As students progress through their college years, some start to feel apprehension about what the future holds once they leave The Bluff. One of the valuable resources available to both students and alumni is the vast network of Pilot alumni and parents ready to assist other members of the UP community! Here are some easy ways that your student can start connecting with the Pilot network during the winter break, even from the comfort of the couch in their pajamas!
Regional Networks
Is your student looking for professional connections in their hometown or thinking of relocating to a new city? We currently have 15 chapters of alumni and parents around the country that welcome, connect, and support local Pilots. There are no fees or dues, so if you are a student, alumni, or parent you are automatically part of the local chapter! UP chapters are located across the country, so check to see if there’s one near you. Winter break is a great time for your student to connect with the chapter and ask an alumnus to schedule a virtual coffee and chat about life after UP. Many chapters, such as the DC Chapter, are currently hosting virtual events or other outreach initiatives which are open to students.
UP Switchboard
No matter where you live, a great way for students to connect to the Pilot network is through Switchboard, UP’s online community. Many students reach out to alumni for advice on graduate school, finding a place to live, or advice in a particular field. Students can sign up here! Here’s a few examples of previous posts from our UP community:
An Alumni Perspective
The National Alumni Board (NAB) is made up of UP alumni from various class years, fields, and locations. Their goal is to assist the Alumni & Parent Relations staff in its mission to connect all generations of the UP family by building creative, collaborative, and supportive relationships between the UP campus community and all graduates in all locations. The NAB members, with their professions, locations, affinities, and contact information, are listed on their webpage. They are always happy to talk to students about post-grad life! Students can also read this opinion piece that the NAB shared in the Beacon student newspaper about the resources available to new graduates. The NAB also offers a scholarship to incoming sophomore, junior, and senior students.
Other Resources
There are many other connections that students can make to help them transition to life after college. Graduates of the Last Decade (or GOLDs) have local programming in Portland and a GOLD board to support young alumni. There are several academic-based chapters, such as the Nursing and Engineering Chapters. Students can also reference these ways to connect, including a student-led organization and a LinkedIn group.
If your student is looking for advice in a particular area, they are always welcome to email the Office of Alumni & Parent Relations and we can connect them to the right person!