Tips
for New Smith Grads—Now, Then and Later
Ally Einbinder '10 |
By Ally Einbinder '10,
program coordinator, Wurtele Center for Work & Life
1. Use the online
Smith Alumnae Directory as a tool for networking. Smith
juniors and seniors now have access to the on the AASC web site. Use the directory
as a search engine to look up alumnae by location,
major, and current occupation (an interesting way to
see how much their Smith major relates—or not—to
what they do now!)
2. Ask for letters of
recommendation, even if you are unsure about grad school. The
Lazarus Center for Career Development maintains reference
files for up to five years via a service called .
Even if you’re unsure about your plans after Smith,
ask professors to write a generic reference letter and
store it in your Interfolio account for safekeeping.
That way, professors can write on your behalf while you’re
still fresh in their minds. And you’ll have quick
and easy access to the reference whenever you need it.
3. Apply for an Alumnae
Scholarship. Smith seniors planning to pursue
full-time graduate study are eligible to apply for an
Alumnae Scholarship. Awards are based on merit within
the department of one’s major. An application form
is available on the
4. Let Smith know where
you land. Let Smith know where you are and what
you’re doing by keeping your online directory profile
up to date and sending status updates to the . You never know  when Smith,
another alumna or a student might want to find you.
5. Find your local club. Connect
with other Smith alumnae in your area by becoming a member
of the local alumnae club. Check out the on the AASC web site to find the club nearest
you, or for contact information.
6. Take advantage of
the benefits and special offers available to you. The
AASC offers to Smith alumnae and their families,
such as discounts on insurance policies, the opportunity
to audit courses (for a small fee), and use of campus facilities—including
the gym, libraries, and art museum.
7. Use the Lazarus Center
and other career-related services offered through AASC. Check
out the on the Lazarus Center web site
to learn about resources and workshops specifically designed
for alumnae. The AASC also offers a variety of career-related
services, including both , as well as on topics such as “Embracing Change” and “How
to Write a Business Plan.”
8. Stay connected to
Smith by volunteering your time and talent. Visit
the Smith web site to see a list of ways you can stay connected
to Smith through a . Volunteering could
be a more informal, short-term commitment, like organizing
an event for your local club; or taking on a more official,
long-term position, like becoming a recruiter for the Alumnae
Admission Program.
9. Come back for reunion. Reconnect
with old friends and classmates by coming back to Smith for .
Reunion dates are posted on the AASC web site more than a
year in advance, so mark your calendars and plan early.
10. Apply for an Alumnae
Scholarship or another prize. You don’t
need to be a Smith senior to apply for a . Alumnae of any class year
beginning their first year of graduate study are also eligible
to apply. Other prizes Smith offers to alumnae are the
Barbara Jordan Prize and the David Burres Memorial Law
prize, both awarded to Smith alumnae pursuing graduate
study in law. Visit the for further details.
11. Nominate an alumna. Recognize
and honor distinguished Smith alumnae by for any of the following: Smith College
Medal, AASC Board of Directors, Classes Committee, Notable
Alumnae, AASC Club Volunteer Award, and AASC Class Volunteer
Award.
12. Get in the habit
of annual giving. Whether it’s $5, $500
or $5,000, to the college is perhaps the easiest
and most impactful way to support the education and experience
of future Smith students. Think of your yearly donation
as giving a “birthday present” to Smith, or
like casting a vote in an annual election. Just in the
way that every vote counts in an election, so does each
dollar given to the college. |
