The alumni community provides excellent opportunities for professional networking. Our alumni networking resources include the Sarah Lawrence alumni professional directory, an alumni LinkedIn group with over 2,500 members, regional and class-specific Facebook groups, networking events, professional development webinars, one-on-one career counseling, and volunteer opportunities.
Professional Development Services
One-on-One Counseling
For assistance with your job search, career change, or networking within the alumni community, please contact Rosalind Ferstenberg, Manager of Alumni Networking and Affinity Programs, at 914.813.9214 or via e-mail.
Resume, Curriculum Vitae & Cover Letter Guidance
Job Search Assistance
For assistance with your job search and preparing for an interview, please contact Rosalind Ferstenberg, Manager of Alumni Networking and Affinity Programs, at 914.813.9214 or via e-mail.
Webinars
Connect with Sarah Lawrence Students and Alumni
Sarah Lawrence has a strong network of alumni who are interested in offering job and internship opportunities to Sarah Lawrence students and alumni. The Offices of Career Services and Alumni Relations work with these alumni to share these opportunities with the Sarah Lawrence community.
Post a Job
If you have a job opening suitable for a recent or upcoming Sarah Lawrence graduate, e-mail the job description to the Office of Career Services or submit it using Handshake. If you have questions about this process, click here for FAQs or contact Jim MacWhorter, Associate Director of Employer Relations.
If you have a part-time or summer position, please post it with the Office of Student Employment. This includes retail, babysitter, and tutor jobs.
Post an Internship
To post an internship, e-mail the description to the Office of Career Services or submit it using Handshake. If you have questions about this process, click here for FAQs or contact Jim MacWhorter, Associate Director of Employer Relations.
For more information about Sarah Lawrence student internships, contact Internship Program Manager Katherine Corsillo
Host an Employer Site Visit
Typically hosted by Sarah Lawrence College alumni, employer site visits give students a glimpse into a career or field of interest. Site visits include the employer's overview of the organization, information about career and internship opportunities, a tour of the workplace, and a chance for students to network onsite with professionals.
If you are interested in hosting a small group of students at your business, contact the Office of Career Services at 914.395.2566 or via e-mail.
Join the LinkedIn Group
Attend Networking Events
Tips for Networking Success
Starting Out on the Right Foot
It can be daunting to make initial contact with someone you have never met. Your first e-mail should be professional and to the point. Here is a sample e-mail to help you get started:
Subject Line: Seeking Career Advice from Sarah Lawrence Alumna
Dear Mr./Ms. [last name of professional resource],
My name is Sally Sweetz and I am a fellow alumna of Sarah Lawrence College. I am currently working as an accountant at a small firm, and I am looking to make the transition into the non-profit sector. I found your contact information through Sarah Lawrence's Professional Directory and noticed that you have experience in the field of non-profit fundraising. I am interested in learning more about this area, and I would like to ask you a few questions. Please let me know if you are available for a quick conversation. My contact information is below.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Building a Relationship
Building a relationship can be helpful in many ways. Here are ways to keep in contact after your initial email:
- Informational Interviews
- Resume Critiques
- Company Site Visits/Shadowing
- Mock Interviews
- Gaining Additional Contacts (referrals)
Networking Appropriately
- Manage your expectations: This program is intended to help you gather information, not to ask for a job/internship.
- Be patient: Respect that your contacts are professionals with their own commitments. If you are asking to meet, you will likely have to wait until it is convenient for them.
- Don't waste your contact's time: Before making a contact, be preapred. Know basic information about the company/field, as well as what your purpose is for reaching out. For example, if you are inquiring about a certain profession, prepare specific questions, rather than saying "tell me all about your field."
- Don't expect too much at once: Don't burden your contact with overwhelming requests. You can always ask more at a later time.
- Listen: When someone is kind enough to offer you job advice, listen attentively.
- Keep things in perspective: Remember that one contact's opinions/perspectives should be taken as just that—an opinion/perspective.
- Get permission: Before using a contact's name as a reference or to approach another prospective contact, be sure to secure permission.
- Say thank you: Always send a note of gratitude.
Alumni on the Job
As director of Human Services in Washington, DC, Laura Green Zeilinger ’95 changes lives by reducing homelessness. Read more in Sarah Lawrence Magazine