Whether it’s to gain information, develop skills, obtain a job or internship, or build professional relationships, connecting with Stanford alumni and employers is an essential part of your career journey. Below are several ways you can effectively establish these connections.
Handshake
Use Handshake to connect with employers, apply for a wide variety of job and internship opportunities, and register for Career Fairs and other special events. You can also follow specific employers’ activity by industry, location, size and more, and even make your profile visible to employers allowing them to seek you out for opportunities!
Interviewing at BEAM
For students’ ease, many employers will choose to reserve space at BEAM to conduct interviews. Please visit Handshake to find out which employers are scheduled to conduct interviews at Stanford along with details of the position and application process.
BEAM Career Fairs
Career Fairs are open to all students - from undergraduate to PhDs and Postdocs - and are an excellent way to connect with employers to learn about job and internship opportunities along with the specific skills they are seeking. We host 17+ Career Fairs during the academic year, covering a wide variety of industries, majors and degree levels.
Stanford Alumni Mentoring (SAM)
Ready for the opportunity to have meaningful conversations and build your Stanford connections? Learn more about Stanford outside the classroom from alumni mentors' points of view. You'll have a chance to discover career pathways and life lessons from someone who has been in your shoes. SAM is open to all current students, and mentoring sessions are available during each quarter of the academic year. Learn more about SAM.
Career Exploration Treks
Treks are an opportunity for you to participate in a purposeful and organized series of company visits within a particular city, theme, or industry. These multi-day and day-long treks provide a forum to interact and learn from employees, some of whom are Stanford alumni, and connect with peers who have common interests. Treks are typically offered when school is not in session, such as over the summer and during Winter and Spring Breaks.
Informational Interviewing
Informational Interviewing is an opportunity to learn about specific occupations, industries, and companies by talking with professionals about their experience. Through these conversations, you gain an insider’s perspective and establish professional connections. There is a rich network of Stanford alumni who want to help you; identify and connect alumni by using the Stanford Alumni Directory and LinkedIn. Read more about informational interviewing in Handshake.
Job Shadowing
One of the most meaningful ways to connect with employers and alumni is to participate in job shadowing. By spending part of the work day with someone in your field of interest, you can get a first-hand look at the skills, knowledge, and experience needed. After a professional relationship has been established through programs such as Stanford Alumni Mentoring (SAM), many professionals are willing to host students at their workplace – it’s just up to you to ask. Read more about job shadowing in Handshake.
