Unlocking Lifelong Benefits: The Value of Student Alumni Associations

Joining a student alumni association is one of the most rewarding steps a graduate can take after leaving their alma mater. These networks offer a wide range of benefits that are both personally and professionally rewarding, fitting every stage of life. From professional networking and career support to continuing education, social events, and exclusive discounts, alumni associations provide a platform for growth, connection, and lifelong learning.

Networking: Building Bridges to Success

One of the most significant advantages of joining an alumni association is access to professional networking opportunities. Alumni associations regularly organize networking events, career fairs, and professional development workshops. These events provide a platform for alumni to connect with professionals in their field, explore job opportunities, and find potential mentors.

Connecting with Influential Alumni: SAA provides its members opportunities to connect with influential alumni at various events where they share their experiences and knowledge about careers.
Establishing Professional Contacts: Establishing professional contacts through these events can lead to various benefits, such as career support, business opportunities, and mentorship.
Aluum: The Largest Global Alumni Network: For the best business connections, class reunions, and more, join Aluum - the largest global alumni network for current and former students alike. Aluum’s online alumni network connects you with fellow alums from your university, as well as other graduates from across the world.

Career Support: Navigating the Job Market

Former students can greatly benefit from the extensive career services offered by many alumni associations.

Job Boards and Workshops: These may include job boards, resume workshops, and interview preparation sessions.
Mentorship Programs: Many strong alumni networks also have mentorship programs where experienced alumni provide guidance to those just starting in their careers, but seasoned alums considering a career change could benefit from this type of guidance, too. SAA members are invited to apply for the Student Alumni Mentorship (SAM) Program for an opportunity to be paired one on one with an alumni mentor and receive guidance on career exploration, the job/internship search, life skills, and more.
Career Assessments: Sacramento State Alumni Association members and legacy life members receive a 10 percent discount on career assessments provided by Andrea Weiss, a national certified counselor with over 20 years of experience. Services are complimentary for Hornet alumni.

Continuing Education: Lifelong Learning

No matter your career path, lifelong learning is crucial in today’s fast-paced world.

Exclusive Webinars and Workshops: Alumni associations often facilitate continuing education opportunities, such as access to exclusive webinars, workshops, and courses designed to help alumni stay current in their field.
Discounts on Courses: Annual and Life Members at UCI receive 25% off the first course and then 10% off one course per quarter after. (discount excludes Private Tutoring and PCAT Self-Paced courses and are non-stackable).
Access to Journals: periodicals -- including close to 2,050 peer-reviewed journals .

Business Opportunities: A Platform for Growth

Joining a school’s alumni association means becoming part of a network of influential business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

Promote Your Business: If you’re a mover and shaker, these alumni networks can provide you a unique platform to promote your business, raise capital, and connect with fellow leaders.
Collaboration and Partnership: They frequently host events that create opportunities for collaboration and partnership - so whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your business, or finding new clients, this could be perfect for you!
Business Directories and Forums: Many alumni associations also have business directories and forums for advertising services, seeking advice, and exploring investment opportunities.

Social and Recreational Activities: Staying Connected

Beyond professional and educational benefits, alumni associations offer numerous social and recreational activities for former and current students.

Reunions and Homecoming Events: From reunions and homecoming events to regional meetups and travel opportunities, these events allow alumni to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.
Traditions: As the tradition keepers on campus, SAA works to promote Aggie Traditions. Show your Aggie pride by completing the Aggie traditions!
Events and Activities: Whether you’re attending a career workshop, sporting event or more, join fellow UCI Alumni doing activities you enjoy.

Exclusive Benefits and Discounts: Perks of Membership

Membership in a university’s alumni association often comes with a variety of exclusive benefits and discounts that are unique to your institution.

Discounts on Shopping, Hotels, and Travel: SAA provides discounts on shopping, hotels, travel, and event tickets.
Nationwide Savings: No matter where you call home, use your member benefits to take advantage of nationwide savings for shopping, travel and entertainment.
Hotel Discounts: Members receive discounts at participating Clarion, Comfort, Quality, Econo Lodge, Rodeway and MainStay hotels worldwide.
Car Rental Discounts: UCI Alumni now have access to a worldwide inventory of car rentals at discounted rates. domestically or abroad, you can take advantage of savings that may exceed 35% with over 1,200 car rental suppliers at more than 30,000 worldwide locations. Any car, anywhere, anytime. Save time and money.
VIP Parking: UCI Alumni Association Members can enjoy VIP parking rates at the Los Angeles International Airport. Get savings of up to 40% off rates with the discount code. Make a reservation today! and Canada.
Pet Insurance Discounts: Nationwide® provides affordable pet health coverage from preventive care to significant medical incidents. A discount for UCI alumni helps make this peace-of-mind protection even more affordable. Coverage is available for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and exotic pets such as ferrets, rabbits, and more!
Fitness Discounts: fitness have to offer - complete with a collection of exclusive benefits. Enjoy discounted dues and no enrollment fees.
Recreational Discounts: Members receive one-time discount of affiliate pricing on equipment rentals and all leisure classes, including sailing, windsurfing, stand up paddling, rowing, and more. Legacy Life members receive affiliate pricing anytime. Members must be participating in the activities to receive the discount. Members receive affiliate pricing for all adventure trips and a 10 percent discount on outdoor equipment rental. Recreational activities include guided outdoor trips, youth campus, ropes course programs, clinics and classes on many outdoor subjects.
Moving Discounts: Receive 10 percent off hourly rates for local moving (household or office) and 25-65 percent off published tariff rates for long distance moving. First month free storage with qualified time commitment, including free pickup, for household or business records storage.
Produce Delivery Discounts: Farm Fresh To You delivers the season's best selection of fresh, organic produce and natural grocery products conveniently to your doorstep. Save 20% on all your first 5 farm box deliveries by using promo code CSUS during sign-up. CONVENIENT | Delivery to your door is included!
Legal Fee Discounts: Members receive a 15 percent discount on legal fees associated with Rebecca A. Gardner's services provided at HMS Law Group LLP, which includes but is not limited to estate planning, probate, trust administration, business planning and art law.
Business Journal Subscription Discounts: New subscribers can receive 52 weeks of the Sacramento Business Journal for just $75 (Retail - $150). This includes print and/or digital delivery. You also receive the Book of Lists, full access to subscriber only content and breaking business news.
Credit Card Rewards: Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to Online Baking, or use the Mobile Banking app.
Insurance Discounts: As a UCI alumnus/a, you can take advantage of simplified and worry-free protection when it comes to securing essential life and health insurance. This protection is available to you at special alumni-only accessibility and/or discounts through Mercer, a service of Mercer Health & Benefits Administration LLC. The Alumni Association has teamed up with Liberty Mutual to provide a group discount on auto, home, and renters insurance. You can't predict when your pet is going to get hurt or sick, but you can help prepare financially for when they do with the Hartville Pet Insurance voluntary benefit program, brought to you by Liberty Mutual. With customizable coverage options it's easy to find the right plan for your pet at the right price for you.
Campus Discounts: Members receive a 10 percent discount on regular price Hornet Bookstore merchandise. Discount does not apply to computer software or hardware, electronics, or textbooks. Members pay the student price on all Theatre & Dance Productions.

Philanthropy and Volunteerism: Giving Back

Alumni associations provide numerous opportunities for alumni to give back to their community and alma mater through philanthropic and volunteer efforts.

Fundraising Campaigns and Mentoring: Whether it’s participating in fundraising campaigns, mentoring students, or volunteering at alumni events, these activities allow former students to make a positive impact.
Service: Philanthropy is a part of the UC Davis culture! Participate in events that give back to the university and the Davis community. Check out upcoming events.
Volunteer Opportunities: Some alumni groups offer opportunities for volunteer service, particularly if graduates live close to their alma mater. Most volunteer opportunities available through the association are officially sanctioned by the college or university. Volunteer opportunities do more than benefit college or university graduates; they also benefit all participants. Many volunteer opportunities allow graduates to exercise their skills or learn new skills while serving their community.

Political Advocacy: A Collective Voice

Many schools’ alumni networks engage in political advocacy, working to influence policies that affect higher education and the broader community.

Advocating for Important Issues: By joining an alumni association, alumni can become part of a collective voice that advocates for important issues, such as increased funding for education, student rights, and more.

Lifetime Engagement: A Lasting Connection

For those seeking long-term engagement, many alumni associations offer lifetime memberships that come with additional perks.

Read also: Guide to UC Davis Student Housing

Lifetime Access and Support: These can include lifetime access to networking events, continuous career services and support, and special recognition within the alumni community.

Getting Involved: Making the Most of Your Alumni Association

Getting involved with your alumni association is a great way to stay connected with your alma mater and fellow alumni.

Attend Alumni Events: Attend alumni events, such as career fairs, networking receptions, and reunions. These exclusive events provide opportunities to connect with fellow alumni and learn about job opportunities and industry trends.
Volunteer for Committees: Volunteer for committees or boards within the alumni association. These alumni groups often focus on specific areas, such as philanthropic events, community outreach, and fundraising.
Participate in Online Forums: Participate in online forums and social media groups. Many universities have online communities where alumni can connect, share news and updates, and ask for advice.

Read also: Investigating the Death at Purdue

tags: #student #alumni #association #benefits