FAQ
1. Why did we create this database?
We created this database to offer students an easier and more effective way to connect with alumni. Networking is one of the most important things students can do before entering the workforce. Academic and practitioner literatures assert that networking provides numerous beneficial career-related outcomes for both individuals and organizations” (e.g. Fugate et al., 2004; Seibert et al., 2001; Wolff and Moser, 2009). “One specific desirable outcome of networking is enhanced employability, through the building and maintenance of contacts that can provide relevant resources” (Burt, 1997; Granovetter, 1973; Kanfer et al., 2001; Van Hoye et al., 2009). We want to provide students with an effective tool, and an easier way to build and strengthen these important networks.
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2. Why is something like this needed? What about the OPCD?
This is something students need because majority of jobs are now shared through word of mouth, never even appearing on a job posting website. “Research has suggested that an individual’s network is critical to social mobility” (Dominguez & Watkins, 2003; Erickson, 1996; Lin, 2001; Stanton-Salazar & Dombusch, 1995). “More specifically, individuals with higher levels of social capital have access to social resources that can be utilized to achieve a desired objective, such as searching for a job” (Burt, 2001; Flap, 1999; Lin, 2001). “From a job search perspective, actors within the network can improve behaviors or gain access to job-related information based on the connections they possess.” Students need to build a vast array of connections, working to build their networks because this will enable them to have a better chance of obtaining a job after graduation.
While the OPCD is a great resource for students, they are sometimes unable to adequately assist the large number of students they are responsible for. It is unrealistic to expect them to help the entire student body with their job process while also maintaining strong ties with all of the alumni. “Despite the existence of career centers, though, a notable number of college students still wind up unemployed (almost 6 percent in 2016) or underemployed (almost 13 percent in 2016) upon graduating. It’s hard to say whether these students even took advantage of their campus’ career services—or of their personal networks—but the data suggest, regardless, that the job centers could be doing more to shepherd young adults into the workforce. The fact that many jobs are shared via word of mouth rather than posted online indicates that relationship-building is one area in which the centers could improve” (The Atlantic). That is why we created this program to work with the OPCD, not against.
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3. How do we know Wake students want this/will use it?
After conducting a survey that was sent out to many Wake Forest students, we received results that only further convinced us that pursing this tool would be extremely helpful to the student body. 75% of students had visited the OPCD before, but only 66% left completely satisfied with their experience. After leaving the OPCD, almost 100% of students left their meeting without any alumni connecections. We want to work with the OPCD in order to provide students with the most helpful resources as possible.