We take a look at how ASIJ’s latest initiative has helped alumni network, build new connections and share career advice. Staying connected to our alumni is one of ASIJ’s overriding goals — even if COVID-19 is demanding work from home, social distancing, and the canceling of events. Our challenge was to find a way for us to continue to engage with alumni during the pandemic. What could bridge the personal connection and keep us in-touch? As platforms such as Zoom gained a higher profile and expanded usage we saw an opportunity for us to stay in touch and a way we could launch our new program — ASIJ Alumni Connect: Industry Meetup.
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THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN JAPAN
At many schools this year, online events are replacing inperson reunions, alumni receptions, and small group gatherings of classmates. The shift to new platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet is providing an option that actually fits ASIJ’s global alumni community quite well. With alumni spread across multiple time zones, using Zoom allows for convenient meeting times, eliminates travel costs and encourages attendance by those across the generations. Perhaps most surprising is the high degree of connectivity attendees find with each other in a Zoom session. “It was the best alumni event. It was
