The Hired Guns Blog

Last year at SXSW, I ran a session called “Manage With Care: Employees are Your Future Clients.” In doing my research for part of my talk, I met with some of the best minds and thinkers in and around Corporate Alumni Networks, including Morgan Stanley’s Leslie Bradford, McKinsey’s Sean Brown, and IBM’s Jacelyn Swenson. So, this year we decided to submit a panel together specifically on corporate alumni networks entitled “Corporate Alums: Why Big Companies Invest in Ex-Employees.”

If you’re not familiar with the concept of corporate alumni relations, it works just like the alumni network at your dear old alma mater: people who’ve gone their separate ways stay connected through a past shared experience. These networks are fast becoming one of the best ways to find out about new jobs and business opportunities, both at past employers and at new companies started by former colleagues. Many of these opportunities are never made public and are filled through referrals only, so keeping in touch is more crucial than ever. These networks come in many forms — both formal and informal –  and should play a key role in any modern job search strategy.

We would love your support in helping us get our panel into SXSW 2013. Your vote counts for 30% of our score. It actually matters a lot, so please vote! Voting ends at midnight on August 31 and sign up (though who isn’t already signed up for SXSW?) is quick and painless. If you aren’t signed up:

1. Visit the sign up page. It only takes a second. We promise.
2. You’ll get a confirmation email right away. Once you confirm your membership, just head over here.
3. Click the “Thumbs Up” icon in the upper left. You’ll feel the good karma come your way immediately.

PROTIP: We also get super-duper bonus points if you leave a comment!