It’s that time of the year; saying congratulations and goodbye (but not forever) to graduating members. The connections that have been forged through Alpha Kappa Psi are everlasting. Walking across the stage to receive that hard earned diploma, starting a career or going on to pursue a graduate or professional degree; it’s all very exciting, but you shouldn’t lose connections in the process.
Sustaining those networks and keeping bonds strong is an essential part of membership after college. Keeping in touch with other members could mean a potential job, resources down the road, or friends who share a common interest when moving across the world. Here are several ways to maintain these connections after college.
1. Update your information
Keeping AKPsi informed with your latest email, mailing address and phone will ensure you will always receive the latest info, deals, and updates. You can send any updates through AKPsi’s contact us form.
2. Stay active on social media.
This doesn’t always mean sharing a meme on their wall weekly or direct messaging them every month. Friend and follow everyone from AKPsi that is important for you to stay in contact with. Follow the official Alpha Kappa Psi accounts too (Facebook – Twitter – Instagram); these frequently post stories on alumni, students and volunteers. Liking their posts and pictures on occasion will keep that connection fresh and keep you relevant. When the time comes to contact them, this will ensure that you aren’t just someone they met during PBLI and haven’t heard from in years.
3. Connect on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is another great resources for networking and keeping track of a person’s professional career. Utilize the AKPsi LinkedIn network to ask questions, read articles published by other members, and network like crazy. Don’t be afraid to reach out and make connections with members in the same field; they can be incredibly valuable resources in advancing your own career.
3. Start or Join an Alumni Chapter
When leaving college and moving to a new city, it can be daunting. However, there are alumni chapters all over the world, which creates an opportunity to make connections wherever life leads. Alumni chapters hold social, service and professional events so that members can continue to stay connected to AKPsi. Check out Join an Alumni Chapter to view maps of alumni chapters and colonies. If there isn’t one close by, consider starting one.
5. Attend Convention
The 2017 Convention this summer will be held in Las Vegas, packed with activities, professional development and at least 1,000 individuals from all over the world are anticipated to be in attendance. Alumni can enjoy exclusive access to the Mob Museum, the Neon Museum and Ethel M Chocolates. Make the most out of your Convention experience by going to brotherhood events, professional workshops and networking with other alumni, students and volunteers.
6. Become a volunteer
The life of a recent graduate can be hectic, which is why we have various volunteer opportunities that can suit your availability. Become a part of the chapter advisory board or join the fraternity ritual team to help out collegiate chapters. There are also many ways volunteers can help during fraternity events like PBLI and Convention. Fill out a volunteer interest form to see more details about open positions and your interest.
7. Donate to the AKPsi Foundation
Donating is a great way to give back to programs that made an impact on your collegiate education and professional development. Alpha Kappa Psi is continuously looking for ways to improve programs for future business leaders and donations help make those improvements come to fruition.
8. Join the Speakers Bureau
Consider speaking at local or fraternity events as a part of the Speakers Bureau. As a professional fraternity, we utilize speakers at a majority of our events when providing educational opportunities for our members. This is an opportunity to get your name out there and also to network with other members.
9. Show Your AKPsi Pride
Whether you wear your favorite AKPsi recruitment t-shirt to the gym or you pack your AKPsi crewneck for your month long trek across Europe, keep on showing your AKPsi pride. By demonstrating your pride, you promote AKPsi to others. Sharing your pride can also create conversations; members are spread across the globe and you’ll never know when someone might recognize the letters and want to connect. AKPsi gear is available at any time through the AKPsi MarketPlace – and it’s a great graduation present!
10. Become Life Loyal
Last but not least, becoming Life Loyal adds another layer of staying connected. Life Loyal membership offers many discounts, recognition and benefits; one specifically being the receipt of the Diary of Alpha Kappa Psi. The Diary contains professional articles, expansion efforts, updates on fraternity events and interviews with other alumni, to name a few. Alumni updates are also shared in each publication of the Diary, gives you yet another resource for finding connections.
It is important to try and maintain connections through social media, alumni chapters and reading the accomplishments of others. However, the connections maintained from a college career shouldn’t only be considered as resources to be utilized, but rather a stepping stone to strengthening lifelong bonds of brotherhood with other members of Alpha Kappa Psi.
