The Sagehen Career Connection online database provides students and alumni the opportunity to explore alumni career and graduate school histories as well as contact alumni to learn more about specific career fields, positions, and graduate/professional school programs.  These Alumni Career Advisors can also offer advice about specific employers, internships, relocating or even put you in touch with additional contacts.

When contacting alumni, whether found on the Sagehen Career Connection or by other means, you will be most successful in obtaining the information you seek from them if you follow these guidelines:

• Above all, always be respectful and approach alumni from an advice-seeking standpoint.
• If a contact has a "high-powered" job title, send an e-mail or write a letter first, then follow up with a phone call.  Make sure your correspondence has perfect spelling and grammar so that you make a good impression.  See a CDO staff member for assistance with composing your message.
• These contacts work best if you use them to gain general information about a particular career or organization.
• They are often very busy, but they do want to help.  Make sure that you follow through on any commitment you make to call or visit them.
• Be sure to introduce yourself when calling for the first time.  For example, "My name is _________ and I'm a student/alumnus of Pomona College.  I received your name from the Career Development Office.  I'm researching the field of __________ and wondered if I could set up a time to talk with you to learn about your experience and your work at __________ organization.
• If you are seeking a job or internship, ask the contact for advice or suggestions on finding an opportunity.  Do not ask the contact directly to help you find a position (even if the contact has indicated a willingness to do so on the database).  Asking for advice or suggestions alleviates pressure and puts them more at ease.
• Towards the end of your conversation, always ask for names of others with whom you can speak.  This helps you to continue growing your list of contacts.  For example, you can say, "Thank you so much for your assistance.  I wonder if you may know of other people or organizations with whom I should talk?
• Always send a thank you e-mail or note if the contact speaks with you for more than a few minutes.  You will leave a professional impression and you will remain on the contact's mind.
• Stay in touch with your contacts.  It will remind them of your continued job/internship search.
• And, don't forget, always be respectful and approach them from an advice-seeking standpoint.

In general, treat alumni contacts the way you would like to be treated.  And, remember, you can always visit the CDO and talk with a staff member about using the Sagehen Career Connection and about how to approach Alumni Career Advisors.

Learn more about conducting an Informational Interview.