On Jan. 17, the KPUMA partnered with the KPU Alumni Association to connect current marketing students with experienced graduates on its KPU Connects platform. The free, online hub surveys a student’s interests before matching them with others in their field. The system then recommends conversation starters to make it easier to break the ice and mutually benefit from connections.
In an eight question Q&A, Alex Camilleri, the KPUMA President, explains the inner workings and advantages of KPU Connects.
- Where did the idea to collaborate with the KPU Alumni Association come from?
- So after the official launch of the KPUMA Network, I wanted to find new ways we could expand what we offer for students in terms of networking with alumni. One day I came across the KPU Connects platform and thought it was a great way we could get our members connected with alumni.
- Why did you choose the KPU Alumni Association specifically to partner with?
- Our executive team decided that partnering with organizations already involved with the KPU community was a good start for our partnership strategy. With that said, the people working at the KPU Alumni Association were extremely positive about the idea and saw the benefit in teaming up.
- How does the KPU Alumni Association benefit KPUMA members?
- The KPU Alumni Association utilizes the KPU Connects platform that hasn’t been publicized too much and we want to make our members aware of it and make it easily accessible for them.
- How have you personally benefited from the platform?
- Yes, I actually have! Right when I came across KPU Connects, I signed up and have already met with a couple mentors. They gave me some really useful insight into how I am going to transition into my new career.
- What do you hope students take away from this partnership?
- I really hope that students are able to find some insightful mentors out of both the KPU Connects platform, as well as the KPUMA LinkedIn group.
- Is there any cost associated with signing up or being a member of the Alumni Association?
- No, any KPU student gets access to what the Alumni Association has to offer.
- Does the KPU Alumni Association host any in person or online events?
- Yes they do! Currently events are online and are integrated with KPU Connects. Keep an eye out for those events once you sign up.
- How does the profile system work? (Like, what would a student need to do two sign up and interact with others on the site).
- It’s super easy to sign up! Just enter some basic information such as your school email and what you are trying to get out of being on the platform. Another cool part about making your profile is that you can list areas of expertise you can offer to other students such as leadership advice and time management.
Sign Up for the Alumni Association’s KPU Connects here: https://kpu.tenthousandcoffees.com/signup