The Elon Network group will better connect all LinkedIn members with ties to the university.
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In a recent survey of Elon’s 2012 graduates, more than half of the respondents employed within three months of graduation reported acquiring a job lead through family, friends or other alumni.
The survey, conducted by Elon’s Student Professional Development Center in September, serves as a clear indication that networking remains an important piece of the puzzle for those in the midst of a job search.
Driven by this concept, Elon’s Office of Alumni Engagement has launched The Elon Network, a comprehensive LinkedIn group that allows alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends to connect with each other for professional purposes. The Elon Network offers an organized approach to bringing together more than 17,000 LinkedIn members who list Elon in their profile, and merges several existing university-affiliated LinkedIn groups to offer users a more extensive Elon network.
The group, which already includes nearly 4,000 users, was unveiled during the university’s National Networking Week, Jan. 28-31, and is officially recognized by Elon. Other university LinkedIn groups will merge with The Elon Network group in the coming months.
“The Elon Network is not just about social networking; it’s about using the network effectively, in a meaningful way to further a user’s professional aspirations,” said Eric Vetack ’88, director at WellPoint Wealth & Retirement in Charlotte, N.C. and member of the Elon Alumni Board. “Our members are part of a modern and mobile workforce. The Elon Network will help them navigate finding their first job, changing careers or relocating to a new city.”
Members of The Elon Network can tap into the group’s large professional network, categorize their profiles by industry and region, and receive updates from faculty and deans on current academic and industry trends. The Elon Network will also offer valuable opportunities for members to stay engaged with the university, such as educational programming and details about upcoming networking events.
“The Elon Network represents a true benefit to Elon alumni and other constituents of the university,” said John H. Barnhill ’92, Elon’s assistant vice president of university advancement. “By integrating the many Elon LinkedIn groups that existed before into one group with The Elon Network, we can offer our members many more opportunities to expand their professional circles.”
The new LinkedIn group is one of many efforts to help Elon community members expand their professional circles. A student-to-student networking event also named The Elon Network provides a valuable opportunity for students to learn from each other about job and internship opportunities. This year’s event will be held Tuesday, April 16 from 6-8 p.m. in Alumni Gym.
Elon alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends are all invited to join The Elon Network on LinkedIn. For more information, contact Sarah Graves ’12, advancement fellow, at (336) 278-7421 or sgraves4@elon.edu.