Kevin F. Wright, MBA ’07
What is the Ivey Alumni Partnership Program?
The Ivey Alumni Partnership Program allows current students and Ivey alumni to form partnerships via email to allow students to 'tap in' to the Ivey alumni network. Students gain from the knowledge, experience, and insights that alumni can share; alumni gain from students' fresh perspectives and reconnecting with the Ivey student experience.
The Program was developed as a result of an ongoing desire by current students to enrich their professional development and learn about the Ivey alumni network. It is also in response to feedback we have gathered from Ivey alumni around the world who have requested the opportunity to share their advice with current students.
View video of Ivey student comments on the value of the Partnership Program and Appreciation for the Ivey Alumni Network.
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| Value of the Partnership Program |
Appreciation for the Ivey Alumni Network |
Why is the Program Important?
Networking is a focused way of developing and building a group of contacts; people who can provide career information that can potentially lead to career opportunities. It can include advice, recommendations, or actually being hired. Eighty percent of people who find jobs in this country, do so by networking.
As a distinguished Ivey graduate, you hold a wealth of information and knowledge that current students can benefit from. Your expertise and advice is more valuable than you may realize.
As Ivey students secure positions, they often look for advice in making relocation decisions to new cities. Your counsel would be invaluable on matters such as preferred residential areas, schooling, transportation, etc.
Who are the Partners?
Ivey Alumni from all over the world, in all types of jobs can volunteer as alumni partners. The Ivey Alumni Partnership Program allows current students to select partners from a secure, password protected online directory developed for this program. Students search on company, industry, occupation, and other options to identify potential alumni partners. Only after the student confirms the selection of partners are the names and LEAF email of alumni partners released to the student.
How Does the Program Work?
We believe that as an Ivey graduate, you can provide valuable information to current students regardless of how established your career path is. Once you sign up for the on-line program, you will be asked to respond to an email initiated by a maximum of two current students.
Your role as an Alumni Partner is to:
- Assist the student's personal growth thereby improving their potential of finding a job, consistent with their personal aspirations.
- Comment on the student's fit for potential jobs.
- Ensure that in your opinion, the student is well prepared for the interview process.
- Provide real world feedback on jobs, industry knowledge and career aspirations.
- Open your network to the student only when you feel comfortable with his/her ability to represent you properly.
- Ask questions of the student and illustrate your perspective with real examples.
- Be available to discuss success and disappointments in the job search process.
You are not expected to provide or find a job for the student, only contribute support and advice to the student during the job search process. The Ivey Alumni Partnership Program is available to first and second year students. Please note that depending on your area of expertise and the areas of interest by the students, you may or may not be contacted.
How Do I Sign Up?
If you would like to join the program or would like further information, please email partnering@ivey.uwo.ca.
Thank you in advance for your support!
