Fall makes us think about the changing leaves, Halloween excitement, and college and university homecomings. These annual events blend tradition with a sense of renewal, bringing together current students and alumni in informal settings. Beyond the football games, step shows, and parades, homecoming fosters opportunities for low-stakes interactions that can lead to high-stakes outcomes in students’ personal and professional lives. According to LinkedIn Career Expert Andrew McCaskill, “Homecoming is more than just a celebration—it’s one of the year’s most powerful networking moments. Unlike typical career fairs or mixers, homecoming brings together the best and brightest from your alma mater, many of whom share your college experiences, values, and connections to your university.”
From McCaskill’s perspective, regardless of whether a student is attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Historically White Institution (HWI) homecoming, returning alumni can support them in their careers. He shared that alumni are “often ready to connect, mentor, or even vouch for you as someone who genuinely understands your experiences and goals.” This emphasis on shared experiences and institutional pride demonstrates why homecomings are great opportunities to foster meaningful relationships between students and alumni.
Leslie Ekpe, an alumna of historically Black Alabama A&M University, and faculty member at Texas A&M University— Commerce who researches HBCU homecomings agrees, stating, “Alumni can connect with current students, the community, and past professors. For alumni, these week-long commemorations provide ways for us to give back: whether that be through service, monies, or mentoring. Additionally, these celebrations offer a multitude of opportunities for current students, including networking.”
LinkedIn’s McCaskill views the atmosphere of homecoming as an “unmatched environment for building relationships with accomplished professionals who are excited to help you get where you’re going — connections that can drive your career forward long after the festivities end.” For those students wanting to capitalize on the homecoming environment, he suggests:
- Adding New Acquaintances on LinkedIn: Students should connect with peers and alumni—especially those further along in their careers—soon after homecoming.
- Using LinkedIn’s ‘Catch Up’ Tab: This feature allows users to track milestones like job changes or work anniversaries, creating natural opportunities to reconnect.
- Subscribing to Newsletters: Following newsletters from new connections is a way to stay informed and engage with their professional journey.
- Meaningful Engagement: Commenting on posts with thoughtful insights or questions demonstrates genuine interest and keeps the connection active.
- Joining LinkedIn Groups: For members of Greek organizations, participating in active groups can extend the networking potential of homecoming into professional circles.
When contacting those met at homecoming, McCaskill recommends making the message memorable and authentic. Specifically, he suggests: “Start with a Warm Reminder: Begin your follow-up message by referencing your conversation at homecoming. For example, you can say something like, ‘It was great meeting you at homecoming! I really enjoyed our discussion about [specific topic].’ This not only helps them remember who you are but also establishes context for your message.” He also advises students to “Connect Through Shared Interests: Highlight any common interests or experiences you discussed. For instance, mention a specific field or topic you both care about: ‘I found your insights on [specific field] fascinating, especially [specific detail].’ This reinforces the connection you made and shows you were engaged in the conversation.”
He recommends asking thoughtful follow-up questions to deepen the relationship, stating, “Encourage Further Dialogue: Follow up with a thoughtful question that invites them to share more. You could say, ‘I’d love to hear more about your thoughts on [specific trend or topic].’ This demonstrates genuine curiosity and opens the door for deeper engagement.”
McCaskill suggests taking the next step by proposing a meeting: “Propose a “Coffee Chat”: You might say, ‘I’d love to continue our conversation—would you be open to a quick call or coffee chat next week?’ This shows your interest in building the relationship and provides a clear next step for them to consider.”
Lastly, he recommends, “Prepare for the Conversation: Before reaching out, think through how you want to present yourself, what you’d like to share, and what you hope to achieve from the conversation. Have a few questions ready that can help uncover common ground, further building a meaningful connection. Take the time to review their LinkedIn Profile to identify additional shared interests or connections beyond what you already know.”
Despite the potential of homecoming, many students and professionals struggle with how to initiate conversations. According LinkedIn data reveal that nearly half (46%) of professionals do not know where to start or what to say to people in their virtual or in-person networks. To address this issue, the company offers premium subscribers, an AI-powered messaging tool that helps users create personalized messages to initiate conversations with others. However, McCaskill cautions, “As a best practice, always use AI suggestions to personalize, not automate messages. While AI can help create a strong template to go off of, remember always to add a personal touch to each message.”
From McCaskill’s vantage point, homecomings are more than nostalgic gatherings or game-day celebrations — they are powerful moments of possibility for students and alumni alike. In a time when networking often feels transactional, the authenticity and camaraderie of homecoming stand out as a place for meaningful connections.