Building Bridges: Unlocking the Power of the Ourso Alumni Network
October 14, 2026
For junior finance student Abigail Woldie, a summer spent navigating the professional landscape at an internship with Freese and Nichols in Dallas-Fort Worth took an unexpected new turn after a LinkedIn conversation opened a world of Ourso connections.
What started as a link made through Woldie’s sorority, Pi Beta Phi (πßφ), quickly blossomed into a networking windfall. After reaching out to Carol Calkins, a πßφ alumna and member of the E. J. Ourso College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council (DAC), Woldie was introduced to DAC president Scott Agosta and several other industry professionals in the area.
B.S. Finance Student
Woldie is still early in her professional journey, but the impacts from these conversations are already materializing. Not only was she able to expand her contact list, but the experience also sharpened her soft skills. “I’ve gained a much better sense of what makes a good conversation versus an average or bad one,” she noted.
Abigail’s success began with a familiar connection, and her story serves vast alumni ecosystem of the E. J. Ourso College. By mastering the art of "cold" outreach, you can turn a simple LinkedIn request into a meaningful professional dialogue.
The Art of the Connection
While formal programs such LSU's First-Gen Career Mentor Program or the Ourso College's Office of Business Student Success (OBSS) Mentoring Program provide opportunities for structured connections between students and alumni, the Ourso alumni community at large always offers a massive, accessible network available to all students through proactive outreach.
Reaching out to alumni that you have never met can certainly feel daunting. However, many alumni are eager to help their fellow Tigers if approached with professionalism and purpose. To help navigate your next cold connection, consider these best practices for LinkedIn and beyond.
What to Include
- Clear Introductions
State who you are and your connection to the Ourso College. (e.g. “I am a sophomore accounting major at the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business) - The “Why”
Explain why you are reaching out specifically to them (e.g. a shared interest in a specific industry or a common connection) - Low-Stakes Request
Start with an informational interview or low-stakes discussion. Ask for a small amount of their time to hear about their career path and let a conversation develop naturally.
What to Avoid
- A Job Ask
Avoid leading with an immediate request for employment or a referral. Networking is relational, not transactional. - Mystery Requests
When sending a connection request on LinkedIn, “add a note” when possible for context. Otherwise, be sure to send an initial message once approved, especially if you do not have any mutual connections. - Impatience
Professionals are busy. If you do not hear back immediately, give them ample time to respond before following-up again.
For alumni at the other end of the conversation, the rewards go far beyond giving back; your response can shape a student's career trajectory. Agosta observed that the value of these connections is reciprocal. “You absolutely get as much out of it as you put in,” he noted. “Helping students is so rewarding and it’s interesting to hear their experiences. I had no idea what I didn't know [when I was a student] ... if they take advantage of these opportunities, it'll help them in the long term.”
How Can I Get Started?
Making your first jump into the world of professional networking can be intimidating, but you don’t have to dive in alone. The Office of Business Student Success houses a dedicated professional development team ready to support you with a range of services and resources to prime you for success.
Helpful Resources
OBSS Professional Development
