Connect-a-Bull is as free tool for mentorship, networking, career exploration, experiential learning, and job connections. And it’s made for everyone at UB: students and alumni at any point in life.
The Connect-a-Bull platform is built around the principle that every individual, regardless of their background or status, can fully understand how their passions, interests, and studies can become a meaningful career.
80% of jobs and internships are found through personal connections. The goal of Connect-a-Bull is to create access to possible opportunities through mentorship. Through Connect-a-Bull, students will be able to meet alumni, break down any barriers to careers they are interested in, and ultimately increase their social capital and professional network.
How does Connect-a-Bull work? It’s user interface matches hobbies, interests, and values with potential mentors but also facilitates interests-based groups between students and alumni through discussion boards, career interest groups, events, job postings, and other career resources. In fact, the Career Design Center will facilitate industry-based career community groups on Connect-a-Bull along with a first-generation student-to-alumni group. An excellent way to build self-confidence and meet people with similar interests and goals.
Here is how to get started plus tips for getting the most out of Connect-a-Bull:
- Sign up for Connect-a-Bull today.
- Once you are in, join a Connect-a-Bull Group by clicking on “Connect” and then “Groups, and join the groups that match your career interests.
- Find an alumni volunteer that you want to talk to by clicking on “Connect” then “Community” to search the for your industry experts.
- Once you find an alumni volunteer you want to talk to, click on “Message (person’s name)” to send a note to introduce yourself and request a virtual meeting.
- Some questions you might consider asking … How did you get started? What advice do you have for me? Who else would be helpful for me to talk to?
- After your meeting be sure to message the alumni volunteer to thank them and let them know what piece of advice meant the most to you.
- Send them a LinkedIn connection request to help you stay in touch.
- And after you graduate, be sure to stay on Connect-a-Bull so you can help someone someday.
