Program Information for FriarLink Alumni Volunteers

FriarLink is an online database of Providence College alumni from various career fields and geographic locations that have volunteered to share their knowledge and expertise about particular career fields with interested students. The system is designed for use by current Providence College undergraduate students and is separate from the Alumni Online Directory. Alumni interested in networking with other alumni should utilize the Alumni Online Directory, including the Alumni Career Center / Mentor Search feature. This Directory is linked from the login page of FriarLink.

Being a FriarLink Volunteer

As a FriarLink volunteer, you are asked to assist students with some or all of the following options:

• Career Information: provide advice and consultation via email, phone, or in person.

• Networking: assist students with resume referral, job leads, and/or contacts for internships, summer jobs, and entry-level positions.

• Job Shadowing: allow a student to observe your work setting or others in the organization during a mutually agreed upon visit (arranged between you and the student), or as part of the Winter Break Shadowing Program (facilitated by Career Services with the specific date arranged by you and the student).

• Campus Career Events / Panels: indicate an interest in being contacted by Career Services to participate in career panels, fairs, student networking events, mock interview days and more.

• Complete the FriarLink Alumni Registration form including creation of a username and password for future system access and updating of information.

• If you are a currently registered in the system and have received a FriarLink username and password from Career Services, use this UN and PW to enter the system and verify/update your registration.

• If you are currently registered and have forgotten your UN and PW, click Retrieve Login or contact the FriarLink Program Coordinator @ 401-865-1530.

• Additional Education:
  If applicable, please indicate any advanced degree including the college or university.

• Career Categories:
  You may select up to 3 broad career categories that reflect your current position and other areas of career experience or knowledge. Refer to the subcategories list to review specific career areas covered under the broad categories. Students will use these categories to search for alumni by broad career fields of interest.

• Area(s) of Expertise:
  Indicate any qualitative comments regarding career areas you can advise on.

• Contact Information:
  Indicate your preferred contact method and whether you wish to display or hide your home contact information. If for some reason you do not want your business contact information displayed, please inform the FriarLink Program Coordinator at 401-865-1530.

• Comments:
  Use this section for any additional information including previous experience, special instructions on contact procedures, etc. ?

How Students Will Contact You:

All students using the FriarLink system will be advised to review the FriarLink Alumni Contact Procedures outlining appropriate contact methods. Doing advance career research prior to contacting alumni is also recommended to students. Students utilizing FriarLink will be at varying stages of the career development process, including those just beginning to explore majors and/or careers as well as others with very focused goals. As a liberal arts institution, there is frequently not a strong correlation between the student's major and possible career interests, and as such, students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds may contact you. In such cases, related electives, internships, campus activities, shadowing experiences, networking, and/or obtaining an advanced degree may be helpful to students in reaching their goals.

Although it is expected that all students will be professional, courteous, and appropriate in their contact with alumni, from time to time there are exceptions to the rule. Alumni are encouraged to provide direct feedback to students and should contact the Program Coordinator regarding any concerns.

Winter Break Alumni Shadowing Program:

As a FriarLink volunteer, you will have the option of participating in the Winter Break Alumni Shadowing program, in which you may volunteer to host one or more students for a half-day or more to observe your work setting during winter intersession. Most years, Alumni Shadowing volunteers are recruited in early fall via direct mail outreach and must submit their shadowing opportunity by late October. In November, students apply to opportunities of interest and are matched to the Winter Break Shadowing Volunteers by the Program Coordinator.

Stay Updated In FriarLink!

Should your professional or personal contact information change, please be sure to update your registration in FriarLink.

Your Support Is Appreciated! Thank you for your continued support on behalf of Providence College students. Your career advice and guidance are an invaluable resource to our students as they navigate their career development and job search process!