Brand Your Online Presence

• Student Sample 1
• Student Sample 2
• Student Sample 3

LinkedIn’s Alumni Search feature is a powerful tool that allows you to connect with and learn from University of Arkansas graduates. By leveraging this tool, you can expand your network, gather insights, and potentially find mentors in your desired field. Here is a LinkedIn Learning video tutorial (to log into LinkedIn Learning, click here: U of A Information Technology Services). Below is a step-by-step guide to effectively network with alumni on LinkedIn:

Step 1: Log in or Create an Account

1. If you haven’t already, sign up for a LinkedIn account. If you already have an account, log in to proceed.

Step 2: Access the Alumni Search Feature

1. Go to the “Education” section on your LinkedIn profile homepage and click on the “University of Arkansas”. On the next page, click “alumni”.

Step 3: Explore Alumni Data

1. You are now on a page displaying alumni data and can filter this data using the following criteria:
   • Where they live now
   • Where they work
   • What they do
   • What they studied
   • What they are skilled at
   • How you are connected (1st, 2nd, 3rd – degree connection)
2. Adjust these filters to narrow down the results and find alumni who align with your interests. You may also use the search bar to search for alumni by key words (i.e., company name, job title, location).

Step 4: Expand your Network

1. Review the profiles of alumni who match your criteria.
2. Send connection requests to those you would like to connect with professionally.
3. After clicking “connect”, click “add a note” to personalize your connection request by mentioning your shared institution, common interests, or goals.

Step 5: Engage and Learn

1. Once connected, engage with your alumni connections by sending a welcoming message expressing your interest in their career journey and using this opportunity to ask for advice, learn from their experiences, or gain insight into your chosen field.

Step 6: Stay Professional

1. Always maintain professionalism in your interactions with alumni.
2. Be respectful of their time and expertise.

Step 7: Offer Value

1. Networking is a two-way street. Consider how you can offer value to your alumni connection, whether it’s sharing articles, insights, or offering your assistance.

Step 8: Keep Growing Your Network

1. As you progress through your academic and professional journey, continue to use LinkedIn’s Alumni Search to connect with alumni who can contribute to your growth.
2. Remember, building meaningful connections takes time, so be patient and persistent. Leverage your alumni network to learn, grow, and open doors to exciting opportunities in your desired career path.

Sample Messages to Alumni Found on LinkedIn

To Request a Video Chat

Dear [Alumni's Name},

Currently I am a student at the University of Arkansas and am interested in starting my career [in the journalism field.] Based on your LinkedIn profile it appears that you have had a very successful career in this field, and I would like to learn about your journey from the first job you had after graduation to your current position at [name of organization.]

Would it be possible to schedule a 15-minute video chat with you to discuss your career path. I realize that you probably keep a busy schedule, so I am willing to meet with you before or after business hours, if necessary. Are you available on [day/time] or [day/time]?

Thank you for considering my request and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

To Identify the Hiring Manager

Dear [Alumni's Name],

Currently I am a senior [marketing major] at the University of Arkansas planning to graduate in [date of graduation] and would like to pursue a career in [career you are interested in] at [name of organization].

Based on your LinkedIn profile I noticed that you are working in [name of the department] at [name of organization]. This is the exact company and department I would like to begin my career with and was wondering if you would be so kind as to provide me with contact information of the hiring manager for this department so I may forward my resume to this individual.

Thank you for considering my request for this information and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Your email signature is a part of your brand too, it provides people you are networking with clear access to your name, contact information, and major! Adding one can boost your personal connection with others. Learn how to add one:

Create an email signature in Outlook

1. Go to Settings > Compose and reply.
2. Under Email signature, type your signature and use the available formatting options to change its appearance.
3. Include signature in emails:
   • If you want your signature to appear at the bottom of all new email messages that you compose, select the Automatically include my signature on new messages I compose check box.
   • If you want your signature to appear on messages that you forward or reply to, select the Automatically include my signature on messages I forward or reply to check box.
   • If you don’t select these options, you can manually add your signature to a selected message. For details, see Manually add your signature to a new message below.
4. Select Save when you're done.
5. Note: You can always return to the Compose and reply page and select or clear the check box for automatically including your signature.

Manually add your signature to a new message

If you've created a signature, but didn't choose to automatically add it to all outgoing messages, you can add it later when you write an email message.

1. Go to your mailbox and choose New message.
2. Type your message, and then choose > Insert signature at the bottom of the compose pane.
3. When your email message is ready, choose Send.