Career Services for Young Alumni

UO Alumni Career Services stresses the importance of starting with what alumni need, rather than what the institution needs from them, when approaching young alumni. Linda Williams Favero ’89, Assistant Director of UO’s Alumni Career Services program, recently presented the university’s program at a national conference of development officers and alumni relations professionals from around the country.

She was quoted in Academic Impressions’ Higher Ed Impact newsletter. “The relationship with young alumni needs to be two-way; the institution needs to be invested in providing young alumni with the services and attention they need and want. That is what encourages young alumni to invest in the institution with their time, talent and treasure later in life.”

“Our job is not done when they graduate, especially if we want them to stay connected for a lifetime. In the long-term if young alumni receive the support they need to be successful after college, they will want to give back to the institution that invested in them when they needed it most,” Favero emphasizes.

In this year’s uncertain job market, many young alumni are reconnecting with their alma mater to seek aid with job searching and career services. Offering these services is one of the best opportunities to engage young alumni. “More than communicating tips and opportunities electronically,” Favero advises, “young alumni want face time.” We offer our alumni variety in how they can connect with our services, so that each alumnus can connect in a way that matches his or her learning style and professional needs:

• One-on-one counseling

• Eight-person job search groups

• Practical workshops teaching job search skills and strategies

• Large networking events with panel discussions and receptions

Young alumni want opportunities to network with older alumni by industry and career field. “I am already seeing recent graduates with whom I worked who now have jobs they enjoy ask to give back their time to the newly graduated. We are creating a culture of Ducks helping and hopefully hiring Ducks!”