The other night, I attended my first alumni event with my alma mater, American University. Given that I graduated quite some time ago, it may come as a surprise that this was my first time attending an event with my own school—especially considering that I once worked in institutional advancement. Although I hadn’t attended official alumni gatherings in the past, I’ve always made time to visit campus, stay connected with friends from my class year, and keep up with my alumni magazine. But now that I work for myself, networking events have taken on a new level of importance.
The event was held at Brooklyn Chophouse in New York City and brought together graduates from various class years. Fun fact: it was hosted by the School of Communications, whereas I studied at the School of Public Affairs. But given my work in communications now, it felt like the perfect fit.
Networking events like these can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially for introverts like me. But over the years, I’ve learned a few strategies that have helped me not only attend more of them, but actually enjoy the experience. Here are my top three tips:
Set an intention: Whether you’re hoping for an introduction, looking to land a client, or simply wanting to expand your circle, having a goal in mind can give you a sense of direction. Sometimes, my goal is as simple as meeting a few new people or engaging with professionals outside my usual network. Setting a specific target—like striking up two conversations or collecting five business cards—can make the event feel more intentional and productive.
Know who you are: You’d be surprised how many people struggle with this one (or maybe you wouldn’t). At networking events, no one needs to hear your entire life story—you’ll lose them quickly if you try. Instead, have a few concise lines prepared about what you do and what you’re looking to do in the future. The more you refine your introduction, the more confidence you’ll feel delivering it. And if nothing else, by the end of the night, your elevator pitch will be second nature.
Actually connect: If you’re anything like me, you can have a great conversation with someone and still forget their name five minutes later. I made a conscious effort at this event to glance at name tags (the restaurant was loud!) and remember something from each conversation. This small habit made it much easier the next day when I followed up on LinkedIn or sent emails to continue the dialogue.
Even though it had been longer than I’d like to admit, I’m glad I finally attended an alumni event. It was inspiring to hear about the latest happenings at American University, chat with current students, and learn about the career paths fellow alumni have taken. I’m looking forward to heading to D.C. later this spring and continuing to foster these new connections.
Have you ever attended an alumni event with your alma mater? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience!
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