As an LMU alum, you know the value of an LMU education and the community, spirit, and pride that come with being a member of the LMU family. As a fellow LMU alumna (2016, Dance and History) connecting current students with the extraordinary LMU alumni is one of the most rewarding areas of my role at LMU Career and Professional Development. Many of you have expressed a desire to help current LMU students and recent graduates by facilitating opportunities within your own organizations. I prepared a few recommendations on how you can navigate this process and connect current Lions with opportunities at your organization.
1. Leverage Your Network
- Identify Key Decision-Makers: Find out who in your company handles internships, apprenticeships, and early-career positions. This might include HR personnel, department heads, or a university relations or recruitment team.
- Use Your Influence: As an alum, you have a unique perspective and credibility. Share your positive experiences and the qualities that make LMU Lions stand out.
2. Promote LMU Career and Professional Development
- Highlight LMU’s Career Development Programs: Inform your company about LMU’s robust career services, including internship programs, career fairs, career treks, and job boards. Handshake is our job portal and ask if your company posts roles there.
- Facilitate Connections: Connections: Introduce LMU career services staff to your company’s HR or recruitment teams to establish a direct line of communication.
3. Create Internship Programs
- Propose Internships Specifically for LMU Students: Work with your company’s HR to design internship opportunities that cater to LMU students’ skills and interests.
- Pilot Programs: Start with a small, manageable number of internships to demonstrate the value LMU students can bring to your company. Your company could also consider a micro-internship opportunity and post a role on Parker-Dewey for LMU students.
4. Host LMU Events
- On-Campus Recruitment: Arrange for your company to participate in on-campus recruitment events, career fairs, and information sessions.
- Company Visits: Organize company visits through our Career Trek program where LMU students can learn about your organization and meet key team members. We visit companies in Los Angeles and throughout the United States including Seattle, New York City, Chicago, and more!
Additional Tips
- Share Success Stories: Highlight successful LMU alumni within your company to showcase the benefits of hiring from your alma mater.
- Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion: Emphasize how LMU’s values align with diversity and inclusion initiatives, enriching your company’s culture.
- Stay Engaged with LMU: Keep in touch with LMU’s alumni relations office and participate in alumni events to stay informed and connected.
By actively engaging with LMU students and recent graduates, you not only support their career dreams but also enrich your own professional journey and contribute to the ongoing success of LMU. Your efforts help to strengthen the Lion network and ensure that future generations of Lions have the same opportunities for growth and success.
Thank you for your dedication and support. Together, we can make a significant impact. Go Lions!
Mandy Brockhaus ‘16
Associate Director, Communications and Employer Relations LMU Career and Professional Development
For more information or assistance, please contact the Employer Relations team at LMU Career and Professional Development at CPDEmployerRelations@lmu.edu
