Student Membership

Tradition Keepers 'Hawk to 'Hawk

'Hawk to 'Hawk is a professional networking program developed to connect student members of the KU Alumni Association with volunteer 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.

How it works

Tradition Keeper members who want to participate in the program are able to search our online directory for someone who works in a field or industry that is of interest to the student. Contact can range from a telephone call to e-mail conversations to possibly a shadow visit to their place of employment. 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:

• Gain an 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:

• Gain an 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.

How to search for a networking contact

1. Students login to the online directory (you'll need your member id number)
2. Define your search according to any or all of your criteria
3. Students locate a person of interest and contacts them via phone or e-mail with their questions.

The Association recommends using these guidelines to participants.

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 Tradition Keepers. The mentor program is just one of the many benefits of membership.

Please contact the Association if you have questions or would like to know more about the program.