Former JMU president is inaugural speaker for D.C. area alumni professional network

"The only difference between Harvard and JMU graduates is that Harvard alumni take care of each other. Now that you've started this organization, there is no difference," said JMU president emeritus Ronald Carrier during a panel discussion on professional networking hosted by the JMU Alumni Professional Network in October. "I became president of JMU through contacts and favors I've done for other people. … Personal connections, working them, night work and weekend work are what really help your career," added Carrier.

The JMU Alumni Professional Network is a Washington, D.C., group dedicated to fostering a strong networking community among the 18,000-plus alumni living in the area. Sixty-five alumni attended the event at the Pentagon City Ritz Carlton.

Dave Ramsey ('93), APN president, moderated the discussion. Alumni panelists included: Cecelia Dwyer ('83), president, TrueCareers a Sallie Mae company; Don Rainey ('82), a partner with InterSouth Partners; and Rob Testwuide ('88), vice president of Merrill Lynch and former member of the JMU Board of Visitors.

Networking through the Financial Planning Association in college is how Testwuide found his first job. "Networking is all about people and personal relationships. I schedule two to three meetings per year with all my networking contacts to have more impact," he said.

Rainey counseled, "Be fairly mercenary in your networking choices. Choose organizations where you want to get involved. My methodology is to do 15- to 20-minute touch-base meetings."

Dwyer added, "Even if your job doesn't demand networking, you should do it for yourself. It enriches your life."

To get involved or learn more, visit www.jmuapn.com.    

--Vanessa Brown ('85)