Do you remember how you felt when you started college? Alone? Sweating under an enormous backpack? Unable to find your Math 1050 classroom?

Now, you’re a big, strong college graduate, and your university is proud of you. That pride goes both ways of course. If it weren’t for your school, you’d have fewer options than you do today. So what’s the best way to show that school pride? Join an alumni organization!

Staying in touch with your alma mater is an essential part of continuing that valuable education you received; and alumni clubs typically offer the easiest route to lifelong learning and school assistance.

In fact, here are seven great reasons to join your local alumni association (like the David Eccles School of Business Alumni!):

1. Develop Connections– Building a network of other graduates increases your connections. Most schools offer many chances for alumni to rub shoulders with one another at games, socials or events, like galas and community service functions. Not only is this a great way to mingle and enjoy yourself, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to expand your professional connections and meet new people.
2. Give Back- Joining an alumni association is the easiest way to give back to your school. For instance, the David Eccles School of Business’s Spencer Fox Eccles Business Building has the capacity to house more than 2,500 undergraduate students and 700 graduate students. These types of endeavors would not be possible without the financial support of alumni donations.
3. Stay Informed- Want to stay in the know? Alumni members are always in the loop. Career opportunities and networking events are two of the biggest reasons to join. However, news about college rankings, athletics or new research always hits alumni magazines and newsletters first.
4. Expand Your Skills- Access to a Career Services organization is essential, especially when you’re just starting out. These associations assist alumni through workshops, webinars, professional job databases and career coaching.
5. Show Pride- Supporting your school shows pride in your education. Are you proud of having graduated? Does your diploma signify your feelings for your university? Alumni support is essential to keeping this pride alive!
6. Help Other Students- Your school’s alumni association is a great way to help current students. Whether through scholarship donations, activity support or awards, your membership can bring about a whole lot of good for students who are now in the position you once occupied. (We’re sure that you probably appreciated the help you got back then too!)
7. Increase Your Degree Value- How does your degree increase in value? It’s simple. According to several college reporting agencies such as U.S. News & World Report, alumni engagement is one of several qualities used to rank major universities. When you join your school’s organization, it helps increase that school’s reputation. In turn, this makes your degree even more valuable! Win-win.

So remember how you felt when you first started college—nervous, shy and a little apprehensive? Assess how you feel now—confident, eager and looking forward to the future? Join others who feel the same way and help those who are still working to get there!