How can you leverage your alma mater for networking in Case Management?

In my opinion, joining an alumni association is just the first step. An important step after joining is becoming active by volunteering to serve. Doing this enhances your visibility because other members will get to see you based on your service. Find something that fits your temperament. If you are an extrovert and draw energy from working with people volunteer to serve as an ambassador or on the membership committee. If you are in introvert, offer to be a greeter at events or to organize a newsletter. By becoming an active volunteer, you place yourself in a position to establish relationship and through those connections you can promote the work you do as a Case Manager which allow dialogue and potential referral opportunities.

In addition to becoming an active volunteer as a way to increase visibility as a Case Manager, attending events allow you to connect with other members in a social atmosphere. This is where having a solid elevator pitch is critical because those who do not know you will be curious about your personal and professional background. The key here is to be good at asking questions that prompt people to share details about themselves, which in turn will draw similar questions to you. Be ready with your elevator pitch when asked “What Do You Do”.

There are people who may not attend alumni events but are listed in an alumni directory or LinkedIn. This is where having a networking strategy is critical. You want to ensure that your credibility is strong and you do this first by having a solid LinkedIn profile and presence promoting the work you do as a Case Manager. Then you want to begin to reach out individually to alumni to engage and get to know - first! The initial outreach should focus on an introduction and desire to get to know the other person - first! Let the person know you are a member of the alumni association and wanted to invest time to build a connection with other members. Ask if they are open to speaking by phone, zoom or in person, then grow the relationship.