As the calendar flips to 2021, we have a chance to finally look at last year—the most challenging in most people’s memories—through the rearview mirror. For young 49er alumni and soon-to-be graduates, however, the new year is sure to present its fair share of obstacles as they enter the workforce.
Many UNC Charlotte alumni acknowledge that they owe their success to someone who supported them in their college and post-college years. With a generous “once a Niner always a Niner” approach, they find ways to pay it forward to recent and future Niner grads.
“There are ample opportunities for alumni to stay connected to the University in ways that truly offer an impact to current students in their career journeys,” said Patrick Madsen, director of the University Career Center. “We encourage our 49er alumni to stay plugged in to the University Career Center and Alumni Association to learn more about the opportunities alums can engage in to support fellow Niners.”
UNC Charlotte Career Center offers five ways to connect with the University to help the next generation of 49ers—and themselves.
MY 49ER NETWORK
Dubbed as a “LinkedIn for the University,” the recently launched My 49er Network is a powerful interactive platform for alumni, helping them connect socially and professionally with other 49er graduates, students, faculty and staff.
The platform features alumni news, an alumni directory, a job board, alumni groups, a catalog of alumni-owned businesses and a robust mentorship program, along with invitations to upcoming events and activities. Alumni can sign up to join My 49er Network in less than two minutes with their LinkedIn or Facebook profile and can download the app from the App Store or the Google Play Store.
SHARE YOUR WISDOM
The University Career Center values alumni participation in programming, and your perspective and advice are critical for students as they prepare for their careers. Here are a few ways to get involved as a speaker or facilitator.
- Career Meet Ups are engaging 30-minute sessions designed for students to learn from industry experts about a specific field and/or job function.
- Be a panelist/guest speaker. The Career Center hosts a variety of industry-focused panels throughout the academic year. If you’re interested in speaking on a panel and representing your employer and/or the industry you work in, contact Jessie Simonik for more information.
- Participate in Career Treks. Host a group of students at your employer to educate them about the industry you work in and the variety of job functions within your organization.
HELP BUILD SOCIAL CAPITAL
Building social capital is one of the best ways for young adults to ensure future success. Alumni have free access to career events—many of which are virtual—including career fairs and networking events. Alumni of all career fields are encouraged to participate; however, the Career Center would welcome more representation in the fields of healthcare/science research, nonprofit and small business/entrepreneurship.
RECRUIT UNC CHARLOTTE STUDENTS
Is your employer recruiting at UNC Charlotte? It’s as simple as connecting the HR department to the Career Center. Create pipelines of opportunity for students by posting internships, part-time jobs, and full-time opportunities on Hire-A-Niner.
Career Fairs give organizations the opportunity to directly recruit candidates and are the largest events hosted by the Career Center, drawing hundreds and even thousands of candidates.
GIG-TERNSHIPS
Many students work full time while going to school full time to make ends meet, especially during the pandemic. This can make it difficult to complete traditional internships.
A “Gig-ternship” is a short-term project that an organization might need help with and there is not enough work to meet the guidelines for a full internship but still constitutes a creative learning experience for a student.
The Career Center is always looking for companies of all sizes to offer these unique opportunities to students.
HAVE AN IDEA?
Connect with Patrick Madsen, the Career Center’s director to share new ideas and explore possibilities.