Danielle Schumacher / Guest Photographer
The Rose-Hulman Homecoming Bonfire after about thirty minutes. Note the man next to the bonfire, roasting a marshmallow.
It’s hard to believe that tonight is the Homecoming bonfire and that the annual festivities are about to begin. Alumni have already begun flooding onto campus for the weekend activities, and now is the perfect time to begin making those networking connections that could help you land your dream job. Here are a few ways to impress the alumni who are back on campus.
First, don’t just roll out of bed and go (even if you can rock this look). Make an effort to look presentable at the pep rally and at the football game. This doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit all weekend, but try not to look like you live in a van in Hawthorne Park. Try to keep holes in your clothing to a minimum and get your hair (and C.S. beard) under control. Go wild showing your school pride, as long as you don’t end up looking like a bum. Showing your Rose pride at the game is allowed, and may even be a great way to engage the alumni.
Second, be willing to talk to the alumni. Some students will brush them off, thinking, “This is MY campus now, go be an adult.” The alumni aren’t trying to take over campus or to recapture their college days; they’re trying to have a good time with old friends and make your Homecoming memorable (who doesn’t remember the obnoxious alumni at the bonfire?). Talking to alumni about Rose is a great starting point: tell them about what you are involved in on campus and ask them about their college days. Some alumni might even want a tour of the newer buildings, so help them out if you have time.
Third, you don’t need to hand out your resume to every alumnus you meet, but don’t be afraid to ask for their information. Chances are they carry business cards with contact information on them. Send them a note once the weekend is over, thanking them for their time and telling them how glad you were to meet them. Don’t fall off the face of the earth after that note either; add them to your holiday card list if nothing else. These alumni won’t mind answering any questions you have about the firms they work for, applying for jobs, or how to manage life at Rose. They are ready and willing to help you as needed.
Remember, schmoozing with alumni isn’t as sleazy as it sounds (see Ladies’ Man column). One day you’ll have Rose students chatting you up for help. Enjoy your weekend (responsibly)!
If you have something you want explained, send your questions to the Thorn! You just might see a How-To article about it.