Voices in the Hall: Alumni Perspectives on the Value of Networking

Abstract

Internships build lasting opportunities for students and provide necessary partnerships between higher education and employers. This study utilizes qualitative data extracted from a survey of alumni from one Midwestern university to examine student employment and educational satisfaction. Phone and internet interviews were conducted to ascertain alumni views on: Employment, Continuing Education, Applied Learning, and Advisement (n = 125). Alumni advice clearly expressed to current students and faculty members the necessity of “networking” with those in the field prior to students completing the degree. Linking current students to those in the field, primarily through internships, was viewed by alumni as essential to developing opportunities for students to network and gain access to a challenging job market.