Alumni possess a special and unique connection to their university, offering insights that those unfamiliar with the institution simply cannot provide. This is particularly valuable for the career services center. Alumni bring a distinct understanding of the competencies valued in the workplace, gained through their own experiences as students of your university. 

What does this mean for current students? To gain a comprehensive understanding of their future needs and the skills required to succeed, they need to connect with those who have walked the same path. Relationships with past alumni offer invaluable perspectives and real-world context. 

During the 2024-25 academic year, the UNCW Career Center piloted a mentorship program specifically for students within the College of Science and Engineering majoring in Computer Science. Most of mentors in this program were alumni of the Computer Science department, providing students with key resources and valuable knowledge gained from individuals who had successfully navigated the same academic path and transitioned into their careers. These alumni returned to campus for a culminating in-person connection, offering a valuable opportunity for face-to-face interaction and networking with the students. This program served as a pilot initiative. 

To further illustrate the significance of alumni engagement, we spoke with McKenzie LeFlore, a two-time UNCW graduate who now works within the university. Her experiences offer valuable insights for current students. 

An Alumni Perspective: McKenzie LeFlore on Staying and Succeeding in Wilmington 

1. Given your unique perspective as a two-time UNCW graduate, what specific factors initially drew you to stay in Wilmington after your first graduation, and how did those factors evolve or solidify after your second degree? 

"From my first visit, Wilmington felt like my place. The incredible support I experienced as an undergraduate, both academically and personally, encouraged me to continue my education at UNCW. That support inspired me to contribute to the Seahawk community through my work in the UNCW Career Center. Plus, I have a fantastic group of colleagues who are just as passionate about UNCW as I am, and many of my friends, also alumni, live here. I love the coastal lifestyle, but it’s the meaningful personal connections that have made Wilmington my home." 

2. In your role, you see firsthand the impact of employer engagement on students. From your personal experience, how did UNCW's employer connections or opportunities influence your career decisions and ultimately lead you to stay in the region? 

"We are lucky that we have great local employer partners that want to attract, train, and maintain Seahawk talent; they really care about students’ development whether that be pre- or post-hire. I have seen employers’ commitment to our students whether that be at our career fairs, volunteering at resume review days, or donating to our Career Closet. They also strive to maintain talent by providing mentorship opportunities, service, and professional development opportunities." 

3. As someone who has both studied and now works at UNCW, what key pieces of advice would you give to current students who are considering building their careers in the Wilmington area, particularly regarding networking and leveraging local opportunities? 

"The first step students should take is making a visit to the Career Center. You can meet with a career consultant that will give personalized advice on resumes, interview tips, and job opportunities related to your major. 

Next, students should find a mentor. UNCW has many great mentorship opportunities that students should take advantage of. If your major doesn’t have a formal mentorship program, look to other trusted individuals: advisors, supervisors, upperclassmen, or even professionals you meet at local networking events. They can provide guidance, open doors to connections, and offer feedback as you navigate your career path." 

4. Wilmington is known for its unique culture and lifestyle. How has integrating your professional life with the local community contributed to your personal and professional growth, and what are some specific ways you've seen this play out?

"UNCW's community service leave has allowed me to volunteer with a local organization called Masonboro.org, helping to educate local 5th graders about the environmental gem that is Masonboro Island. Through this, I've seen how the Career Center can bridge the gap between community needs and student opportunities, by helping promote their internship program. As the Employer Development team aims to serve all majors, seeing an organization’s impact first-hand strengthens my ability to speak to these opportunities to faculty and students." 

5. Considering your journey, what do you believe are the most significant advantages for UNCW graduates in starting and growing their careers right here in the Wilmington region, and how can the university further support this trend? 

"One of the most significant advantages for UNCW graduates is the ongoing support from the Career Center, which offers free career consulting to alumni regardless of location. Beyond that, Wilmington provides a unique environment for career growth. The city's growing industries like healthcare, film, and tech, offer a multitude of opportunities for our graduates. Lastly, UNCW’s community connections provide access to valuable internships and job opportunities. And, of course, the desirable coastal lifestyle makes it an easy place to stay." 

Thank you to McKenzie for her words of encouragement and insight, as well as her ongoing dedication to the UNCW community through her work at the Career Center.
  
Most universities have an alumni relations department dedicated to fostering connections with graduates. These departments often organize events, encourage financial support for the university, and host alumni weekends. While many alumni may no longer reside locally, they often retain a desire to support current students and their alma mater. Career services is ideally positioned to leverage this willingness and cultivate meaningful engagement with this valuable group. 

Many alumni maintain strong relationships with their former professors and faculty members. This is significant for several reasons. Career services staff should actively collaborate with faculty and academic departments, not only to support current students but also to tap into the knowledge and connections faculty have with their former students. These alumni were mentored, guided, and academically trained by the faculty within their specific fields. Therefore, numerous individuals across campus have existing relationships with alumni that the career services center can and should cultivate. Building these internal partnerships is crucial for establishing robust connections with our alumni network. 

The alumni of UNCW, for example, work and contribute within our local community, region, and state, representing a valuable resource for our career services efforts. By connecting with these alumni, we can provide invaluable mentorship, support, and opportunities for our students, including internships, jobs, and engaging programs within our center. 

Since its inception in 1947, beginning with its first class, the University of North Carolina Wilmington now boasts over 106,000 graduates. What does this significant number mean for career services at UNCW? It signifies an opportunity to invest not only in our current students but also in strategically connecting and bridging resources to support both our current and past graduates. Our university actively values its alumni, evident in the establishment of regional and statewide chapters. This extensive network offers a rich array of opportunities for our students. For instance, we have recently collaborated with a chapter outside of Wilmington, in the DC area. This partnership has provided our students with platforms to showcase their skills and competencies through social media, LinkedIn profiles, networking events, and interviews for internships and job opportunities. 
 
The UNCW Career Center is dedicated to fostering these vital connections between current students and our accomplished alumni. Current Seahawks, we urge you to make the Career Center your first stop for guidance, networking opportunities, and pathways to success. Alumni, your engagement can make a profound difference in the lives of our students. Discover how you can contribute your time and expertise by contacting the UNCW Alumni Association or the Career Center at [email protected]  
 
Think of our university as a thriving coastal accent. When alumni, career services, and the campus community work together, we create fertile ground where students flourish, and alumni continue to grow and contribute.