For a number of us, one of DePauw's most attractive features was (and continues to be) its pool of loyal alumni who seek to help students and recent graduates of their alma mater.
Thus, the new DePauw alumni directory poses an extremely useful resource in reaching out to those who have come before us for guidance and support in seeking internships and employment opportunities.
But we hope students will take into consideration the purpose of this rare tool and not abuse it.
While it may be simple to throw one's resume to anyone willing to read it, we hope our peers will be strategic.
The alumni on this directory have voluntarily provided their information to students and should be used more for reference and knowledge exchange, rather than a contact in desperate job-searching times.
Instead, use the proper resources first. Craft an effective resume, revise it with peers, professors and other knowledgeable sources and really consider what you're aiming to achieve prior to sending an email to someone with whom you may have never spoken.
Alumni provide an excellent resource and are often eager to help students on their paths to future careers, but they should not be the first step, nor should they be the only step.
Consider reaching out to professors, advisors and others about who would be logical networking connections and seek more authentic relationships with alumni by working with those University representatives to make your acquaintance.
Once you've been introduced electronically or in person, work to get to know an individual prior to sending a resume and cover letter and hoping the rest works out. Get your foot in the door and allow the alum to get to know you while you're there. Odds are that he or she will be willing to fight harder to get you back through that door if you give them favorable things to say on your behalf.
Hopefully at this point your accomplishments, awards, and internships will speak for themselves and you'll get whatever job you're seeking.
Whether or not this is the case, however, follow up with your contact (preferably with a hand-written 'thank you' note) and let them know how much his or her help meant to you.
We're very fortunate to have this directory, to have such supportive alumni and to have people sticking up for us out there after we graduate. Let's use it wisely.