Alumni Activities Idea: Guest Speakers and Mentors Invite alumni who graduated from your program to return to the school as guest speakers and mentors. Who better to help prepare students for competition and a specific career and technical education (CTE) field than students you’ve trained? These alumni can share their success stories and offer cautions and advice, while relating to current students differently then the instructor. Alumni may speak on various topics such as: ■■ Specific techniques, tools or theories related to your career and technical education area ■■ Preparing for the workforce or continuing education ■■ Preparing for competition ■■ Recruiting Alumni and alumni membership These mentor activities may also qualify your chapter for the Student2Student Program. Guest speakers and mentors offer perspectives and experiences. These presentations, and interactions, are also great practice environments for students as they prepare for the workplace. Have students invite the guest speaker, develop questions for the speaker, greet and introduce the Speaker, and thank and follow up with the speaker after the presentation. Why It Works: Alumni have a different relationship with students than instructors and advisors, which can be effective in education, mentoring and career preparation. Having been through your program, they can speak firsthand about the positive effects it had on them and how additional support will have a greater impact on today’s students. In addition, previous members, as well as students, can be effective promoters of your CTE program and Alumni chapter. Their support and involvement can help take your chapter and program to the next level through their connections within the community. By incorporating students in selecting the guest speakers, students can also learn additional leadership skills and be more engaged in the speakers’ presentations. Steps to Success Step 1: After students graduate, keep in touch with them through the Institute Alumni and Friends Association. Maintain records and contact information with students after graduation, and continue to invite them to be a part of the chapter and program. The Alumni and Friends Association database can serve as a resource of volunteers. Step 2: While preparing for a specific section or topic, review the alumni database for previous students who could help reinforce your teaching as a guest speaker. Invite previous competitors to speak on their competition experience as well as how best to prepare for the event, dealing with stress or how to complete the project in the allotted time. Step 3: When inviting alumni to speak, be specific on the topics you would like them to cover, the amount of time you would like them to speak, and possible questions your students may have. It is helpful for alumni to know the reason why you invited them back as guest speakers and what you are hoping your students gain from the presentation.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 07:13:44 +0000
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