Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Use the keyword search on the home page to describe the type of work or field you want to explore, and choose from the list of champions resulting from your search. You can also browse by career type, job title, or any keyword. Compare champions by reading their biographies, watching their videos, scanning their photo galleries, and visiting their social media links (if available).
There are 3 options — you and your champion decide for each session:
It is free.
Once you've set up your account, follow these 4 easy steps:
Your email address will only be shared with your champion after you have booked a session with them. Through email, you can then share your private videoconference URL or your phone number to be used for your session.
No. This is a conversation with a Loyola Alumni about your career or internship interests and/or questions.
First, review the champion's profile. Second, prepare a list of questions. For assistance, download either a free Informational Interviewing Guide or Networking and Career Branding Guide. Finally, dress appropriately for an in-person or video conference. Check out our Pinterest "What to Wear" board for some ideas.
If you are more than 15 minutes late or you cancel within an hour of your session with your champion, you lose that session. If you are late, your champion is not obligated to wait more than 15 minutes for you. Rescheduling can be done via the website.
The same is expected of champions. If a champion is more than 15 minutes late or cancels within an hour of your session, they will reschedule with you and make up any additional lost time.
There are exceptions to every rule. If an emergency occurs, both parties should be accommodating.
Yes, please! The only way we know that students and alumni are indeed connecting is by watching the magic happen via the LUConnect website. We understand that communication is going to happen outside of the system but hope that all session booking happens inside the system.
Please email us at luconnect@luc.edu or call us at 773-508-7716
For lots of reasons, but primarily:
You will make a great champion if you:
Whether you've sign up via Loyola University Chicago's Career Development Center, Alumni Relations, or on your own, here are your next steps:
No problem. The easiest option is to choose a phone session, conducted via your home or mobile phone number. Video conferences can take place via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Google Meet or any other video conference service - you'll work with your student to pick the method that's best for you both.
Your email address will only be shared with your student after they have booked a session with you. Through email, you can then share your private videoconference URL or your phone number to be used for your session.
Students gain knowledge from the classroom and experience from engaged learning activities such as internships, service-learning, etc. but they still need to connect to the world of work. There are few ways as effective and efficient as networking for informational interviews! Since you've been in their shoes, the conversation that you and a student have is incredibly valuable and needed. There is no substitute for experienced-based perspective.
You decide how many students you connect with each month. If you find yourself engaged in a large project at work, taking a medical leave, or otherwise engaged in something that leaves you with little extra time for this program, let the folks in the Career Development Center know and we can de-activate your account. Once your schedule allows for you to resume the program, let us know and we will re-activate your account.
You can anticipate a wide range of student interests, preparedness (for speaking to you), and knowledge of a career path or job. You will probably be really impressed with the caliber of some of the students you encounter and may have to practice a little more patience with other students who may never have had a networking conversation before.
Students are asked to review our program terms as well as the expectations of participation. Additionally, students are offered a free pdf guide on Informational Interviewing preparation as well as a guide to Networking successfully. Finally, all students are able to see an adviser at almost anytime either in person or via Skype. These are the guides they are offered: Informational Interviewing Guide or a Networking and Career Branding Guide .
Absolutely. It can be updated at any time. The more you add in terms of social media, photographs, and video, the easier it will be for students to approach you for a connection.
Contact the Career Development Center via email at luconnect@luc.edu for assistance.
Yes. You need to agree to our Terms and Conditions at the time of your application.
No. If you receive a request to connect and do not believe you are able to offer useful advise to the student, feel free to politely decline.
If you are more than 15 minutes late or you cancel within an hour of your session, you need to reschedule with your student and make up any additional lost time.
If your student is more than 15 minutes late or cancels within an hour of your session, they lose that session. If they request a make up session with you, it is your decision whether or not your try to connect again.
There are exceptions to every rule. If an emergency occurs, both parties should be accommodating and use good sense.
Yes, please! The only way we know that students and alumni are indeed connecting is by watching the magic happen via the LUConnect website. We understand that communication is going to happen outside of the system but hope that all session booking happens inside the system.
Absolutely not! In fact, by watching your connections happen, we hope to get to know you better and engage you in other opportunities that are a good fit for your interests, expertise, and availability.
Please email us at luconnect@luc.edu or call us at 773-508-7716.