For more than 100 years, Webster University has been making history as more than just an educational institution. Over 200,000 Webster University alumni live and work across the horizons. Graduating from Webster is a key that opens a global avenue with alumni networks spanning multiple countries and industries.
The Alumni Network is a distinguishing factor in Webster's success, alongside its unparalleled academic collaborations and its international campuses. Students and graduates of Webster in St. Louis and Switzerland are equally positioned advantageously in the global marketplace.
The Power of Webster's Global Alumni Network
Defining Global Webster Alumni Community
Recent estimates of Webster University's alumni suggest growth from roughly 170,000 graduates to over 200,000 alumni, which corresponds with the structure of the university's international campuses. Webster's network has 4 campuses in Europe: Athens, Greece; Geneva, Switzerland; Leiden, Netherlands; and Vienna, Austria. Webster University also has a presence in Asia and Africa, which allows their graduates to work in almost every major market in the world.
Testimonials and Numbers
The statistics about Webster's Alumni Network are quite staggering:
- Over 200,000 alumni around the world spread across 6 continents
- Geneva Campus alone has awarded over 4,500 degrees since 1980
- Diverse networking opportunities created by multiple international campuses
- Over 100 years of professional relationships built across the globe
These figures accurately depict a connected and vibrant cohort of professionals willing to extend a hand for fellow Webster alumni seeking opportunities across the globe.
How Webster's International Campus Network Creates Global Connections
Creating Relationships across the World
Webster's international approach to education creates networking opportunities unrivalled by traditional universities. Students can undertake both undergraduate and graduate programmes at campuses in Geneva, Switzerland, Vienna, Austria, Leiden, the Netherlands, Athens, Greece, and undertake exchanges in China, England, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and Japan.
This global mobility during your education helps in earning a degree and facilitates the development of relationships that remain significant during the course of one's professional journey. Students who study abroad and those who transfer from one campus to another forge relationships with students from different cultural and professional backgrounds.
European Focus
Webster Geneva Campus marked its 40th Anniversary in 2018-19, and by 2020, the Geneva Campus alone represented a sizeable portion of the alumni. Such a presence throughout Europe enables the university to effectively maintain strong professional networks across the continent.
With regards to Geneva's status as the centre of international organisations, diplomacy, and finance, Webster's graduates are positioned to flourish in those areas. Webster alumni are able to capitalise on their education to work with:
- International non-governmental and other charitable organisations
- European-headquartered multinational companies
- European financial centres
- Government and diplomacy offices
Guide on How to Make Use of the Network of Webster Alumni
Phase 1: Activation and Access of Alumni Network
Step 1: Register and log in to the Alumni and Friends of Webster Association web page. Go to the alumni database and update personal information.
Step 2: Define Goals. Define what you aim to achieve before contacting individual alumni:
- Areas that you hope to work in
- Industries or positions you wish to have
- Particular guidance or mentorship you are seeking
- Informational interviews as opposed to job referrals
Phase 2: Targeted Networking (Months 3-6)
Step 3: Identify Target Alumni Connections. Use Webster's alumni directory to locate graduates that work in:
- Target industries that you hope to get into
- Firms you wish to work for
- Specific locations that you wish to work in
- Similar paths to the ones you wish to take
Step 4: Create Targeted Outreach. When connecting with fellow alumni from Webster University:
- Note the common connections you have from Webster
- Define clearly what you are looking for
- Provide value in return when applicable
- First messages should be short, professional, and to the point
Step 5: Join Events for Alumni Integration. Participate actively in association meetings, community meetings, conferences and Webster Alumni Association events.
Step 6: Maintain Relationships. Successful networking involves contacts that can build relationships over time. Stay connected with old classmates by:
- Posting and messaging them on LinkedIn
- Calling them once a year
- Sending them articles related to their work
- Congratulating them on their promotions
Step 7: Give Back. As you rise in your professional career, try to sponsor and assist new Webster graduates. This helps strengthen the entire Webster network and creates new opportunities.
Dr. Michael Thompson, Career Services Director "What makes Webster's alumni network particularly powerful is the combination of personal relationships with internationalisation. Our graduates aren't merely names on a database. They are classmates, study abroad companions, and friends for life who are willing to help each other succeed on a global scale."
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Challenge 1: Spatial Separation
Solution: Use the internet to network. Webster alumni, having been geographically distributed, are easy to connect with through various digital platforms. Attend virtual alumni functions and nurture friendships on professional social networking sites.
Challenge 2: Cross-Cultural Barriers
Solution: Most Webster alumni, particularly those from international campuses, are culturally aware and establishing cross-cultural professional relationships is straightforward.
Challenge 3: Transitioning Sectors
Solution: With alumni from different industries, Webster has a strong and diverse alumni network. Use alumni connections for different sectors, even if they're not your current speciality.
Maximise Your Global Reach with Webster's Extensive Network
Strategic Industry-Specific Networking
International Business and Finance Alumni from Geneva and Vienna campuses have made significant strides in international banking and finance. Reach out to alumni in:
- Internationally operating banks
- Consulting firms with a global footprint
- Multinational firms with significant presence in Europe
Non-Profits and International Organisations The international and NGO populations in Geneva offer fascinating career openings.
Technology and Other Fields Even though Webster is known for liberal arts and business education, alumni from tech are strongly represented.
What Comes Next
What to Do Right Now (This Week)
- Complete updates to your alumni profile
- Join relevant alumni groups on LinkedIn
- Search for scheduled alumni events and webinars
- Select 5 alumni you would like to reach out to
What to Do In the Coming Months (Next 3 Months)
- Complete 3 alumni informational interviews
- Update LinkedIn profile summary to reflect Webster education
- Join professional bodies with Webster alumni
One Year Focus (Next Year)
- Form mentoring relationships with senior alumni
- Begin mentoring current Webster students
- Consider furthering education at Webster's international campuses
- Visit locations with high concentrations of Webster alumni
Your Webster degree is both a credential and a passport. The network is ready for you to be part of it. The question is which global opportunities you would like to pursue first.
Conclusion
Just over 100 years Webster University provided students with the most appropriate instruments and assets to use so that they can reach the peak of their chosen business. The alumni network of Webster University is of an unrivalled magnitude, not just in the quantity of members, but in the reach and influence of the connections as well.
Webster University's international campus network and its global alumni community synergistically form a unique platform for career development and international mobility opportunities. As a graduate looking for your first job or someone in a career looking for a change, a Webster connection gives you a Webster bond from St. Louis to Switzerland or anywhere in between.
Your Webster degree is a credential and also a metaphorical passport. The network is eager for you to be part of it. The real question is which global opportunities you would want to pursue first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I access Webster's alumni directory?
A: Contact the Alumni Association through Webster's official page. You must verify your graduation status for full access to the directory and networking tools.
Q: Are alumni groups present in all major global cities?
A: Yes, Webster has active alumni chapters in major global cities, particularly in connection with international campuses in Geneva, Vienna, Athens, and Leiden.
Q: Can I attend alumni events if I studied at a different Webster campus?
A: Yes, events are open to all alumni, regardless of which campus they attended.
Q: What if I want to find alumni working in a particular sector?
A: The alumni association can assist you with graduates in your field of interest and help connect with regional industry networking groups.
Testimonial
Sarah Chen, Marketing Director, Geneva "My Webster education opened doors I never imagined possible. Starting at the St. Louis campus and completing my MBA in Geneva gave me a unique perspective that employers value. The alumni network helped me transition from a local marketing role to leading marketing campaigns on an international scale for a Fortune 500 company. Three different Webster alumni provided crucial introductions that helped shape my career."
