1. UK Alumni Association

2.  We will likely hold up to 10 jobs in as many as 3-4 different fields during our years of employment.  Over 80% of jobs are still found through some form of direct contact and/or networking.  Networking is the number one way to find out about new opportunities and land a job!

3.  The job market is slowly improving, though still tight. Layoffs are common.  Baby boomers are having to work longer than expected. Young professionals are experiencing an extremely high rate of unemployment.  Networking events of all types are a growing trend with professionals and alumni association members.

4. Outcomes of UK alumni focus groups reflect that our alumni would like more career-related programming.

5.  Alumni of all ages indicate that career support is a very valuable service.  Alumni indicate they are interested in posting job descriptions to help other alumni.  Alumni are continually looking for ways to build their careers and businesses.  Younger alumni would like to see clubs offer more networking opportunities as those individuals are building their identity in new communities and establishing careers.

6.  Professional development  Meet new people/increase networks of UK alumni  Learn about career opportunities or other fields  Learn about community volunteer opportunities  Become involved in local UK Alumni Clubs  Have fun!

7.  Form a committee to help delegate responsibilities.  Have at least 2 committee meetings before the event, one of which is at the event site. Especially be conscious of room set-up and acoustics.  Elect one board member to be the central contact person for all event marketing/promotion.

8.  Choose a date and time that works well for professionals.  Select a convenient location with good parking.  Restaurant and bar meeting rooms work well.  Consider offering a cash bar and some light snacks.

9.  Strive to keep the price minimal (i.e. $5-10 range).  Offer discounts for UK Alumni Association members. Encourage alumni to bring guests. Guests do not have to be a UK graduate.  Encourage UK Alumni Membership during the event. Have brochures available.

10.  Determine if there will be a speaker on a business or professional topic or just speed networking.  Determine speed networking format (i.e. How will the rotations occur? See later slide for more details.)  Keep the audience engaged and entertained.  Allow participants to mingle before and after the event.

11.  Collect a few door prizes to be given away at the end of the event. Business related books, gift certificates, and UK logo items are always popular.  Have a written evaluation which would include suggestions for club volunteer opportunities, future events, locations or speakers.

12. For groups of less than 20:  Form one large circle with chairs and give each participant a chance to share for 3-4 minutes. For groups of 20 or more:  Set tables for 6-8 participants. Have each participant share for 3-4 minutes. Allow 15 minutes for each table to share. Rotate tables 2-3 times.

13.  Have a clear rotation system in place.  Enlist club officers to serve as table timers/moderators.  Use a loud buzzer or whistle to signify the time for tables to rotate.

14. Encourage participants to share some of the following:  UK Major  Current job or if searching for a job  If their employer/company is hiring  How long they have been in the community  Community volunteer work  Favorite UK memory, class, professor etc.

15.  Nametags  Sign-in sheet  Timer  Whistle or bell  Networking handout  30 Second Commercial handout  Door prizes  Evaluations

16.  Networking/meeting new people  Getting to know other local UK grads  Opportunity to learn about a variety of positions  Structured environment  Having fun  Meeting other professionals  Talking about UK

17.  Hold club professional development/speed networking events on a regular basis (i.e. quarterly, monthly etc.)  Speed Networking events tend to attract more people each time they are held.

18. Caroline Francis, Ed.S., NCCC, MCC Kelly Higgins, M.A., NCC cfrancis@uky.edukelly.higgins@uky.educfrancis@uky.edukelly.higgins@uky.edu Please feel free to contact your UK Alumni Career Counselors for more information. www.ukalumni.net/career 1-888-9-UKCATS (852287)