MAN : Is this the student alumni association?
WOMAN : Why, yes it is.
MAN: Cheers. I’m a student here, actually, but I’ll
be graduating next week. I’m interested in what you offer to alumni.
WOMAN: There’s a lot to tell you about. We put great
effort into building relationships with our more than 280,000 alumni around the
world. Our goal is to support alumni in their professional pursuits, and keep
them involved in the university’s growth and development.
MAN: Mmm.
WOMAN: Our main focus is keeping alumni abreast of
news related to the university and to trends in various professional sectors.
MAN: You mean, like, employment trends?
WOMAN: Sure. Or major industry-related news. Maybe
there’s going to be a shift in the technology sector... along those lines.
MAN: I see. But why do people who have already
graduated need to know about university events?
WOMAN: For one, many alumni want to stay involved
with their alma mater. We have former students supporting the school in many
ways, ranging from financial support to volunteering their time to mentor new
students.
MAN: Huh.
WOMAN: I think people take pride in and identify with
their educational institutions.
MAN: Yeah, I guess so. It’s the same with your old
high school, your former sports teams...
WOMAN: Exactly. Oh, and we let alumni know about new
research being done by professors and students. That helps keep you
academically informed.
MAN: That would be something I’d appreciate. I have
been studying engineering, and I’m worried that I’ll lose touch with cutting
edge discoveries and developments.
WOMAN: Many people feel the same. For that reason, we
also have a monthly lecture series hosted by a different department each time,
and alumni are welcome to attend.
MAN: I reckon those are quite popular.
WOMAN: They sure are. As are our special alumni rates
for continuing education courses.
MAN: Continuing education?
WOMAN: Um, courses that are offered to people who
already have a degree, and just want to take some additional classes to help
boost their professional qualifications.
MAN: Ah. I see.
WOMAN: But in order to enjoy these perks, you have to
register as a member of the alumni association.
MAN: All right. How does one go about that?
WOMAN: Once you graduate, come back here and we’ll
have you fill out a form. Then you’ll need to pay an annual membership fee of
$120.
MAN: That’s a bit steep, don’t you think?
WOMAN: Not considering all the perks you get with it.
Besides what I mentioned, alumni members also have special access to our
libraries and to opportunities to apply for scholarships if they choose to
continue their education with graduate school.
MAN: Fair enough. But to be honest, I’m only
interested in how being an alumni association member will help me for my future
career. I definitely don’t plan to go on for more education...I’ve had enough!
WOMAN: You’re not alone in feeling that way, I assure
you! Our office has three career counsellors on staff to assist alumni in their
career decisions. We also have an impressive network of both domestic and
international employers, and share any job postings or notices we receive
through our online database.
MAN: And that’s available to members?
WOMAN: Of course.
MAN: What about curriculum vitae writing,
interviews... Can you help with that?
WOMAN: That’s what the counsellors are for. And
around three times a year we offer skill-based workshops. We had one recently
on small business start-ups.
MAN: Huh.
WOMAN: So, we really do make it worth your while to
stay in touch. The membership fee makes this possible.
MAN: All right, I’m convinced. I’ll stop by once
I’m officially a graduate.
WOMAN: Cheers. I look forward to it.