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Student Membership

'Hawk to 'Hawk

'Hawk to 'Hawk Career Program is a professional networking program developed to connect student members of the KU Alumni Association with volunteer alumni mentors in various career fields.

'Hawk to 'Hawk provides an opportunity for students to gain valuable career information and advice about a particular field or industry from a volunteer. These mentors serve as a resource for the student participant through a variety of events during the school year.

How it works

Student Alumni Association members who register for the program can search our online directory for someone who works in a field or industry that is of interest to them. Download the how-to PowerPoint tutorial, or follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Register for free at kualumni.org with a username and password. You'll need your alumni ID number, which you can request here if you do not have it handy.

Step: 2: Log in and search the online directory. SAA members can conduct a basic search by name and location, or an advanced search by school and major.

Step: 3: SAA members also can conduct a global search by keyword, such as company name, position or location. For example: Want to network with Jayhawks who are lawyers practicing in Washington? Search "D.C. attorney."

Contact can be as simple as a telephone call or e-mail and may lead to a meeting or shadow visit. Mentors are not expected to be able to offer employment opportunities. This is a chance for you to connect with the powerful Jayhawk network via the KU Alumni Association's online directory.

Mentors:

  • Have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of future KU graduates by sharing their experience and knowledge
  • Maintain a connection to the University via a current student
  • Fulfill a unique volunteer experience through the KU Alumni Association

Students:

  • Have the opportunity to build personal and professional contacts
  • Obtain an inside look at careers and companies in their respective areas of interest
  • Receive honest feedback and objective perspectives

Top 10 topics to discuss

  1. Resumes…how about a swap?
  2. Interviewing…any tips on how to prepare?
  3. Networking…how does it work in your field?
  4. Leaders/inspiring people in the field
  5. Job challenges/surprises
  6. Samples of your work
  7. Volunteering/extracurricular activities
  8. Recommended or favorite books/authors/Web sites/etc.
  9. Industry articles/hot topics and issues in the field
  10. Lessons learned and preparation for the "real world"

Networking is…

  • Talking with a person in a job, profession or organization of interest to you
  • An opportunity to ask for information, not a job

Networking is NOT…

  • Talking with someone about specific job leads or job openings
  • A job interview

If you are a current KU student and would like to utilize this service, you'll need to join the Student Alumni Association. The 'Hawk to 'Hawk Career Program is just one of the many benefits of membership.

If you have questions or would like to know more about the program, please contact the Alumni Association at kualumni@kualumni.org or 785-864-4760.