Alumni CD Doan, ’93, and Lucianne Ryan, ’22, share networking tips for genuine connections
By Annemarie Allain, ’00
Beaver Nation’s bond is real. The relationships you built as an Oregon State University student — whether it was last year or last decade — saw you through marathon study sessions and tough finals. But the relationships you build after graduation often shape the trajectory of your career.
Oregon Staters already have the foundation for building these alumni connections in place. It’s just a matter of showing up and using them.
The alumni advantage
For CD Doan, ’93, and Lucianne Ryan, ’22, business networking isn't about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It's about building genuine bonds, showing up consistently and investing in others (before you need something in return).
“Being Beaver alumni transcends age, profession and so much more,” shares Ryan, a client services associate at Morgan Stanley. “Having a common background creates instant rapport that can make connecting with someone new feel less intimidating and more genuine.”
What sets alumni networking apart is that you're not starting from zero. A fellow alumnus isn't just a cold contact. Instead, you already have context, which opens the door to meaningful conversations.
According to Doan, “There’s no playbook to creating a network. You just have to recognize opportunities. If you see someone wearing an OSU shirt, start a conversation. Watch an Ask Alumni webcast. Just identify what is a fit for you and give it a try.”
Giving back grows your circle
Building professional bonds isn’t limited to chatting at the start of a virtual meeting or running into someone in the break room. One of the most organic ways to grow your professional circle is through volunteerism, whether that’s in your local community or the Beaver community.
Both Doan and Ryan work side by side with fellow OSU alumni to shape and connect with the university.
As a member of the newly formed Recent Grad Alumni Council, a group dedicated to getting young alumni involved with the OSU Alumni Association, Ryan calls volunteering with the OSUAA an honor. “I am a third-generation Beaver, and staying connected to the university is incredibly important to me. Working alongside Beavers whose OSU journey overlapped mine has helped me establish solid, authentic relationships. It motivates me to show fellow young alumni the benefits of getting involved early in their careers.”
Doan, senior director of engineering at Intel, offers his time as a mentor in the Leadership, Empowerment and Purpose (LEAP) program available to all College of Engineering students. “Working with the next generation of Beaver alumni is very rewarding. By opting into the LEAP program, participants are investing in their future, and I enjoy knowing I’m helping guide the next generation of engineering leaders.”
"When you work hard to connect with people, they want to help when you need it the most."
Show up where alumni gather
Getting involved with fellow alumni is still valuable regardless of location or whether you’re still connected with friends from your college days. In-person and online alumni events provide unique opportunities to meet new Beavers. You might find someone to watch a game with or meet a fellow international or Greek Life student who has similar post-college experiences.
“You never know who will be at an OSUAA event,” adds Doan. “They include professionals of all ages and experiences. I’ve found that the Ask Alumni web series is a great way to hear from seasoned Oregon Staters and have a natural way to reach out to fellow attendees who share your interests.”
Ryan agrees that attending events is a great way to build a connection. “I recently attended a Dam Good Connections event and met another young alum. Not long after that, his girlfriend was laid off, and he contacted me asking if I’d keep an ear out for opportunities. I offered to pass her résumé to people at companies in her field who put in referrals. It’s not a guarantee, but in today’s job market, an open door is an open door. I’m just happy I could help.”
Play the long game
Building a community requires consistency, dedication to cultivating relationships and showing up for people, even when the return isn’t immediate. A conversation at an alumni event might lead to an introduction in six months, or a former classmate could recommend you for a role you didn't even know existed.
Ryan adds, “There’s so much emphasis put on networking, but I don’t believe that can be done with ‘cold calling.’ When you work hard to connect with people, they want to help when you need it the most.”
Your Beaver network is one of the most underutilized tools at your disposal. Start tapping into it by staying curious, staying engaged and investing in relationships before you need them.