but who you know (as many have claimed is sometimes used in the college admissions process) but is definitely a resource in the opportunity to gain internships or job interviews. Websites are often black holes that, if an applicant doesnât know the targeted buzzwords to use on the application or cover letter, it goes into file 13 or an application is never even reviewed.
One of my sâs and his W went to Tulane (but they werenât in A.B. Free). I can ask them what their familiarity is with the degree of networking available, but TBH I donât think they have taken advantage of it. What is very funny though, is that somehow my name got erroneously added to the Tulane alumni association and I get ongoing invitations to local events!
There is also value in applying to jobs on linked, indeed, and handshake. Hence my son interviewed with 20 companies in the fall and had 5 offers by xmas his senior year. His intern company called on Feb but it was too late. While he went to the job fair, they did not interest him (those firms attending nor did he sign up for those who came to campus ). My daughter interned for the state last summer and a think tank this fall and had 7 offers in the DC area, 5 paid. This was all from indeed - think tanks, government relations, a humanitarian organization and the tourism bureau were the opportunities. She did apply to corporate government relations and had interviews but not offers.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion but letâs not dismiss other items that clearly work. I get many PMs including a recent one where a student picked up a six figure job in California thanks to a changing trajectory of their search.
I wish everyone well. I truly donât understand the constant criticism of varying ideas and methods.
So back to topic. My s and DIL were not business or finance majors, so cannot speak directly to that, but my s found the job fairs on campus very productive. He had several offers and had a job secured after graduation (with signing bonus) by fall of his senior year. I recently ran into a friend whose s also went to Tulane, completing the 5 year arch. degree. He had successful internship opportunities and job offers, and chose to work (and remain) in Australia!