Your network can open doors you didn’t even know existed — especially here at CMU-Silicon Valley. With thousands of CMU alumni working across the Bay Area and deep connections to the tech community, networking is a core part of how many of our students find internships, mentorship, and long-term career direction.
This page is your guide to building meaningful relationships that reflect who you are, what you're curious about, and where you want to go. These relationships can lead to insights, referrals, and support throughout your job search and beyond.
Why networking matters at CMU-SV
Networking isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about learning from others and growing your confidence. CMU-SV alumni regularly share that connecting with others (especially alumni) helped them:
- Understand how hiring works at different companies
- Learn how to navigate pivots and transitions
- Prepare for specific interview formats
- Find mentors who opened new doors
Step 1: Set your intentions
Networking is more effective and more authentic when you know what you’re hoping to learn or explore. Before reaching out, take a few minutes to reflect on your goals.
What would be helpful to learn from someone further along in your field?
- Gaining insight into a role or industry
- Learning about a company culture
- Asking for feedback on your portfolio or resume
- Finding a mentor who shares your background or goals
Your goals can shift over time. What matters most is that you're curious, respectful, and open to learning.
Step 2: Use the right tools to find people
You don’t have to start from scratch. CMU-SV students have access to platforms that make it easier to find alumni, connect with recruiters, and explore real-world career paths. These are your search engines for people — and they can help you move beyond cold outreach.
- CMUniverse: CMUniverse is a virtual mentoring platform that lets you connect with alumni based on shared interests, industries, or experiences. You can explore profiles, send a message, and set up conversations on your own schedule. Many students use CMUniverse to ask about job search strategies, how to navigate interviews, or what a day-in-the-life looks like in a specific role.
- LinkedIn: Use the “Alumni” tool under Carnegie Mellon University to filter by job title, company, or location. You might find a CMU alum who works at a company you’re targeting or someone who transitioned into a role you’re considering. Look for common ground, such as your program, graduation year, or previous internships.
- Handshake: Handshake is more than just a job board. It can show you which employers are actively engaging with CMU-SV and where alumni have participated in events. After an event, you can use Handshake to find and follow up with panelists or recruiters.
Not sure where to start or what to say? Peer Career Consultants are available to help you draft your first message or walk through these tools together. They’ve used them too, and know what it’s like to reach out for the first time. Check the student events & activities calendar for weekday availability - no appointment necessary.
Step 3: Make the first move
Reaching out may feel awkward, especially at first. Keep in mind that many CMU-SV alumni and professionals in our network are eager to support current students. They remember what it was like to be where you are now.
You can connect through platforms such as CMUniverse, LinkedIn, or Handshake, depending on how the person is affiliated with CMU. No matter which tool you use, a thoughtful message makes all the difference.
What to include:
- A brief introduction: your name, program, and what you’re interested in exploring
- A clear request: a short chat, a few questions about their role or company, or a review of your resume or portfolio
- A friendly close: express appreciation and offer a few times that could work if they’re open to connecting
Example: Hi Charlie, I’m a current MS in Software Engineering student at CMU-SV, and I came across your profile while researching product roles at early-stage startups. I’d love to hear a bit about your transition from CMU to your current role at XYZ Company. If you’d be open to a quick chat, I’d really appreciate it. I’m happy to work around your schedule, even 15 minutes would be incredibly helpful. Thanks so much either way.
Step 4: Show up prepared
When someone agrees to meet with you, be ready to make the most of the conversation. Thoughtful preparation shows that you value their time — and helps you get better insights in return.
Start by reviewing their LinkedIn profile or CMUniverse bio. Note anything that stands out about their background, company, or career path. Bring a few questions that match where you are in your own exploration and what you are needing from the conversation.
You might ask:
- How did you break into this field?
- What do you wish you had done differently while at CMU-SV?
- What’s a typical day like in your current role?
- How did your CMU-SV experience prepare you for your job?
- What’s something you didn’t expect when you made the move from grad school to industry?
There’s no perfect list. The best questions come from genuine curiosity, which often leads to the best advice.
Step 5: Follow up + stay connected
A thoughtful follow-up is a simple way to stand out, and it helps turn a one-time conversation into a lasting connection. Always send a thank-you note within 24 to 48 hours of your meeting, whether it was a short chat or a deeper conversation.
A good thank-you note includes:
- A sentence or two of appreciation for their time and advice
- A reference to something helpful or interesting they shared
- An offer to stay in touch or a brief update on your next step
After that, keep the relationship warm over time. You might:
- Share a quick update on a project or internship application
- Ask a follow-up question based on their advice
- Offer a recommendation or article they might find useful
- Reach out later when you’re in a new phase of your search
As you build your network at CMU-SV, you’ll also start to support others. Whether it’s helping a peer, reviewing a resume, or mentoring someone in the future, staying connected is part of what makes this community work.
Example thank-you note:
Hi person’s first name,
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me this week. Hearing how you approached your job search after CMU-SV, especially your strategy of reaching out to alumni before applying, gave me a new way to think about building my own network.
I’ve already created a shortlist of companies and plan to start connecting with people in the next few days. I really appreciated your encouragement to be specific and curious in my outreach. I’ll keep you updated as things move forward and hope we can stay in touch.
Thanks again,
Your name
Join networking events on and off campus
Not every connection starts with a message. Sometimes, showing up in the right space leads to unexpected conversations, insights, and momentum. CMU-SV offers a range of opportunities to meet alumni, employers, and peers, both on campus and out in the field.
- Alumni Mixers: These events happen once per semester and are designed to be casual, welcoming, and conversation-focused. They're a great way to meet alumni who want to give back and support current students.
- Tech Treks + Byte-Size Treks: Join group visits to local companies where you’ll meet alumni, explore different work cultures, and ask questions in a relaxed, real-world setting.
- Career Services Workshops + Panels: Learn directly from alumni and professionals who’ve been in your shoes. These sessions cover everything from interviewing to career transitions and often include time for informal networking afterward.
- Peer Career Consultant (PCC) Drop-In Hours: Whether you want to draft a follow-up message or plan your event strategy, PCCs can help you prep, reflect, or just talk through how to make the most of what’s coming up. No appointment required – find a time on the student events & activities calendar that works for you to drop in for open student hours by the coffee station.
Attending events is a great way to build confidence and find your voice, especially when you’re just starting out.
Final thought
Networking is not just a job search strategy. It’s part of how you build a career, grow your confidence, and connect with a community that supports you over time.
At CMU-SV, you don’t have to do it alone. Career Services and Peer Career Consultants are here to guide you, whether you’re just starting or ready to take the next step.
You can schedule a one-on-one meeting with your career consultant on Handshake or drop by Peer Career Consultant Open Student Hours. Check the student events and activities calendar for the latest schedule and opportunities to connect.
“Being in Silicon Valley was a huge advantage—we had direct access to tech companies, alumni, and industry events, which Career Services helped us navigate effectively. My advice to new students: Don’t wait to start prepping! Attend workshops, update your resume early, and use all the resources available—you’ll thank yourself later.”
Shreya Chadha, Software Engineer @ LinkedIn (CMU-SV Alum 2022)
Join our next alumni mixer!
Meet alumni who want to help (like Shreya). Register on Handshake and check out additional networking events on our workshops and events page.
