CFA Career Connections

Who will be there?

Accomplished alumni, CPD career coaches, and proactive students - just like you.

Why should I attend?

• Connect with CFA alumni working in performance, entertainment, public relations, multimedia, and non-profit arts industries
• Identify new professional avenues that leverage your passion
• Gain clarity about next steps for launching your creative career
• Practice informational interview skills with understanding alumni
• Mix and mingle with other CFA students now so you can have strong working relationships in the future

How should I dress?

Business professional attire is recommended for this event.

Know who’s in the room

• Review the list of alumni located inside your folder and strategize who you would like to meet
• Set a goal (“I want to gain information about career opportunities that come with a degree from CFA” or “I plan to speak with four alumni to grow my network as I apply for internships”)
• Start circulating by walking up to an alum to introduce yourself
• Leave your top alum as your last conversation as you strengthen your networking skills   

Deliver your pitch

• Be confident as you walk up to an alum and introduce yourself by first and last name
• Lead with a firm handshake, eye contact and smile followed by “nice to meet you”
• Share your class year, major and objective (“My goal is to work on the business side for a studio”)
• Build rapport through questions and commonalities (“I see that you were a dance major. I’m a dance major. What student projects did you work on at LMU?”)

Listen more than you speak

• Engage in a conversation and allow for give and take. Ask questions and be curious.
• Recognize who is in your conversation circle, extend a handshake and introduction to all
• Create space for others to join the conversation and ask questions
• Listen intently to remember key points from your conversation to include when you follow-up
• Take notes throughout the evening for future reflection and follow-up

Ask questions

• What did you do during your time at LMU that prepared you for your career?
• What recommendations do you have for gaining experience or knowledge of your industry?
• Can you describe the culture at (company name)?
• What types of skills are needed for someone to be successful in your role?
• May I follow-up with you after tonight to discuss your position and company?
• Which industry publications do you read? Who are the industry influencers you follow? Which professional affiliations or groups do you belong to?

Move along to build another connection or two

• Ask if you can follow-up with questions or to potentially meet for an informational interview
• Thank the alum for his/her time and advice before excusing yourself
• Move on to the next alum speaker working your way up to your ideal alumni conversation
• Recognize that the staff, faculty and students in the room are also part of your network

Take the next step

• Follow-up 24-48 hours after the event by email or LinkedIn (ask the alumni’s preference)
• Include a highlight  from your conversation to remind the alum of who you are
• Build a relationship by requesting an informational interview with alum
• Schedule an appointment with a CPD Career Coach via Handshake to gain support on next steps (i.e. updating your LinkedIn profile, practicing interviewing or crafting follow-up communication)