Matthew McConaughey being a professor at my college is a bragging right that will never get old. Glen Powell is slowly creeping in, adorning his burnt orange gear, much to his delight, I’m sure. However epic McConaughey as a professor and alumnus is, he isn’t the only one. There are more than 600,000, in fact, who will be more likely to respond to your emails. UT alumni are a valuable source of connection for students — whether it’s career support, networking or keeping a lifelong community.
“What students probably don’t understand … is that when you leave your college years behind and you’re out in the world, you like helping people,” said Dorothy Guerrero, vice president of communications for Texas Exes, the official UT alumni association. “It’s really gratifying for people in their mid-career or retired folks. We really want students to know that connecting with alumni is mutually beneficial.”
Students may feel awkward reaching out to alumni, fearing that they might hear from too many nagging students. This often isn’t the case. More senior positions may have less time at hand, but it’s not a lack of friendliness.
Elaine Garza, CEO of the PR company Giant Noise, reassures students that alumni are thrilled to help out.
“People are generous, … (so) do not be afraid,” Garza said.“No one’s bothered by it, and all they can do is not reply … Getting on a Zoom call or asking to hop on the phone seems much more doable. If students lead that way, they probably will get even more response from people.”
You don’t lose anything from messaging them once or twice — message them six times and you might lose some dignity.
Luckily, it’s never been easier to reach out. Cold calls, emails and LinkedIn are all welcome by alumni. Utilize Hornslink to find organizations or upcoming events, or the Texas Exes’ very own UT HookedIn source to network with alumni.
As an exchange student myself, my time in Austin is, unfortunately, limited to a single year. Luckily, being a Longhorn student is worldwide.
“It’s just spread across the world, primarily, of course, in Texas,” said Arjun Hegde, former president of business fraternity Phi Chi Theta. “I meet Longhorns everywhere, and at least UT-specific, it’s a worldwide brand. … I’ve seen it all over Europe. … All Longhorns should be opportunistic and just go for it.”
To my delight, I spotted a Longhorn jersey walking in Byron Bay, Australia over Christmas break. From right next door in Austin to 8,000 miles away, Longhorns follow you everywhere.
Although slightly disappointing, I’ve only managed one glimpse of McConaughey thus far, but I will nevertheless not fail to tell anyone. There are plenty of UT alumni who deserve as much praise, even if they’re not as noticeable on the football sidelines. Don’t miss out on UT’s unique web of connections. By all means, refrain from nagging them, but a polite reach out never goes amiss.
If in doubt, hit ‘em with a “Hook ‘em Horns!”
Slimmon is a history junior from London, England.
