The GW Alumni Association LinkedIn group will celebrate its fourth birthday on Jan. 28, 2012.
From modest beginnings the group has grown to become a hub for networking and dialogue for more than 17,750 members of the global community of Colonials (see graphic).
LinkedIn is widely recognized as a valuable resource for job opportunities, networking and business development. (Approximately three new jobs are listed on the GWAA LinkedIn group each week, and the group features 18 industry and regional subgroups).
But for many Colonials, LinkedIn is also a place to share ideas, re-connect and obtain advice.
Among the most popular discussions in the past year were:
- “In 5 words or less, what do you do?”, posted by Craig Moore, GWSB MBA ’92;
- “What is the best career advice you ever received?”, posted by Michael Steelman, GSEHD Cert. ’11, GW associate director of alumni career and volunteer services; and
- “How has the current ‘Great Recession’ Impacted Jobs for New GWU Alumni?” posted by Mike Ryan, SPHHS MS ’84.
Toward the end of 2011, the Office of Alumni Relations challenged alumni to help grow the GWAA LinkedIn group to 18,000 members by the end of the year.
“The goal of the challenge is obviously to build the group size and improve networking opportunities and discussions among Colonials on LinkedIn,” Mr. Steelman notes. “At the same time, the value of this group is not measured by sheer numbers, but the vibrancy of discussions, job postings, career insights and new connections being made.”
While GW fell just short of meeting the 18,000 member mark by Dec. 31, more than 1,200 new members joined in December alone. Mr. Steelman hopes to reach the 18,000 member milestone by the time the GWAA LinkedIn group turns four on Jan. 28. And more importantly he would like the group to continue to add value and provide insights for members.
“I encourage all alumni looking to build their network to join the GWAA LinkedIn group in 2012!” he says.
For more tips on using LinkedIn, check out the GWebinars “Making the Most of LinkedIn” and “How I Found My Dream Job Using LinkedIn“.
