Opinion: Titans must not neglect alumni relations | Opinion

Emily Leach is the opinion editor of the Daily Titan. All opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of the Daily Titan as a whole.

Amid a sea of stoles and cords, Cal State Fullerton’s upcoming 2026 Commencement Week marks a turning point as graduates trade their caps for careers, carrying the Titan legacy into the workforce. 

These connections extend beyond those ready to walk across the stage. For continuing students, the alumni network is a vital resource that can facilitate career plans through direct engagement with the university community. 

CSUF houses a robust alumni community that is frequently underutilized by current students. Rather than letting these resourceful connections slip by, Titans must leverage this shared academic legacy to build rich, reciprocal relationships. 

In an era defined by a challenging job market rife with AI-driven resume screeners and a 4.3% national unemployment rate as of April 2026, professional networking has become a necessity for up-and-coming Gen-Z professionals. 

A 2025 networking study by management platform Boomset found that 85% of all open positions in the job market are filled through referrals rather than public job boards. 

Maryanne Shults, an associate professor of Communications, emphasized the importance of students getting comfortable with the process of professional networking. 

“When you reach out to someone, all they can do is say no,” Shults said. “And, with me, it’s ‘push forward.’ Tell yourself you’re a good person, you’re a good candidate and don’t let a no bring you down.” 

Beyond building a contact list, these alumni relationships offer students a roadmap for post-graduation paths. It builds the ability to unlock insider opportunities that remain inaccessible to those lacking a strong professional network. 

“You never know, a conversation with someone could lead to a potential mentorship,” said Leilani Landin, a career specialist for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at CSUF’s Career Center. “It’s even an opportunity for the student to, you know, shadow this person and get to see even a deeper glimpse into what their daily work life looks like.” 

The strength of this pipeline is bolstered by CSUF’s 300,000 alumni, of whom over 95,000 still reside in Orange County post-grad. This local density provides students with a professional community that is both influential, relatable and accessible. 

This proximity transforms a massive postsecondary institution into a tangible support system, allowing for a single conversation to lead to a mentorship or internship. 

“Using your connection to the university, well, it opens a lot more doors… because now you have something in common with a person, and you can build off of that,” said Isabella Cayabyab, a fourth-year business marketing major. “Once people know that there’s some point of familiarity or relatability, people are more open to talk because they know you’ve had similar experiences.” 

For students navigating a competitive job market, establishing professional relationships with Titan alumni can enhance career potential by fostering interpersonal connections rooted in shared experiences in similar fields.

 With many employers seeking individuals with a commitment to success planning and company growth, students who build such relationships early are positioning themselves in the professional spheres that companies value most.

CSUF’s Career Center and various department-specific organizations on campus frequently host panels to help bridge the gap between students and Titan alumni. These face-to-face moments allow students to stand out as more than just a LinkedIn request. 

“I’m part of a co-ed professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, and we have a position where we basically outreach to alumni who have been in our chapter and gone to CSUF,” said Cayabyab. “Alumni have been very open to being reached out to if we need help.” 

Engaging with major-specific on-campus resources and clubs that connect students with alumni provides an in-depth understanding of the field’s working world. These smaller, niche communities distill CSUF’s massive university network into manageable circles where students can ask specific career questions. 

Although networking can be intimidating for some, CSUF itself serves as an important hub for students’ professional development. It is imperative that Titans use the available resources to develop the professional and “soft” skills needed for a seamless transition into the workforce. 

“Most alumni aren’t expecting students to show up having all of the answers. They are just looking for students who are curious and genuine in wanting career advice,” Landin said. “They want to see the students do well and hopefully find their career path.”

As the class of 2026 prepares to graduate, they leave behind a blueprint for Titans still working towards their degree. Commencement serves not only as a final ceremony for graduates, but also as an opportunity for current students to learn from those who have already navigated their path. 

By fostering alumni connections now, students can ensure that when it is their time to don the cap and gown, they step into a network already prepared to help them succeed.