Why MeetUp?
MSHE MeetUps are like informational interviews. Students will share their background and goals in advance, and come to the conversation with a clear learning objective. They will also share the latest MSHE developments. From the students' perspective, the purpose of the MeetUp is to learn—not to seek a job from alumni. Alumni, on the other hand, enjoy sharing their insights and reconnecting with the program in a meaningful way.
The engagement allows students and alumni to expand their networks by meeting someone with similar interests. Although the expectation is for only a single meeting, the relationship can be developed if both participants choose.
-
My alumni partner had a wealth of professional experience in my desired career field and drew upon that experience to offer me job search advice and other helpful knowledge about becoming a successful student affairs professional.
-
The alum perfectly matched with my interests. I was looking to change paths, and now know, with her help, what type of higher ed work I want to pursue.
-
My alum partner gave me many suggestions that I found useful, and I really admire that she takes on multiple roles and responsibilities.
-
My alumni partner had a wealth of professional experience in my desired career field and drew upon that experience to offer me job search advice and other helpful knowledge about becoming a successful student affairs professional.
-
The alum perfectly matched with my interests. I was looking to change paths, and now know, with her help, what type of higher ed work I want to pursue.
-
My alum partner gave me many suggestions that I found useful, and I really admire that she takes on multiple roles and responsibilities.
How to Participate:
Sign up by reading the MSHE MeetUp Rules of Engagement and completing the appropriate interest form below. Sign-ups will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. We will do our best to match you with an alumni/student partner that meets the preferences you express when you sign up. While we cannot guarantee a perfect fit, we hope the opportunity to participate in multiple Meet-Ups will enable students to meet their learning objectives and both students and alumni to form valuable new relationships.
Once the matches are completed, you will be provided instructions for how to contact your MeetUp partner.
Lastly, at the end of the quarter, we will seek feedback regarding your MeetUp experience to help us continue to develop a MeetUp program that truly meets your needs. Please feel free to contact Carla Cortes with any questions. Thank you for your interest!
Still have questions?
- Student
- Alumna/us
Q: Am I garunteed a match every quarter?
A: We hope everyone can get as much out of the MSHE MeetUps program as possible and we do our best to match as many alumna/us who signup with students as possible. However, in the past, we have had more alumni sign up than current students and so not every alumna/us has gotten a student match every quarter. The MSHE office make matches based on the information provided in the interest forms for both the Alumna/us and Student.
Q: Can I request a change in my match if I am not happy with it?
A: Sign-ups to meet with an alum will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. We will do our best to match you with an alumni partner that meets the preferences you express when you sign up. While we cannot guarantee a perfect fit, we hope the opportunity to participate in multiple Meet-Ups throughout your MSHE career will enable you to meet your learning objectives.
Q: Do we have to meet in person?
A: MSHE MeetUps can be complete in person or virtually. If both student and alumna/us are located in the Chicago area, we encourage you to take advantage of an in person meeting, but your are not required to.
Q: How long do MeetUps last?
A: Expect one-on-one conversations that last no longer than one hour. Students should make the initial contant and coordinate a MeetUp at a place and time that is most convenient for the alumna/us.
Q: Is the MSHE MeetUps program offered every quarter?
A: The MSHE MeetUp currently runs winter and spring quarters only.
Q: What do I do if my assigned student never reaches out to me?
A: All students have been strongly encouraged to take the MeetUp seriously and to make first contact with you. However, if you have not heard from a student after the cutoff time, please feel free to reach out to the student directly or to Carla Cortes who can talk to the student on you behalf.
Q: Who picks who my partner will be?
A: The MSHE office make matches based on the information provided in the interest forms for both the Alumna/us and Student. We will do our best to match you with an alumni partner that meets the preferences you express when you sign up. While we cannot guarantee a perfect fit, we hope the opportunity to participate in multiple Meet-Ups throughout your MSHE career will enable you to meet your learning objectives.