Alumni Career Resources

The Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC) provides an ever-evolving suite of resources that alumni can access to enhance their job search and career strategy. These include:

• LinkedIn Optimization Toolkit
  • Tips on building a strong headline, crafting your summary, and highlighting your experience to attract recruiters.
  • Strategies for using LinkedIn to network effectively, join industry groups, and engage with alumni.
• Interview Preparation Guides
  • Access mock interview tools, question banks, and resources on behavioral and case interview techniques.
  • Learn how to tell your story using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and answer difficult or unexpected questions confidently.
• Customized Job Search Strategies
  • Discover how to conduct a strategic and focused job search using goal-setting frameworks, informational interviews, and personal branding.
  • Access guidance on balancing networking, applications, and follow-ups to maximize your efforts.
• Resume & Cover Letter Resources
  • Download templates and samples for mid-level and senior professionals.
  • Learn how to quantify achievements, tailor materials to job descriptions, and avoid common pitfalls.
• Career FUNdamentals Virtual Course
  • A free, on-demand video series taught by Carlson career coaches covering key stages of the career journey—from building your materials and networking to managing your mindset and evaluating offers.
  • Alumni can watch individual modules at their convenience or complete the entire series as a refresher.

Access these tools and more on the Alumni Career Services webpage.

One of the most valuable lifelong benefits of being a Carlson graduate is access to a thriving, engaged alumni network of more than 62,000 professionals worldwide.

• Alumni Events
  Participate in networking events, panels, and speaker series held locally and globally—whether you are in Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco, or abroad.
• LinkedIn Group (18,000+ members)
  Join the official Carlson School of Management LinkedIn Group to expand your professional connections, share job leads, and engage in industry discussions.
• Affinity Networks & Regional Chapters
  Connect with fellow alumni who share similar interests or identities—such as women in leadership, BIPOC alumni, or entrepreneurs. Explore alumni chapters in key cities and industries around the world, and plug into corporate alumni clubs that offer company-specific networking and mentorship opportunities. 

Explore Alumni Network

Carlson believes in continuous professional development—well beyond graduation. Lifelong learning at the School includes:

• Conferences & Speaker Events
  Attend high-impact events featuring industry leaders, academic researchers, and global thinkers discussing emerging business trends, innovation, and leadership practices.
• Workshops & Short Courses
  Participate in hands-on, interactive workshops focused on upskilling—such as executive presence, digital transformation, agile project management, and inclusive leadership.
• Faculty-Led Research Access
  Stay informed through Carlson faculty publications and white papers offering insight into real-world issues such as supply chain resilience, consumer behavior, and DEI strategy.
• Executive Education Programs
  Explore formal professional development through Carlson’s Executive Education offerings—custom programs and certificate courses designed for working professionals aiming to sharpen their strategic and leadership capabilities.

See what is available at Lifelong Learning at Carlson

All alumni maintain free, ongoing access to GoldPass powered by Handshake,  the University of Minnesota’s robust online career network. Through GoldPASS, you can:

• Search thousands of job listings tailored to a variety of industries, experience levels, and locations—including full-time, part-time, internship, and remote opportunities.
• Connect directly with employers that specifically seek out University of Minnesota and Carlson School talent.
• Register for career fairs and events, including alumni-exclusive opportunities.
• Set up saved searches and job alerts, so you never miss out on new postings aligned with your interests.

GoldPASS is more than just a job board—it is a personalized career dashboard designed to help you navigate every stage of your professional journey.

Explore a collection of past alumni career coaching and professional development webinars designed to support your ongoing career growth and success.
 

October 4, 2022

Michelle Miller Burns, President & CEO of Minnesota Orchestra
Topic: Leadership Through Change – How to lead with empathy and clarity in uncertain times.

November 1, 2022

James D. White, Former CEO of Jamba Juice and Chair of The Honest Company
Topic: Anti-Racist Leadership – Insights from his bestselling book and advice for building equitable workplaces.

December 6, 2022

Sri Zaheer, Dean of the Carlson School
Topic: The Future of Business Education – Reflections on adapting to a digital-first, global economy.

Maroon and Gold Network

A free online platform for students, alumni, faculty, and staff that enables mentorship, career conversations, and industry connections. You can use it to:

• Find alumni in your field, city, or company of interest.
• Request informational interviews.
• Become a mentor to current students.

🔗Maroon and Gold Network
 

University of Minnesota Alumni Association

UMAA offers:

• Monthly career development webinars on job searching, upskilling, and leadership.
• Career fairs and networking events open to all UMN graduates.
• Alumni-exclusive job boards and partner discounts for continuing education.

🔗University of Minnesota Alumni Association.