New graduates can now benefit from Portland State by utilizing connections and resources exclusive to alumni.
The PSU Alumni Association is a nonprofit association housed in the historic Simon Benson Alumni House, serving over 170,000 PSU alumni from all over the world. The association was started with the goal of helping guide alumni following graduation and providing resources that allow alumni members to engage with one another, as well as with the community, faculty and staff.
Alumni connections are available for all PSU graduates and can be highly beneficial for those looking to get the most from their alma mater.
One of the benefits available to alumni is the Advising and Career Services Center. Although open to current PSU students, the ACSC offers alumni targeted assistance toward their career goal development. ACSC assistance helps new graduates with a variety of employment-oriented circumstances, including career exploration and preparation for the workforce.
“One of the better benefits alumni can definitely take advantage of is the career resource center,” said Justin Katigbak, Alumni Association operations coordinator. “The career center can help you write your resume or cover letter and guide you through the process of interviews.”
Among the main services offered are job search tools, career workshops, advising and career services, career resources, career events and webinars. Advising and career services are not only limited to resume building and critique, but also includes interview prep, mock interview trials and workshops focused on job search strategies.
“I’ve used the career center personally to find work before, and they have been beneficial, especially with not knowing where the job market can lead,” Katigbak said. “For students and graduates struggling to find jobs, it’s a great resource.”
The career center also offers alumni access to Handshake, PSU’s job and internship database, where you can find exclusive job listings from companies looking to hire PSU students. Additionally, career services on campus provide alumni the opportunity to connect with employers and other professionals at career and professional development events held throughout the year. The career center also offers resources on how to apply to grad school, as well as any relevant scholarship information.
Other alumni benefits include the Viking Adventure Alumni Travel Program, which provides alumni the opportunity to travel the world at discounted rates. Currently, the program offers new graduates travel packages to Europe, Alaska, Canada, Cuba, Africa and Australia. Some packages include airfare, meals, housing and more.
The association also provides discounts on items such as Dell computers and accessories, as well as benefits from Columbia, Nike and Zipcar. New graduates and alumni can seek discounted auto and home insurance through Liberty Mutual. American insurance also provides temporary, short-term health insurance for new graduates and alumni.
Campus recreation offers alumni discounted memberships, which include access to rock climbing, locker rooms, the swimming pool and other gym equipment.
Alumni can also gain free access to movies showing at the 5th Avenue Cinema. For events and meeting spaces, University Place Hotel and Conference Center offers alumni and their families reduced rates on conference and hotel rooms.
For more information on the PSU Alumni Association and how to receive these benefits, email [email protected] or call 503-725-4948.
