Alumni Career Services: Networking at Your Fingertips

If the idea of facing a room full of strangers at a networking event has you running the other way, Alumni Career Services offers other ways to connect with your global network of 145,000+ URI alumni—one of the big advantages of being a Rhody Ram for life! (If you enjoy in-person networking events, we have those too.)

URI CareerConnect

This online networking and career mentoring platform puts more than 1,400 URI alumni in over 130 industries and more than 100 fields of study at your fingertips. Networking with alumni in your field is as easy as doing a quick search and sending a request for a virtual meeting. You can be having a career conversation or in no time. Want an experienced professional to look over your resume? Click the “Resume/CV Critique” filter when searching for an advisor and you’ll see alumni who are willing to do that.

Here are a few tips for getting the most from URI CareerConnect:

• Take advantage of career conversations. Request virtual meetings from several advisors. (Keep in mind you may not connect with all of them.) Once you’ve scheduled a meeting, prepare several questions in advance.
• Try a resume or cover letter critique from a manager who has experience hiring in your field. They’ve probably seen dozens of applications and know what stands out.
• Filter advisors many ways to find more networking options. For example, you can filter by broad function (Media & Communications) or by a specific industry (Writing and Editing). Are you a recent grad looking at many career options? Search by fields of study to see what others with similar degrees are doing.
• Thinking of changing careers? Filter to find advisors who can discuss career changes. You can also request conversations with advisors in the field you’re hoping to break into.
• Don’t miss the video library. Dozens of videos walk you through helpful topics like “5 Steps for an Outstanding Resume,” “Crafting a Great Cover Letter,” and “Using LinkedIn to Find a Job.” There are videos for specific industries, international searches, interviewing strategies, salary negotiations, and much more.

Get started at uri.firsthand.co or visit the CareerConnect resources page for more information.

LinkedIn

The URI Alumni LinkedIn group is a private group of nearly 9,200 members, all of whom are verified URI alumni. The group offers an easy way to connect with a wider audience. Also follow the URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement company page and the University of Rhode Island school page.

Alumni Councils

The Alumni of Color Network, Women’s Leadership Council, and Young Alumni Council offer opportunities to meet other alumni with similar interests and build skills that are valuable to employers. All three councils organize networking events and career-building programs each year for both alumni and students. They are a great way to give back to your alma mater and support students.

Career-Building Resources Page

Visit the Career-Building Resources page for tips, tools, links, and examples to help you write your resume and cover letter, search for a job, and ace your interview.

Networking Events and More

URI Alumni Engagement offers in-person and virtual networking events throughout the year where you can meet other Rhody Rams in your local area and your field. Check your email for invitations or see the event calendar.

Best of luck in your job search!