Today on MadisonOnline

Searching for life after JMU

JMU's growing online community helps alumni

Gwen Brantley ('07)

Student Ambassador Gwendolyn Brantley ('07)

Beginning the search for life after JMU can be a frightening experience. It is great to know that there are thousands of individuals who experienced those same feelings. It’s even better to know that they are within a click of a mouse. Who are they? JMU alumni — and they can be reached through the JMU Online Community.

I chose to tap into the online community to find marketing opportunities in the Raleigh, N.C., area. After a quick “career and location” search at the online community, I sent out a generic e-mail to several alumni working in marketing in the area. Within days, I received several responses providing detailed information about the area as well as contact information.

I met with three alumni on my visit to Raleigh. It was so great to chat about all that is going on now at Madison, the similar experiences that we shared as undergraduates (including professors), and our backgrounds of study. These alumni advised me on areas of exploration for job opportunities in the region and expressed their desire to help me in any way possible.

"Thanks to the JMU Online Community I have made several new contacts in my possible new home after graduation."
Thanks to the JMU Online Community I have made several new contacts in my possible new home after graduation. I hope that all students will take advantage of reaching out to fellow JMU alumni.

There are more than 20,000 alumni registered at JMU’s Online Community. Keep in touch with alumni and share your career and personal news by registering at a www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/JMD.