Strengthening Connections: The Key to Success

Networking is a vital process for students looking to learn about day-to-day responsibilities, skills, knowledge required, and trends in a particular field. One such platform that offers this opportunity is the HC Network, a platform containing thousands of Holy Cross alumni who have volunteered to answer questions about their industry, career progression, and how they have articulated their liberal arts education to prospective employers.

Holy Cross alumni are known for their desire to help current students. It is unacceptable to "no show" for a meeting with an alumni and could lead to the alumni no longer being willing to assist students. Therefore, it is important to show up for scheduled meetings and send a follow-up thank you email.

Establishing an ongoing relationship through emails, short notes, or occasional phone calls is key to building your network and potentially identifying mentors. Creating a spreadsheet to keep track of your conversations, including the date of the meeting, helpful comments, names of any referrals, and the date that you sent your thank you email, is recommended.

The Pam Ahearn Center for Career Development offers students assistance with various career-related topics. Caroline Ahearn '20, a student majoring in English and Political Science, and holding the position of Copy Editor, is one such student who has benefited from the Centre's services.

LinkedIn is also a great resource to identify people with whom you might want to connect and converse. The Centre can help students maximise their summer experiences and provides resources to help gain confidence in initiating a networking conversation and tips on how to lead that conversation, such as "How to Conduct an Informational Interview and Connect with Alumni on LinkedIn."

Caroline Ahearn's favorite newspaper is The Washington Post. Despite her busy schedule, she remains actively engaged in networking and building relationships with alumni and industry professionals. Her life can be summed up in the headline "Local Girl Physically Incapable of Keeping Her Opinions to Herself."

While the search results did not provide any information on the person holding the role of Manager Employer Partnerships in the Center for Career Development at Holy Cross College or their educational qualifications, it is clear that the Centre is committed to helping students achieve their career goals.

In conclusion, networking is essential for students looking to learn more about their chosen field and connect with industry professionals. Holy Cross alumni are eager to help, and resources such as the HC Network, the Pam Ahearn Center for Career Development, and LinkedIn provide ample opportunities for students to make valuable connections.