Networking is more than just exchanging business cards or adding connections online—it’s about building real relationships that create career opportunities. Whether you're launching your career or looking to expand your LSU alumni network, having a strategic approach can make all the difference.
Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or online connections—it’s about building meaningful relationships that open doors to new opportunities. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your LSU alumni network, having a solid strategy is key.
Follow these four steps to grow your professional network, enhance your personal brand, and create lasting connections.
A strong network doesn’t happen overnight—it requires both passive and direct networking strategies.
✔ Follow industry professionals on LSUTigernation.com and LinkedIn to stay informed on trends.
✔ Study career profiles of leaders in your field to understand different career paths.
✔ Join LSU alumni chapters, community, or professional organizations to connect with peers and industry insiders.
✔ Take on a leadership role in a community or volunteer organization.
✔ Request informational interviews or mentorships on LSUTigernation.com to gain insights from professionals.
✔ Connect with professionals and reach out for job shadowing opportunities.
By balancing passive and direct networking, you’ll create a strong foundation for career growth.
Pro Tip: LSU alumni have FREE access to LSUTigernation.com networking & mentorship platform through the LSU Alumni Association and LSU's Handshake account through the LSU Career Center. You can also explore the LSU alumni network on Linkedin.
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Pictured: LSUTigernation.com is a FREE online networking and mentorship resource for alumni provided by the LSU Alumni Association. Features newsfeed with latest trends and tips, events calendar, alumni directory, business directory, job listings, and MORE!
Your personal brand is how you present yourself to employers, recruiters, and peers. First impressions matter—so make yours count!
✔ Update your professional profiles – Spruce up your LSUTigerNation.com and LinkedIn profiles with a high-quality headshot and current, relevant information.
✔ Audit your online presence – Remove anything you wouldn’t want an employer to see. Remember, recruiters often check social media before making hiring decisions. ✔ Stay professional - When linking, liking, or following social media accounts, ensure they reflect your personal brand and career goals.
✔ Prepare your elevator pitch - Have a brief, compelling introduction ready to share who you are and what you're looking for.
Pro Tip: The LSU Career Center's Ready to Roar program offers online resources, guides, and worksheets based on 10 Ready to Roar Career Proficiencies. These serve as a foundation for your success, ensuring you develop the essential skills to thrive in any professional environment.
Pictured: LSU Career Center's Ready to Roar 10 Career Proficiencies
Now that you’ve built your online (or social) network and polished your personal brand, it’s time to make connections in real life!
✔ Strengthen relationships with recruiters online and at networking fairs.
✔ If you know someone attending an event, introduce yourself and expand your connections. Be open to unexpected connections.
✔ Attend LSU alumni networking and social events to connect with fellow Tigers in your area.
Pro Tip: Create or login to your FREE LSU alumni account at LSUTigernation.com to access a full list of upcoming LSU alumni networking events for opportunities to connect with fellow Tigers!
✔ Research and message industry leaders on LSUTigernation.com or other social networks with a professional introduction.
✔ Send a thoughtful email explaining why you'd like to connect.
✔ Stay professional and concise—make it easy for them to say yes!
✔ Build relationships with LSU alumni business leaders who can mentor and guide you.
✔ Use LSUTigerNation.com's LSU Alumni Directory or LinkedIn’s LSU Alumni Database to find Tigers in your industry or region.
✔ Be open to conversations—sometimes the best connections come from unexpected places!
The secret to successful networking? Following up!
✔ Send a thank-you email or handwritten note after a great conversation with a recruiter, mentor, or industry professional.
✔ Stay in touch by engaging with their content on LSUTigernation.com or LinkedIn or sending occasional updates.
✔ Be proactive—if they mention an opportunity, follow up with a polite check-in.
Networking is an ongoing process, not a one-time effort. Stay engaged, be intentional, and always look for ways to grow your LSU alumni connections. Before you know it, the LSU Tiger Nation network will be a valuable asset in advancing your career.
Start today—network, connect, engage, and build LSU alumni relationships that will shape your future!
LSU Alumni Association LinkedIn
LSU Career Center: Resume Resources
LSU Career Center: Negotiate Your Salary
LSU Career Center: Ready to Roar Career Proficiencies
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