Career Services for UT Alumni

Your UT degree opened doors when you graduated, but the career support doesn't stop there. The University of Tennessee Alumni Association provides comprehensive career services designed to support your professional growth throughout your entire career—from your first job search to executive transitions and everything in between.

UT alumni career counseling session Alumni professionals networking at career event

Lifelong Career Support

Unlike many university career centers that primarily serve current students, the UT Alumni Association recognizes that career development is a lifelong journey. Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or changing careers entirely, our career services team is here to help.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person changes jobs 12 times during their career. Each transition represents an opportunity—and a challenge. Our career services ensure you never have to navigate these moments alone.

Alumni Job Board

The exclusive UT Alumni Job Board features opportunities from employers specifically seeking Tennessee graduates:

  • Curated Listings: Positions posted by UT alumni employers and companies that value our graduates
  • Early Access: See job openings before they're advertised publicly
  • Industry Diversity: Opportunities across sectors including business, healthcare, technology, education, government, and non-profit
  • Geographic Range: Jobs throughout Tennessee and nationwide
  • Experience Levels: From entry-level to executive positions
  • Internship Opportunities: For career changers or those seeking to pivot industries

Employers who post on our board understand the quality of UT graduates and often provide faster interview processes and better cultural fits for Vol alumni.

One-on-One Career Counseling

Schedule personalized sessions with experienced career counselors who specialize in alumni career development:

  • Career Assessment: Identify your strengths, values, and ideal career path through proven assessment tools
  • Job Search Strategy: Develop a customized plan for finding opportunities in your target field
  • Resume and Cover Letter Review: Get expert feedback on your application materials with industry-specific guidance
  • Interview Preparation: Practice answering common questions and develop compelling stories that showcase your qualifications
  • Salary Negotiation: Learn proven tactics for negotiating compensation packages that reflect your worth
  • Career Transition Support: Navigate industry changes, relocations, or career pivots with confidence

Our counselors understand the unique strengths of UT graduates and can help you articulate how your Tennessee education positions you for success.

Mentorship Programs

Connect with experienced alumni who've walked the path you're on:

  • Industry-Specific Matching: We pair you with mentors working in your field or target industry
  • Structured Programs: Six-month commitments with clear goals and regular check-ins
  • Informal Connections: Coffee chats and informational interviews with alumni willing to share insights
  • Peer Mentoring Circles: Small groups of alumni at similar career stages supporting each other
  • Reverse Mentoring: Opportunities for experienced professionals to learn from recent graduates about emerging trends

Research from Harvard Business Review consistently shows that mentorship accelerates career advancement, increases job satisfaction, and expands professional networks more effectively than almost any other career development activity.

Professional Networking Events

Your network is your net worth, and we create numerous opportunities to expand yours:

  • Industry Mixers: Quarterly gatherings organized by profession (healthcare, finance, technology, etc.)
  • Speed Networking: Fast-paced events where you make dozens of connections in a single evening
  • Professional Development Workshops: Learn new skills while networking with other learners
  • Coffee Conversations: Intimate morning meetups for meaningful one-on-one networking
  • Virtual Networking: Online sessions for alumni who can't attend in person

Every networking event is designed with intention—creating environments where authentic professional relationships can form naturally.

Skills Development and Training

Stay competitive in evolving job markets through continuous learning:

  • Professional Workshops: Sessions on leadership, communication, project management, and other transferable skills
  • Technology Training: Learn emerging tools and platforms relevant to your industry
  • Certificate Programs: Short-term credentials that enhance your resume
  • Webinar Series: Convenient online learning on topics from data analytics to emotional intelligence
  • LinkedIn Optimization: Workshops on maximizing your professional online presence

Industry-Specific Resources

We provide targeted support for alumni in specific sectors:

  • Healthcare Careers: Resources for physicians, nurses, administrators, and health researchers
  • Business and Finance: Support for corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial services workers
  • Technology and Engineering: Networking and opportunities in STEM fields
  • Education Careers: Resources for teachers, administrators, and higher education professionals
  • Law and Public Policy: Connections and opportunities for legal professionals and policymakers
  • Non-Profit Sector: Support for social impact careers and mission-driven organizations

Young Alumni Career Launch

Recent graduates face unique challenges, and we provide specialized support:

  • Entry-level job search strategies
  • Student loan management workshops
  • Budgeting and financial planning for early careers
  • Professional wardrobe and workplace etiquette guidance
  • Navigating office politics and building workplace relationships
  • Quarter-life career crisis counseling

Executive and Senior-Level Services

Experienced professionals have different needs, and we address them:

  • Executive Coaching: High-level strategic career planning
  • Board Placement: Connections to board opportunities at corporations and non-profits
  • Consulting and Portfolio Careers: Support for transitioning to independent work
  • Retirement Planning: Guidance for phased retirement or second-act careers
  • Thought Leadership: Help establishing yourself as an industry expert through speaking and writing

Entrepreneurship Support

For alumni starting businesses, we offer specialized resources:

  • Connections to angel investors and venture capital (many are UT alumni)
  • Access to co-working spaces and incubators
  • Workshops on business planning, marketing, and financial management
  • Peer networking with other alumni entrepreneurs
  • Potential customers and partners within the UT alumni network

Career Transition and Change

Changing careers can be daunting, but we make it manageable:

  • Assessment Tools: Identify transferable skills and new career possibilities
  • Transition Planning: Develop step-by-step strategies for moving into new fields
  • Skill Gap Analysis: Identify and address any credential or experience gaps
  • Industry Research: Learn about target industries from alumni already working in them
  • Trial Projects: Volunteer or consulting opportunities to test new career directions

Getting Started

Taking advantage of career services is simple:

  1. Update your alumni profile with current career information
  2. Browse the job board and set up job alerts matching your interests
  3. Schedule a career counseling appointment (virtual or in-person)
  4. Register for upcoming networking events in your area or industry
  5. Apply for the mentorship program if you're seeking guidance
  6. Sign up for workshops aligned with your professional development goals

Your UT degree is a credential that keeps paying dividends throughout your life. The Alumni Association's career services ensure you maximize that return, turning your Tennessee education into a thriving, fulfilling career.

No matter where you are in your professional journey, we're here to help you reach the next level. Let's work together to make your career aspirations a reality.