How to Network on Campus During Homecoming

Yes — I know Homecoming is all about the games, the parties, the overnight guests, the tailgating etc. But why not also use the time to cultivate some professional relationships too? Fall Homecoming is probably one of the main topics of conversation for the HBCU community. For those in their senior year, grad school or recent grads planning internships next summer, Homecoming is the time to begin the conversation. If you are thinking about career change, it is also a time to connect with other alumni.

For years, I've been pushing the idea that Homecoming season can kick-off your job or internship search. Most people don't know it, but many employers focus their recruiting efforts for new grads and summer interns the fall before they need them. So if you are in class of 2025, then fall 2024 is your time! So now is when you should start to look for these opportunities.

So this fall, while you are thinking about Homecoming, we want you to think about how to network on campus or virtually with alumni:

1. Cardinal rule of networking is: Givers Gain. It's not just about what people can do for you. It's also how you can help them. When you meet alumni, ask how you can help their company get exposure on your campus. Invite them to speak with your campus club, connect them with the career center or connect them with a faculty member.

2. Sign up to be a volunteer with the Homecoming committee. I can guarantee you that they need more help than they have. Not only could a little volunteering help you build your resume with volunteer work, you might get to meet some influential alumni.

3. Keep your giving circle large as you network on campus. Don't restrict yourself to only your brothers or your sorors. Use Homecoming to meet and interact with more people beyond your small group.

4. Follow Up. As your plans to network on campus yield some results, remember to follow up with people in a timely manner. Maintaining your connections will take time. Don't engage if you won't follow up.

5. Have your 30-second elevator speech ready to go. This is a quick way to communicate who you are and what you are about. Develop and practice a 30-second introduction about yourself. You will use it throughout the job search process a lot. Example: "Hi. My name is xxxx, I'm a junior here studying xxx and planning to xxx. I'm the social chair for (name your group) and we are hosting xxx. When did you graduate?"

6. When you network on campus; network up AND down. What do I mean by that? Don't assume all the great contacts you make, will be people who are senior professionals. Look also to peers who might be in different majors from you with whom you can buddy-up to share job announcements or job leads.

7. Ask the career center on campus, what activities they are planning that will incorporate the number of alumni who will be on campus during homecoming weekend. Many alumni are more than willing to participate. If they have nothing planned, then you and your campus group should plan an event that will allow your members to network on campus with returning alumni.

8. Don’t lead with your job search. If you are going to be embarking on a job search or internship search, it shouldn't be the first thing you say. However, don't be shy about requesting follow up conversations or connecting on social media.

9. Ask people how they would like for you to follow up. It makes no sense to call them if Instagram is where they want to meet.

10. Brush up on your networking skills. If you have ever been at a conference or an event like Homecoming, you know that groups come together really quickly when people are wired and connected. Don't get left out.

Dr. Marcia F. Robinson, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is the CEO of The HBCU Career Center. She’s an award-winning HR and leadership expert with 25 years of experience in HR and Career Development Education. Known as Dr. R, she’s on a mission to make workplaces more inclusive and to help professionals find welcoming spaces that align with their V.I.S.A. (Values, Interests, Skills and Abilities).

Need help with your networking skills? Check out The Networking Roadmap, a one-hour webinar led by career specialist, Dr. Daryl Crosby.

Register for our job board to watch the full webinar today.