The Scots Career Network is a service co-sponsored by Career Services and the Alumni Relations Office at The College of Wooster. The Network is designed to assist students in making contacts with Wooster alumni in various career fields and geographic locations throughout the United States. Presently over 850 alumni participate in the Network, and this number continues to expand.

The alumni involved have volunteered to assist students in a variety of ways, including:

Serving as Career Mentors and speaking with students about their careers and/or the pursuit of advanced degrees.
Assisting students in understanding how their experiences at The College of Wooster relate to life after graduation.
Referring students to various fulltime and summer job openings as well as internships.
Providing information about job openings to Career Services.
Interviewing and hiring students.

Why Should I Use the Scots Career Network?

The Network can be helpful to all students at all stages of their academic pursuits. Alumni assist students who are unsure about their careers and need more information to make informed decisions regarding the relationship between their major and the "world of work." Alumni can help you:

Learn more about the various career fields that interest you.
Learn the procedures for applying for a job in a particular field.
Develop contacts to keep you informed about position openings.
Make contact with individuals who have the responsibility to interview and hire candidates.
Gain practical information about living and working in a particular geographic location.
Become better informed about graduate school options at particular institutions.
Become more comfortable with networking and "information interviews."

How Can I Locate Alumni Through the Network?

To use the Scots Career Network database:

Come to Career Services.
Ask for the password to obtain entry to the Scots Career Network.
Search by occupation, industry, city, state, or major at Wooster.
Print out those alumni profiles closest to your interest areas.
Contact Alumni. (See the following instructions.)

Please follow these instructions when contacting alumni in the Scots Career Network

Use the Career Services Office as your resource for Network information.
Contact alumni by mail, phone, or E-mail, paying attention to any contact preferences they have indicated.

Meetings with Alumni:

Arrange meetings that are convenient for alumni.
Arrive on time.
Dress appropriately for the work environment you are visiting.
Have questions prepared (see suggested questions).
Do not ask alumni to "find you a job."
Write a thank-you note to each person you visit.
Provide feedback to Career Services regarding your correspondence and/or visits with alumni.

Suggested Questions to Ask Alumni

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PERSON'S POSITION AND CAREER:

How did you become interested in your field?
What are your major responsibilities?
What do you like and dislike about your work?
Do you work independently or with other people?
Does your work allow you to have the amount and type of leisure time you desire?
What is a typical workday like for you?

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OCCUPATIONAL FIELD:

What are the entry-level positions in your field? Salary range?
What background (education, training, experience) is required?
What related jobs are available in your field?
What is the occupational outlook for the field?
Is there more than one way to prepare for this occupation?
Can you suggest the names of other people with whom I could speak?