Never Bark Alone: Connecting with UGA Alumni

Leaves are changing colors, pumpkin spiced lattes are flooding Instagram feeds, and I'm sitting here wondering how the heck this semester is almost half way over. Meaning, graduation and the real world are that much closer. Don't get me wrong, I've been dreaming of the day I could strut through the city in my pencil skirt and stilettos, ride the elevator up to the top floor of the skyscraper I work in, and spin around in my rolly chair since about 6th grade. Although, after interning in Chicago this past summer, I now know this dream to be unrealistic & over-glorified (commuter shoes are where it's at). Realizing the real world is closer than it appears, I decided that it would be a smart idea to sign up for the Terry Alumni Mentor Program. Let me just say, mentorship in general is awesome. Everyone needs a mentor and everyone should be a mentor at some point in their lives. There is so much to learn from both roles and each relationship comes with its own unique quirks and benefits.

​I was excited to find out that my mentor lives in San Francisco, CA. While this means that I probably won't get to see her in person very often, she is a fantastic connection to have on the West Coast. I'm itching to get out of Georgia and live in a new city post-graduation, so hearing her advice on this topic was extremely valuable.

​In fact, I found it so valuable that decided to share with my fellow Dawgs who are also ready to jump the fence. 

Here goes...

UGA's Alumni Association has chapters in many of the major cities all around the country. Jenny, my mentor, advised me to connect with the chapters via Facebook in all of the cities I'm considering working in. Basically, these groups serve as a liaison to connect UGA grads in different cities. Often times, active chapters will organize socials and events where Dawgs of all ages will gather to watch the games, network, and bond over drinks while reminiscing about their glory days. Like us, these members bleed red and black and are going to be more than willing to help another Dawg out. Did a spontaneous interview pop up in a city where hotels are pricey and you don't have any family or friends? Post an S.O.S. on that city's Alumni Facebook group page asking if anyone has a couch you can crash on. Want to get your foot in the door at a certain company? Post in the group asking if anyone has a connection there (of course, make sure to provide your LinkedIn handle and add in a little "Go Dawgs" at the end). Even if you're not a UGA student, surely your university's Almuni Association has similar groups. Knowing that these groups exist make moving to a new city a little bit more familiar and will surely result in great connections, new friends, and maybe even a couch to crash on. 

Which city are you headed to post-graduation? Check out some of these alumni groups below & connect with them: 

• San Francisco Chapter
• Denver Dawgs
• Chicago Dawgs
• Memphis Chapter
• Raleigh Dawgs
• NYC Dawgs
• Orlando Chapter

If you don't see your city, make sure to check out the UGA Alumni website to find a chapter!

GO DAWGS!