How to Leverage Your Alumni Network for Career Growth with Michelle Stepp
Today, we’re diving into a career strategy that is powerful, underused, and honestly hiding in plain sight: your alumni network.
Whether you’re a college student, a recent graduate, or someone mid-career navigating a transition, today’s conversation will completely change the way you think about networking.
Alumni connections aren’t just for homecoming week, they’re one of the most effective, trust-based ways to build relationships, gain insight, and open doors across your entire career.
I’m joined today by Michelle Stepp, an expert in alumni relations with nearly 30 years of experience. Michelle works in alumni engagement at Western Governors University and by her own admission, is alumni obsessed. And after this episode, you might be too.
We’ll talk about why alumni networks are such a secret weapon, how to actually reach out without feeling awkward or salesy, the do’s and don’ts that so many people get wrong, and how alumni connections can support you far beyond just job searching.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about networking or wondered how to build real, meaningful connections, this episode is for you!
We want to hear from you! Connect with us!
Betsy Jewell
betsyjewellcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyjewell/
Kathleen Dohoney
celticcareerpros.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleendohoney1/
Meredith Pasekoff-Dinitz
yourcareerhappinesspc.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-pasekoffdinitz/
About Today's Guest
Michelle Stepp (she/her)
Regional Alumni Network Manager - Southeast
Western Governors University
Email: michelle.stepp@wgu.edu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellestepp/
Michelle brings nearly three decades of experience in alumni engagement, community building, and philanthropy to her work at Western Governors University. As a natural connector and lifelong learner, she's passionate about transforming alumni relationships from one-time transactions into meaningful, lasting partnerships. Michelle specializes in cultivating engaged communities and demonstrating the ongoing value of education whether she's planning opportunities to network, creating authentic content that celebrates achievements, or finding creative ways to keep alumni connected to their alma mater and each other.
