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HGSE Students Begin Networking Early

Networking at the Harvard Graduate School of Education doesn't begin the day after students graduate, but rather as soon as they get on campus.

Recently, the HGSE Development and Alumni Relations team and Recent Alumni Circle (RAC) Committee began focusing on the importance of networking for current students as well as for alums. "We believe that a strong alumni network and support of HGSE will greatly improve the impact we can make as a school of education, but also the work of individuals working every day to improve student opportunity, achievement, and success," says Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Kristen DeAmicis. "While these goals are not exclusive to recent alumni, in today's competitive market, we need to support our recent alumni and [students] to stay connected to the research and practice of the school and stay committed to the field."

If the first event on October 7, which attracted 120 participants - 70 current students and 50 alums - is any indication, then HGSE students are just as eager to connect.

The idea to engage more HGSE students in networking opportunities evolved from the RAC, a 10-person committee whose mission is to connect alumni of the past 10 years with the HGSE community. RAC Chair Will Makris, Ed.M.'00, explains that the committee also wants to engage current students in the conversation seeing as their time on campus passes quickly. "These networking opportunities demonstrate how the Harvard network can work for you, how you learn from alumni that have used it and done well -- and that's really part of the education of Harvard students -- as well as showing up for [the] next generation when they have questions," Makris says.

Although an emphasis on networking has always been part of the work of HGSE Development and Alumni Relations, DeAmicis points out that networking opportunities can support the [school's] mission and professional development of alumni, and also help alumni and students develop networks and professional skills.

Alex Wolf, a master's student in the Higher Education Program, attended the October 7 event in order to get to know his classmates and get recommendations from alums on how to make the most of his year on campus. "This was a terrific opportunity to hear from alumni about what they had done at HGSE, but also what professor to take a course with, [which] event to attend, or even [which] conference," Wolf said. "I liked having a chance to hear from alums this early on so that I wouldn't miss anything."

The RAC Committee plans the events to go beyond simply an opportunity to meet fellow HGSE alums, but also develop what Makris refers to as a student "pitch." "I suggest to students, get your ideas down, get your pitch, see how you can use it well," Makris says. "I almost want us to set up a room and help them use us as a tool so they can further engage when they really need to. [HGSE alumni events] are a safe environment to go and express your ideas."

Wolf agrees, noting that the events go beyond what most people consider "networking" just to get a job. "This is a wonderful opportunity to meet people and build lasting relationships. Everyone was so down to earth and helpful, which I think is characteristic of the Ed School. Everyone was willing to go out on a limb and provide the real picture," he says. "I view this as a unique opportunity in the short year we are here to start building relationships that are mutually beneficial and eventually lasting through professional careers."

In the future, HGSE plans to offer more networking events like this-- in fact, one is already slated for the week of February 9, 2009 -- as well as events throughout the country. For more information, visit: http://wpdev.gse.harvard.edu/alumni_friends/events/ or to join HGSE on LinkedIn, visit: http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/953647.

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