Life After DePauw

Preparing Yourself for Life After DePauw

about LIFE AFTER DEPAUW You’ve learned a lot in your time at DePauw. You’ve taken classes from Humanities to Social Sciences to Mathematics and probably a few unique Winter Term courses and eye-opening internships, volunteer opportunities, or study abroad experiences as well. But now the time has come to take everything you’ve learned out into “the real world.”

This resource is a collaborative effort across multiple offices and alumni groups — the Office of Alumni Relations, Center for Student Engagement, Alumni Association Board of Directors, Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Council — as well as countless alumni who shared their thoughts, insights and advice. It is intended to help guide you along the way as you navigate paths new graduates start down each year, including finding a job, getting settled in a new city, and managing money.

This guide book is not a one-stop shop for all the questions you’ll encounter along the way and is not a substitute for further research and questioning, but we hope it can be a helpful tool you come back to for a little sound advice and useful direction as you take a big step forward in your life.

If you have suggestions or feedback for improving this book for future DePauw graduates, or want to submit some advice of your own, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at alumnioffice@depauw.edu.

table of contents Job Hunting

7

Finance 101

21

Managing Your Income

22

Preparing for Your Job Search

8

Communication Etiquette

8

Checking and Savings Accounts

22

Resumes and Cover Letters

9

Individual Retirement Accounts

23

Selecting References

9

Stocks

23

Finding Job Opportunities

10

Bonds

23

Networking to Your Advantage

10

Mutual Funds

23

Preparing for Interviews

12

Managing Your Expenses

24

Following Up

13

Personal Expenses

24

Negotiating a Job Offer

13

Student Loans

24

Credit Cards

25

Establishing Credit

25

Day One on the Job Dress for Success

15 16

What Is‌ The W-4 Form

17

Health Insurance

17

Life and Disability Insurance

17

401Ks

18

Bringing Value to your Workplace

19

Filing Your Taxes

26

Alumni Giving

27

table of contents Getting Settled in a New City

29

Figuring Out Your Housing Situation

30

Housing Options

31

Buying or Leasing a Car

32

Health and Wellness

33

Best Time to Buy

33

What It’s Like to Live In… Indianapolis

34

Chicago

35

New York City

36

Washington, D.C.

37

St. Louis

38

Connecting with Alumni in Your Area

Acknowledgements

39

41

Job Hunting

job hunting PREPARING FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH

COMMUNICATION ETIQUETTE

When undertaking a job search, it is important to be as prepared as possible.

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Have a goal for your search. Be mindful of what you want to do, where you want to do it, and what you want to get out of your job.

Always start with and maintain a formal tone until you have permission to be informal.

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Think more about what you want to do in a job rather than what it is called. Titles can be misleading.

No matter how informal you feel you can be, never start an email with “Hey.”

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Know what you want and need in a job, but know what you won’t sacrifice as well. Sometimes the things you won’t compromise on are as important as the things you will.

Be sure to carefully review each and every message you send out for spelling errors, inconsistencies, and tone.

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Give people time to respond. You’re contacting busy people who can’t necessarily respond immediately.

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Don’t be afraid to follow up after a reasonable time has passed, but be respectful of their time.

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Remember, the average job search takes nine months. Don’t get discouraged.

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Prepare yourself physically as well as mentally. Now is the time to invest  in proper interview attire. 

Respect the preference of your audience for how you communicate with them – email, text message, phone, Skype, etc.

Always say thank you.

ALUMNI ADVICE Stay positive, stay active. The worst thing you can do is get sedentary or lazy. Get out there and apply your talents somewhere with hustle, even if you must do so for free.

— Barry Wormser ‘02 Be patient! I know the job search can be incredibly frustrating and discouraging, but hang in there!

— Kristen Little ‘07

Be OPEN in your search. Consider career possibilities that might not have been on your radar. Cast a wide net.

— Blair ‘07 Just because you think you aren’t qualified doesn’t mean you can’t get the job! Apply anyway! What’s the worst they can say?

— Stephanie Rivera ‘10

BUILDING THE PERFECT RESUME Your resume is a tool to initiate conversation with an employer. Use your resume to highlight your skills, thinking most about what an employer would need to know in order to determine if you’re the right fit for the position.

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Your resume should be simple, clear, and concise.

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It should be organized in a way to walk employers through your education, work experiences, and applicable skills to demonstrate why you’d be the right choice for their company.

SELECTING REFERENCES Almost every job posting asks for references. Here are some things to keep in mind. 

Be prepared to have 3-5 references ready should an employer ask for them.

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A one-page resume is typical for undergraduates starting out in any field, but know that they can vary between fields and expand as your work experiences add up.

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There is no such thing as a standard resume template or a one-size-fits-all way to write them. Your resume should reflect you and your experiences, and no one can explain them better than you – although getting help from someone else can only benefit you!

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Select people who know you well and can speak to your work, skills, and character.

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When describing your work experiences, write concise statements using active verbs. You should also include any and all quantifiable outcomes as often as possible.

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Your resume must be absolutely free of any type of errors. Even one small typo can cause an employer to push your resume aside, so take plenty of time to review your resume and ask others to do the same.

Don’t worry about whether or not your references have impressive job titles or positions.

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Ask potential references for permission to use them as such and share your resume with them in case an employer should call. You don’t want them to feel blindsided.

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You’ll also want to make sure you have the correct contact information for each reference, so the employer can actually reach them.

CRAFTING YOUR COVER LETTER Three Key Parts to a Cover Letter:

Three Important Tips:

1. Open by explaining why you are writing and how you found out about the position.

1. Be professional. Write like a colleague and not a student.

2. In the next paragraph or two, describe what you know about the position and how your skills and experiences fit their needs.

2. Be concise. Write a first draft and then cut out anything that isn’t essential.

3. Close by thanking the employer and outlining your next steps, such as following up in a specified timeframe with a phone call or email.

3. Know your audience. Describe your education and experiences in a way that will be meaningful to an employer.

FINDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES Most jobs are found through personal connections rather than being advertised.

ALUMNI ADVICE Look at every event or meeting as an opportunity to grow your personal and professional network.

— George Heidenreich ‘03

I did not have a lot of luck applying for jobs online. I found success when I called companies and spoke to recruiters in person.

– Joshua ’09 Do not be afraid to contact DePauw alumni. Almost everyone will bend over backwards to help you learn about their employers and industries, and it could result in opportunities for employment.

– Wicks Barkhausen ‘10 Take the time to research companies directly by visiting their websites and seeing what they have to offer.

Go directly to the websites of companies you’re interested in. Most will have a job or careers page if you sift through their site, plus you’ll learn more about the industry you’re interested in.

– Danielle Shover ‘10 I cold emailed and set up a ton of informational interviews with people in my desired field. I was clear and concise in what I wanted and how I felt I could be effective to their organization.

– Michelle Parsons ‘10 Take advantage of online resources like major job websites, but don’t let that be your only tool to find what’s out there.

Use your resources – TigerTracks, alumni that you know of in particular cities you’re interested in working and living in, and the Center for Student Engagement. This Center exists for a reason and is a resource at the fingertips of current students – so use it.

– Emily Vernon ‘11

NETWORKING TO YOUR ADVANTAGE The importance of networking can’t be overstressed, and you’ve likely heard time and again how big of a difference networking can make when it comes to searching for a job. Advice for how to network successfully is endless, but here are a few key thoughts to help you make the most of your networking opportunities. 

People like to help and wouldn’t offer if they didn’t want you to contact them. Take people up on their offer to help!

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Concentrate on developing relationships, not just getting the answers you’re looking for.

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Join LinkedIn, DePauw LinkedIn groups, and LinkedIn groups in your potential field. It is an endless supply of potential leads.

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Meet with as many people as you can and ask them to share their professional story.

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Keep your meetings brief and be respectful of people’s time. If you get 20 minutes, offer to end after 15.

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Take advantage of the DePauw alumni base. You already have a shared connection in your alma mater, so transitioning from small talk to professional mentorship will be a little bit easier.

PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS No two interviews are ever the same, even within the same company, for the same job. Every interview is a give-and-take between you and the interviewer (or multiple interviewers), so be prepared for each experience to be a unique one. There are some things you can do, however, to prepare yourself for any interviewing situation, whether it’s in person, in a group, or over the phone.

BE READY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS Before you head into an interview, it’s best to put some thought into how you’d answer some standard questions about you, your job experience, and your career goals. Preparing your answers ahead of time will help you feel more at ease in the moment and will give you a jumping off point for those random questions you never anticipated.

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If you’re interviewing in person, be sure you look the part. Wear a suit and make sure you’re well groomed.

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Always have extra copies of your resume on hand. You never know when your interviewer might not have one available, and being able to supply one at a moment’s notice shows your attention to detail.

1. What interested you in this position?

If you’re being interviewed over the phone, find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted. It also helps to still dress as if you were interviewing in person, to get you in the right frame of mind to have a professional conversation with your interviewer.

3. What skills do you need to develop? (What are your weaknesses?)

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Research the company you’re interviewing with, but make sure to look beyond the main website. What are they talking about on social media if they have a presence there? What are other individuals or companies saying about them? Doing a little digging can help give you a better idea of what to expect in your interview and will help you speak more knowledgably about how you could fit in well with the company.

Be prepared to ask some questions of your own. Nothing will demonstrate your interest in the company and your seriousness about the position more than having a few questions ready to ask about the position or the company.

Here are a few standard questions to be ready for:

2. What are your most effective skills? (What are your greatest strengths?)

4. Tell me about a time when you’ve done more than was required to get a job done.

5. Describe a difficult situation you had to face and how you overcame it.

6. How do you think your experiences have prepared you for this job?

7. Why should we hire you? (What separates you from other candidates?)

8. Tell me about yourself.

9. Where do you see yourself in five years?

10. Do you have any questions?

ALUMNI ADVICE You have more experience than you think. Use examples of your leadership and how those skills can be applied to your profession.

Don’t forget to send a follow up thank-you note, even if you don’t get the job. People will remember those things.

— Aubrey Rhodes ‘08

Practice interviews are very beneficial. Familiarize yourself with questions you could be asked and questions you should ask.

— Margaret Musgrave ‘11

Don’t take rejection personally. Learn from your interviews and mistakes and cast a broad net in your job search.

— Katie Gibson ’02

— 2006 Graduate

FOLLOWING UP

NEGOTIATING YOUR JOB OFFER

In the age of digital communication, it seems natural to send a quick thank-you email to the person or people you interviewed with. However, a handwritten note can make a big impact and demonstrate your investment in the process and interest in the position. So what should you do? Think about the person you’re sending the thank-you note to.

Congratulations! You got a job offer! Now it’s time to negotiate the details, which can seem like an awkward situation. It doesn’t have to be, though, if you’re prepared.

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Would an email do enough to express your interest and gratefulness for being interviewed? If so, great! Make sure you send your email in the next 24 hours, but not seconds after you walk out the door.

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Don’t act immediately. Ask for a day or two to consider and take that time to evaluate the offer in front of you.

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If the interviewer seems more traditional or you feel as if the gesture of a handwritten note would make an impact, take that route instead.

In this case, make sure to get your note in the mail the same day you interview.

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If you decide you want something more, know what it is you want and what you’re willing to settle for.

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When you’re negotiating, make your request and stop talking. Don’t feel obligated to fill the silence. Allow the other side time to respond.

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When the offer is at a place you’re comfortable with, say thank you and get ready for day one on the job!

No matter what form your thank-you note takes, it is important that you check it for grammar and spelling. Nothing ruins a good interview more quickly than a thank-you note riddled with misspellings or poor grammar.

You don’t have to accept the offer you’re given, but you don’t have to turn it down, either.

Day One on the Job

day one on the job DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Work Attire Basics for Men

The attire that was traditionally worn only on “casual Fridays” has become standard in many work settings. However, even if you are told that your work place allows for casual attire, it will never work to your disadvantage to err on the conservative side, especially if your work might require you to see clients in or out of the office.

slacks that complement the jacket, a conservative tie

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If you did not ask during your interview, call ahead and ask about the dress code. If there is no dress code, which is common, you can’t go wrong on the first day with traditional office attire.

Dress for the job that you want, not just the one that you are starting.

Take your cues from the management and observe how they dress. If you have aspirations to rise above the rank-and-file, distinguish yourself from them. Instead of wearing blue jeans and tee shirts, wear dress pants or khakis and a collared shirt.

Invest in a suit that fits. You should have at least one suit in your closet, preferably either black or gray. You never know when you may be pulled into a meeting, asked to meet potential clients, or invited to attend a fundraising or charity event.

Have a blazer on hand. They’re a simple way to make your casual closet more professional, and you can always remove it if you feel overdressed.

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Be intentional about what jewelry, makeup, or fragrance you wear.

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Wear appropriate shoes. The right shoes will help make your outfit dressier without appearing too fancy.

Traditional Attire: a button-down shirt, a blue, black or gray jacket, Go-To Shoes: a polished black dress shoe Extra Tips: 

Skip wearing cologne for the first few days, as complaints about what type or quantity of a fragrance a person is wearing are common.

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Have a necktie or two hanging on the back of your door. One day, the boss may want someone to go to lunch with a client. Don’t get passed over because you dressed down that day.

Work Attire Basics for Women Traditional Attire: a skirt that hits just above the knee, slacks or pantsuits, button down shirts or cardigans, possibly pantyhose

Go-To Shoes: polished flats or moderate heels Extra Tips: 

Too much jewelry, even if it’s nice, can make you appear less professional.

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Skip wearing perfume for the first few days as complaints about what type or quantity of a fragrance a person is wearing are common.

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Go easy on the makeup at first. Wear a limited amount of natural looking makeup until you get a sense of the office standard.

WHAT IS… A QUICK GUIDE TO BASIC EMPLOYMENT FORMS AND BENEFITS The W-4 Form Your employer will ask you to complete a W-4 Form, or Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, at some point during your first day. This helps them withhold the correct amount of federal income tax from your pay. The form generally asks for you to select the number of personal allowances to be claimed based upon the number of dependents you are claiming on your tax return.

Health Insurance Health insurance is typically provided to employees after they have met a probationary employment and often at a fraction of its full cost. This insurance is provided by an employer to all eligible employees under a group medical plan. 

After evaluating your employer’s plan, determine whether it is less expensive to join the company plan or whether to remain on your parents’ plan, which you may do until age 26.

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If you decide to enroll in your employer’s plan, be sure you understand the benefits, especially if there are multiple options. Some employers may offer one plan with low deductibles and lower costs along with a high deductible plan with higher usage costs. Choosing the latter plan, you will pay less in premium, which tends to be a better option for young and healthy employees who rarely use health insurance.

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Some employers may have Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which allow you to bank the premium you can save in choosing the higher deductible plan.

These dollars are saved and can grow on a pre-tax basis until they are used to pay medical costs, including plan deductibles, when the need arises.

Life and Disability Insurance Many employers also offer their employees the option to purchase life insurance and disability insurance under a group plan. Typically, the rates will be less than if you tried to obtain this coverage as an individual, and you don’t have to undergo extensive questions and tests to determine whether you would qualify for the coverage. It is almost always a good idea to purchase both of these types of insurance through your employer, when you can. 

Life Insurance – pays a lump sum of money to a person(s) you designate at your death.

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Disability Insurance – pays you a monthly income benefit if you are sick or injured and cannot work. Most employers will offer some type of disability coverage at no cost.

WHAT IS… A QUICK GUIDE TO BASIC EMPLOYMENT FORMS AND BENEFITS, CONTINUED 401Ks A 401(k) plan is a special type of retirement savings account funded through pre-tax payroll deductions. The funds in the account can be invested in a number of different ways and are not taxed until they are withdrawn.

There are four elements to a 401(k) that make these types of accounts so popular: 1. Tax-Deferred Contributions – The money put into your 401(k) plan is not taxed as income until it is withdrawn. The same is true for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). But with a 401(k) plan, you can defer nearly four times as much of your pretax earnings – up to $17,500 in 2013.

2. Tax-Deferred Growth - Earnings on your investments remain tax free until withdrawn. That means you don’t pay taxes on the savings or growth until you withdraw the money.

3. Individual Choices – Most 401(k) plans allow you to choose how you invest your money. A 401(k) plan helps you create a diversified retirement investment portfolio and decide exactly how aggressive or conservative you want to be. If you are young and single, you are in a prime position to maximize your contribution level.

4. Employer Support – As an extra benefit, employers may choose to match employee contributions. This is money your employer wants to give you, but you have to save some, too, in order to get it. At the very least, try to contribute up to the employer match. Even if your 401(k) plan does not include employer matching, the built-in flexibility and advantages of tax deferral make it a wise primary choice for funding your retirement.

BRINGING VALUE TO YOUR WORKPLACE It may feel like you won’t be able to make a big impact from day one, but you can start laying the ground work right away to become a part of the team and make an impact as quickly as possible. Our DePauw alumni are full of advice on things you can do to hit the ground running immediately.

ALUMNI ADVICE Be a team player and work as hard as you are capable of working. If you have completed your work and feel like you having nothing to do, ask a team member if you can help him or her with anything.

— Lucas Buchler ‘09

Fake it 'til you make it! Be confident, yet humble and ask for advice at any chance you get. Also, know when to say "no." You are new...nobody expects you to take on the world. It is better to do your job really well than to take on a ton of other responsibilities.

It's okay not to know everything right away — it takes everyone time to adjust to a new job, even people who have been in the job force for years. You'll make mistakes, so just own up to them. Everyone appreciates the maturity that taking responsibility demonstrates.

— 2006 Graduate

Be overly prepared, work harder than anyone else, and meet as many people as you possibly can. While working hard is always the key to succeeding, building strong relationships across a company will really be what helps you get ahead.

— Jeff Cunning ’09

— Kelsey Moore ‘12

Ask your new manager what success in your role means. Ask them to define what they want you to accomplish across your first 30-60 -90 days. Ask them how you can exceed their expectations and work toward that. It'll show your ambition/motivation and desire to do well. It'll also make you stand out against the rest.

— Ninos Gewargis ‘05

The first day is always tough. It is overwhelming, but it does get better. Just be sure to listen and ask as many questions as possible.

It is better to ask a question than make a mistake under a false assumption.

— Amanda ‘08

Finance 101

finance 101

MANAGING YOUR INCOME

Congratulations! You’ve graduated! You’ve landed a job! Now there’s the little issue of managing your money. Very few things feel quite as good as getting that first paycheck, but you’ll soon discover it’s easy to spend your money as quickly as you earn it.

Luckily, by taking some basic steps and understanding your options, you’ll be well on your way to balancing your income and your expenses like a pro.

Create a Budget It sounds simple, but sitting down and writing out a basic budget of your monthly income and monthly expenses will help you understand where your money is going and what you can do to stretch your money further.

Think Long Term When you get that first paycheck in your hands, it may be tempting to spend it all in one burst. However, stepping back and thinking about your long-term goals can help you figure out the best course for spending and saving your money. Are you going to need to buy a new car in a few years? Do you hope to buy a house sometime in the near future? If so, making plans now for those big purchases that are still a few years off will put you in a much better place financially when you’re ready to go all in.

Live Below Your Means One of the best ways you can get into the habit of saving for those big purchases and for your future retirement is by choosing to live below your means. Yes, you may be able to afford a bigger cable TV package with DVR and HD channels with the income you have now, but if you cut back to a more basic option at a lower cost and save the difference, you’ll be well on your way to building up a nice nest egg without impacting your day-to-day life too significantly.

CHECKING AND SAVINGS ACCOUNTS Setting up your own checking and savings accounts is essential in taking control of your personal finances. These accounts are easy to use and readily accessible for making purchases and paying bills.

While checking and savings accounts are incredibly convenient for your day-to-day banking needs – giving you accounts to deposit your paycheck, write checks from and deduct from with a debit card – they are not the best options for long-term retirement savings. Checking accounts are either zero or very low interest bearing accounts while savings accounts offer only slightly more interest. IRAs, stocks, bonds and mutual funds will provide a wider variety of investment opportunities with a higher return to reach your long-term saving goals.

IRAs

STOCKS, BONDS AND MUTUAL FUNDS

It may not seem like it now, but it’s never too early to start saving for retirement. At this point in your life, with moderate expenses and a disposable income, taking advantage of opportunities to start saving will only benefit you in the long run.

Now that you’re bringing in a paycheck, there are multiple ways you can invest your income. Understanding your options and the benefits of each can help you decide what will work best for you in order to meet your long-term goals. Although you’re just entering “the real world,” knowing some basic information will make all the difference when it comes time to do decide how to handle your money.

Individual Retirement Accounts, more commonly known as IRAs, allow you to save money for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis. You can open an IRA on your own, separate from a 401(k) that you have through your employer.

Here are some of your options: 

Stock: ownership in a company. The value of your stock increases or decreases as the stock price of the company increases or decreases.

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Bond: you are loaning an organization money, and they are paying you back with interest.

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Mutual Fund: a collective of 150-200 stocks or bonds in one fund.

If you want to avoid “putting all of your eggs in one basket,” mutual funds are an easy way to do this.

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Money Market: short-term savings account that pays a fixed rate of interest.

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#protip: Stocks are riskier than bonds. Bonds are riskier than money market accounts.

There are two main types of IRAs – Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs: 

Traditional: You can deposit a portion of your pre-tax income into this type of account. Then you don’t have to pay taxes until you withdraw the money.

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Roth: In this instance, a portion of your already-taxed income goes into the account. Essentially, you pay taxes now instead of later. This is a great option for young savers!

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401(k) plans offered through employers can be Traditional or Roth. Make sure you know your options when setting up your 401(k) account at work.

Things to Remember: 

You will never be younger than you are today.

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No one ever said, “I wish I didn’t have all of this money for retirement.”

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By the time you retire, Social Security will most likely not exist in its current form.

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Even a little savings is better than no savings.

MANAGING YOUR EXPENSES

REPAYING STUDENT LOANS

Now that you know how to easily access your money and invest it to grow your income, it’s important to have an understanding of your personal expenses. These can be wide ranging and vary greatly from person to person based on where you live, what you do, and how you choose to spend your money.

Many recent college graduates are starting their careers with one expense already on their radar – student loans. If you start taking the process of repaying your loans seriously as soon as possible, you’ll be able to pay off your loans more quickly and free yourself of that debt before taking on larger purchases like a car payment or mortgage.

Here are a few basic items that almost everyone will need to budget for: 

Rent – Your monthly rent will most likely take up the largest percentage of your income, and will vary greatly based on the city you live in.

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Utilities – These can vary based on your renting situation, but could include water, gas, and electric.

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Car and Renters Insurance – Insurance is easy to overlook, but making sure your car and property are covered is important.

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Cell Phone – Cellular plans continue to get more expensive, so take stock of what type of plan you’ll really need in order to meet your personal, and potentially business, needs.

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Cable – This can be an easy expense to cut from your budget if you take advantage of online streaming through free and legal sites such as Hulu or a low-cost Netflix Streaming account.

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Commuting Expenses – For some this will mean filling up your tank a few times a month but for others it will mean paying for public transit passes. Either way, make sure you take your needs into account for each month.

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Groceries – Don’t forget to have enough money set aside for food.

Making easy meals at home can be much more cost effective than eating out all the time.

Understand the terms of your loan. This will influence when you’ll need to start making payments. Repayment for some loans may begin immediately, while others may allow a grace period of a few months until you need to begin repaying your loans.

Take advantage of online services. The majority of organizations funding student loans provide the option for you to create an online account to manage your loans and facilitate your payments. Not only will this save you from paying postage each month to mail in your payment (along with remembering to pay it each month!), many lenders will offer some sort of incentive for signing up for an online account and setting up automatic deductions of your payment, such as a reduction to your repayment plan.

Pay more if you can. While your lender will establish a repayment plan to pay off your loan in a set number of years, the majority of lenders will allow you to pay off your loan ahead of schedule. Again, it is important to understand the terms of your loan to make sure you won’t incur any penalties for doing this, but in most cases you can make extra payments toward your loan at any time in order to reduce your debt more quickly. In your first few years out of college when your personal expenses are lowest, taking advantage of the opportunity to put more toward paying off your loans will be a major benefit in the long run.

AVOIDING CREDIT CARD DEBT

HOW TO ESTABLISH A CREDIT HISTORY

While having a credit card on hand for larger purchases can be a great benefit, a major pitfall to avoid is racking up excessive credit card debt. Here are a few simple tips for keeping your spending habits in line when using a credit card.

Establishing your credit score can be tricky as a new college graduate. It’s a classic Catch-22: You don’t have a credit history, preventing lenders from giving you credit, but without lenders giving you credit you can’t establish a credit history. Luckily, there are a few options to help you start building up your credit.

1. Avoid unnecessary purchases. If you don’t have the money in your checking or savings account to buy the item without your credit card, ask yourself if you really need to buy the item now or if it can wait until you have the funds available.

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Know what else lenders look for. When you don’t have a credit history, lenders will look at other factors such as your bank accounts, employment history and the utilities in your name. Staying in good standing with your bank and utility providers and holding down a job can go a long way in getting approval for your first credit card.

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Get a store credit card. Stores often have more lenient approval requirements and lower credit limits, making it easier to get a card in your name. Once you’ve been approved, be diligent about paying off your bill in full each month, which will help you establish good credit.

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Take advantage of a “same-as-cash” offer. Stores will sometimes let you purchase items on credit with a deal that allows you to pay no interest for a set period of time, typically 90 days. Since this is a type of loan, it can help you establish good credit if you pay it off on time. Make sure to pay off the loan before the allotted period expires and read the fine print before signing up to avoid paying interest or hidden fees.

2. Pay off your balance. In full. On time. Every month. If you have a balance that you carry over from one month to the next, you’ll have to start paying interest, which can add up quickly and make a reasonable purchase much more expensive in the long run.

3. If you do have to carry a balance, hold off on using your credit card until you get your spending under control again. Take advantage of your checking and savings accounts to make purchases for the things you need and don’t start using your credit card again until your balance is completely paid off.

4. If your credit card offers a rewards program, steer clear of making more purchases and buying things you don’t need just to get points or reach their incentive levels. Only use your credit card as needed and take advantage of the rewards as you naturally reach them.

5. Make your payments regularly and on time to build up a good credit history. This will show other potential lenders that you’re a responsible borrower and will help you maintain a good credit score in order to get loans for bigger purchases like a car or a home.

Once you have credit, use it responsibly. You should always pay your bills in full and on time, and don't open more cards than you can keep track of. Also keep in mind that how long you’ve had your accounts open is a factor in determining your credit score, so even if you prefer to pay cash, having an open credit card account will benefit your credit score.

FILING YOUR TAXES

WHICH TAX FORM SHOULD YOU USE?

Do You Have to File?

Form 1040EZ

For most individuals, the answer is yes. If your filing status is single and your gross income* was at least $9,750** then you must file, or if your filing status is married and your gross income was at least $19,500** then you must file. Even if you do not have to file, you should file if you can get money back (for example, if you had income tax withheld from your pay).

This form is a simplified income tax return and can be used if you meet the following requirements:

Exception for full-time students: Your parents can elect to include your income on their return if you are a full-time student under age 24 at the end of the year.

When Should You File?

Your tax return is due no later than April 15. If April 15 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the due date is on the Monday following April 15. If you’re unable to file on time, you can get an automatic six-month extension if you file for the extension by April 15 on Form 4868.

However, the extension to file does not extend the time to pay your tax.

Any amount due must be paid when filing the Form 4868.



Single or are married and filing a joint tax return;



Not claiming any dependents;

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Not claiming any adjustments to income or any other tax credits other than the earned income tax credit;

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Taxable income is less than $100,000; and,

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Income is from only wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, taxable scholarships and/or fellowship grants, and taxable interest income does not exceed $1,500.

Form 1040A This form can be used if you meet the following requirements: 

Gross income is only from: wages, salaries, and tips; interest and ordinary dividends; capital gains distributions; taxable scholarship and fellowship grants; and unemployment compensation.



The only adjustments to gross income are for the deduction of educator expenses, Individual Retirement Account (IRA) contributions, student loan interest paid, or tuition and fees paid.



No itemized deductions are being claimed.



Taxable income is less than $100,000.



No tax credits are being claimed other than certain child tax, education, and earned income tax credits.

Where do You File Your Return?

The IRS strongly encourages everyone to file their tax returns electronically through their e-file system at no charge. However, if you prefer to mail your tax return, tax returns are filed with the Internal Revenue Service Center for the region in which you live.

*Gross income means all income received in the form of money, goods, property, and services. **These amounts represent the minimum income amounts at the end of 2012 and may change each year.

ALUMNI GIVING

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION There are a few types of deductions for education expenses that you may qualify to take advantage of: Student Loan Interest Deduction – Interest paid on any qualified education loan is deductible as an adjustment to gross income on Form 1040 or Form 1040A if the following requirements are met: 

Your filing status is any status except married filing separately;



Your modified adjusted gross income is less than $75,000 if filing single or $155,000 if married and filing a joint tax return; and



You or your spouse are not claimed as a dependent on your parent’s tax return.



The maximum deductible amount of interest is $2,500 but may be reduced based upon your income.

Credits for Higher Education Tuition – There are two educationrelated credits, the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit. These credits may be claimed on Form 8863 by students pursuing college or graduate degrees or vocational training.

The requirements and the amount of these credits are complex, so a qualified tax adviser should be consulted to determine if you can actually claim these credits.

THIS INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE GENERAL INCOME TAX GUIDANCE. A QUALIFIED TAX ADVISER SHOULD BE CONSULTED TO ENSURE THE PROPER APPLICATION OF THESE GUIDELINES TO YOUR SPECIFIC FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES.

An institution's annual giving is viewed as a measure of strength and support for the University’s mission and vision. A strong program reflects positively upon the school and its alumni. It is our hope that all alumni consider making a gift to DePauw’s Annual Fund every year.

Annual Fund gifts support the most pressing needs of the University, primarily student scholarships. Tuition covers less than half of what it costs to educate one student, therefore gifts at all levels are greatly appreciated and help to ensure that today's DePauw students are afforded every opportunity to have an enriching liberal arts experience.

As a new graduate of DePauw, you’re officially a member of the GOLD program – Graduates of the Last Decade – within the larger Alumni Association. With GOLD classes representing 20% of DePauw’s alumni, young alumni giving makes a significant impact on current students.

Make Your Gift Go Further 

Matching Gifts: Many corporations encourage their employees to be philanthropic by matching the charitable gifts they make. Most companies match gifts 1:1, but some will even double or triple your gift. Simply visit the Human Resources Office at your company to get a matching gift form and send it in to the Annual Giving Office at DePauw.



Indiana College Tax Credit: Residents of the state of Indiana who donate to DePauw are encouraged to take advantage of the Indiana College Tax Credit. With your gift to DePauw, you are eligible for a state tax credit of 50 percent of your gift. For joint returns, the maximum credit is $200. For single returns, the maximum credit is $100.

Getting Settled in a New City

getting settled in a new city FIGURING OUT YOUR HOUSING SITUATION After four years living in Greencastle, Indiana, the prospect of setting down roots in a new city can be a bit intimidating. Figuring out where you’ll move after graduating will obviously go hand in hand with your postgraduation plans, and finding housing in one city will be different than finding housing in another. However, there are some commonalities to keep in mind when figuring out where to live and what you can afford. 

The general rule of thumb to figure out the maximum amount of rent you can afford is that the annual apartment rent obligation should not exceed 30% of your annual salary. So if your starting salary is $36K, you can afford an apartment with a maximum rent of $1,000 per month.

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Most apartment owners are going to want some employment history or require a parent or more creditworthy adult to sign the lease document.

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If you choose not to have a roommate or are unable to find one, you’ll need to figure in the start-up costs of getting an apartment on your own, such as putting down an initial deposit, setting up utility services, and furnishing your space.

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If your employment future is uncertain, make sure to inquire as to whether the apartment is open to a sixmonth lease term. This will give you more flexibility should your job situation change after a few months.

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If you’re planning to move to a large metropolitan area, keep in mind that most big cities have multiple neighborhoods at varying price points. Do your research to know which areas are more likely to fit your price range by looking online and reaching out to friends, family or fellow alumni who live in the area.



Don’t forget to keep your work commute in mind when finding a place to live. Finding an apartment closer to work can help save on cost (if you’re driving to and from work each day) and time (if you’re driving or using public transportation).

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The first place you live in a new city doesn’t have to be the only place you live. Keep in mind that once you become better acquainted with your new city, you may find a part of town you prefer to your initial choice.

HOUSING OPTIONS Renting 

The majority of new graduates will rent in their new city, although not all rentals are the same. Large apartment complexes are common in smaller cities and suburban areas, while landlords in bigger cities may have only a handful of apartments to rent in their building.



In some areas, finding a house to rent is also an option and can be a great alternative if you’re looking to live with multiple roommates and hoping to have more space than you would in a traditional apartment.

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Apartment locators are a good source of information, and searching online can be a great time saver, but it is not a substitute for calling around or driving neighborhoods. What looks good online may be less attractive once you see it in person.

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Be prepared to visit a lot of apartments before you find one that fits your needs. Go into each viewing with a list of your wants and needs and be prepared to ask questions about the terms of your lease, including information about utilities, laundry facilities, amenities, etc.

Subletting 

If you’re trying to get settled in a new city and need temporary housing while you do a more thorough search for a longer-term rental, subletting, or subleasing, can be a great option.



When subletting, you’re essentially renting the apartment from the current tenant, who remains the primary lessee in the eyes of the landlord. You’ll negotiate directly with the tenant to establish payment and negotiate responsibility for utilities, damages and other housing arrangement details.

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Although the rental price agreed to by the landlord and original tenant tends to be the rate for the sublet, it may be possible to negotiate a discount with the tenant. Keep in mind, if the tenant is unable to find someone to sublet the space, the tenant will be responsible for paying the entire rent for the remainder of the lease term, which can be a powerful motivator to negotiate with you.

Buying 

Buying a house is a long-term commitment and not generally advised for those starting out in their careers, although it’s not unheard of.



A mortgage lender has more stringent requirements for a purchase than an apartment landlord, including the requirement for a down payment, credit history, and multiple tests for earnings and employment. This can make it much harder for buying to even be a feasible option for a new graduate.



Given that most recent graduates have multiple job changes in their 20s, purchasing a house or condo should probably be put off in favor of renting or subletting, at least initially. This gives you more flexibility to move around, either for your career or your personal preferences, and to find an area that works for you and your lifestyle.

BUYING OR LEASING A CAR Before you start debating whether to buy or lease a car, it’s important to figure out if you really need one. In some cities, having a vehicle is the only way to get around, but in others your access to public transportation or easily walkable routes may make having a car an unnecessary expense. If you decide that owning your own vehicle is the right choice for you, there are a few paths you can take.

Lease a Car – When you lease a car, you’re essentially renting it for a set period of time at a more affordable rate. This can translate to lower monthly payments and a lower down payment. However, you won’t actually own the car at the end of your lease. While the upfront cost for leasing is lower, there can be increased financial burden at the end of your lease. You’ll be subject to mileage limits and will have to pay for any overages when your lease is terminated.

Additionally, wear-and-tear charges can add up, and if you need to end your lease early the cost to do so could be high.

Buy a New Car – Buying a new car can be a tempting proposition, especially if you’re currently driving the same car you’ve had since high school, which may have already been a clunker when you got it. There are a few important things to keep in mind, though. The cost for insurance and taxes will be higher for a new car than on a leased or used car. You’ll want to factor these costs into the total purchase of the car to make sure you’re able to handle the monthly and/ or annual payments. However, buying a car can be your most economical option if you plan to hang onto the car until the wheels fall off.

Buy a Used Car – Buying a used car is the most practical way to get a decent vehicle, since a car that is less than five years old could still be drivable for another five to eight years. If you buy your used car from a dealer, make sure the car is “certified.” This means that basic safety checks have been performed and that a one year warranty is provided. Buying from an individual can be slightly more complicated, since you’ll need to pay out of pocket to get your own mechanical check of the car. If everything checks out and you’re comfortable making the purchase, that’s great, but if the seller won’t let you get your own evaluation done, that’s a pretty good sign the car isn’t for you!

No matter what you decide, the best thing you can do before stepping onto a dealer’s lot is fully research your options. Know what you want and what you can afford, so you’re less likely to be talked into features you don’t need or a car that is outside of your actual price range. There are countless online tools to help you calculate monthly payments and plenty of resources to help you determine a fair price for the new, used or leased car of your choice. Don’t forget, though, choosing to buy or lease a vehicle is a big decision, and it will have an impact on your personal finances and credit score, so take the process seriously.

YOUR OWN HEALTH AND WELLNESS

BEST TIME TO BUY

When you’re getting settled in a new city, one important thing that is easy to overlook is taking steps to ensure your own health and wellness.

Once you’ve gotten housing and transportation figured out, make your health needs your next priority.

Timing is everything when it comes to making a big purchase for yourself or your new place.







Don’t wait until you’re sick to find a doctor. Once you’ve established yourself in a new community, find a doctor before you need one. Research hospitals and medical centers close to your home or office to find a physician, such as a family practitioner, that is accepting new patients and your health insurance. You should be able to find information about the physician’s background, where they trained, fellowships they may have had, and reviews about the doctor by doing a little online research before committing to making an appointment.

Take care of your teeth. Finding a good dentist is just as important as finding a physician. Regular visits to your dentist will go a long way toward preventing costly and painful treatments down the road.

Good dentists can also give you clues about the health of your body by looking at your gums and doing an all-important oral cancer screening.

Stay (or start being) active. The first lesson most college graduates learn is that your metabolism starts to change. You can no longer eat pizza and drink beer multiple times a week and expect your clothes to fit the same way. Take advantage of gym membership deals through your employer or health insurance, or find a local facility you can join with a friend. Start creating habits right away to prevent yourself from spending all evening in front of the TV.

January – March 

Furniture – New spring furniture lines mean last year’s inventory needs to be moved out to make room.



Suits – They aren’t in high demand during this time of year, so the prices will drop, especially if the store’s inventory is high.

April – June 

Televisions – New models start arriving in March, so prices on the older models will drop.



Gym Memberships – New Year’s Resolutions are wearing off, and gym owners start offering deals to get new customers in the door.

July – September 

Computers – “Back to School” sales equal better deals on both new and old models.



Cars – Most brands introduce their new cars in the summer, leading to dealers becoming more anxious to move last year’s models off their lots.

October – December 

Electronics – A second wave of new models will start hitting shelves, and major Day-After-Thanksgiving markdowns can lead to incredible deals.



Appliances – New models start hitting stores, so year-old versions start to get marked down.

indianapolis LIVING IN INDIANPOLIS

MOVING TO INDIANAPOLIS

Indianapolis is incredibly vibrant and has an outstanding DePauw community, should you choose to explore and utilize it. Indy also has a rapidly growing start-up scene that everyone should explore, even if you have no interest in entrepreneurship.

Make sure to look for a house or apartment early. And VISIT them before you commit! In Indy, you aren't very far from most things, so if you can't afford Broad Ripple or Downtown, there are plenty of affordable areas within just a few minutes of there.

— Barry Wormser ‘02 It's the best "transition city" you can ask for. There are so many things to do every night of the week, and it's great that there are a lot of alumni here as well.

— Margaret Musgrave ‘11 It has a great balance of connecting with DePauw friends and meeting new people. It's nice when people you work with know DePauw and the type of school it is and the students it produces. Indy is very affordable and in the past five years has grown and changed into quite a top tier city.

— Bess Browing ‘07 Living in Indy provides great opportunities to build relationships with young professionals, to connect with other recent DePauw alumni, and to explore the country due to its great accessibility to the surrounding areas.

So much of Indy is sectioned off into quaint little neighborhoods that as a resident I have the opportunity to feel safe and at home with many experiences just down the road.

— Matthew Nance ‘10 It is a big city with a small-town feel at times. There is a good amount to do but still very easy to get around by walking.

— Michael Fusakio ’09

— Kelsey Moore ‘12 You probably know several people from DPU heading to Indy. Find someone who is looking for a roommate and rent a house together. Great way to save money and also stay connected socially.

— GOLD Graduate Consider living downtown! I have been downtown for two years now and absolutely love it.

— Lucas Buchler ‘09

STAYING CONNECTED WITH DEPAUW The Regional Alumni Chapter is very active in Indy. There is always something going on where you can connect with alums, and they are eager to allow you to help with events.

— GOLD Graduate DePauw's Regional Alumni Chapter puts on a number of great events, but you can easily look beyond that group for many other ways to expand your network.

– Barry Wormser ‘02

chicago LIVING IN CHICAGO

MOVING TO CHICAGO

Chicago is a good choice for career growth because it's a vibrant city with a diverse economy. Smaller cities simply lack the career and social opportunities available here.

Chicago has something for everyone. Do your research on the different neighborhoods to pick the right atmosphere for your current needs.

— George Heidenreich ‘03 Chicago is a blast in every sense of the word. If you wish to remain in touch with the DePauw community, there will certainly be many of those same people graduating with you that will end up there. If you want something new, Chicago is big enough and filled with twentysomething types.

— 2010 Graduate Chicago is a great city that is full of opportunity, but it is still manageable.

Even though the city is large, it is not overwhelming at all. People are friendly, and there are a ton of alumni that are very well connected. If you are from the Midwest, I would definitely recommend looking for jobs in Chicago. Even if you are not from the Chicago suburbs, it is fairly centrally located without having to move to NYC. — Carolyn Bartlett ‘08 Chicago is an amazing town. It's a more manageable, personal, and affordable NYC with the same amount of entertainment, nightlife, and character.

Chicago is made up of many different neighborhoods that each has its own culture. I certainly have not yet explored all the city has to offer. Chicago is a "small-big" city. There are a lot of people, and it's physically a large place, but you run into people you know on the streets all the time.

— Siobhan Lau ‘09

— 2007 Graduate Find roommates! Fellow DePauw alums, high school friends, etc. It's so much cheaper to live with 2-3 roommates. If you don't personally know someone relocating to Chicago, ask your DePauw friends to make a connection. Try to find a place near an L stop. It'll be much more convenient to get around!

— Siobhan Lau ‘09 Look for a (responsible) roommate. It can be intimidating to live in a larger city by yourself.

— Jessica-Abra Sandy ‘05

STAYING CONNECTED WITH DEPAUW Make sure DePauw has your current information, so you are up to date on alumni happenings around the city.

— Elizabeth ‘10 I am a member of the DePauw Chicago Regional Alumni Chapter and, through that, help plan different events and opportunities to connect with other DePauw alums — young and old. This includes casual happy hours and community service days. It's a great way to stay connected with alums from your year, meet new alums, and learn about new places and organizations in the city.

— Siobhan Lau ‘09

new york city LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

MOVING TO NEW YORK CITY

New York is New York. It's phenomenal. Do I really need to describe it?

But it is expensive. Until you make $50k/year, it's tough. Be prepared to have roommates, maybe even share a bedroom. You're going to spend all your money on rent and the rest on food/going out. There is no saving when you first move here.

It helps to have a short-term living situation lined up to allow you to look for apartments and jobs while you're already in the city. DePauw has a great alumni network here, and everyone's really helpful. Craigslist is a good place to find sublets, though you'll always want to double check with someone who lives in NYC to make sure the area is safe.

— Jennifer Ryan Silverstein ‘05 NYC is exciting and fast paced. It is easy to get caught up in the night life. Remember to have fun but be responsible too.

— Stephanie Rivera ‘10 Get ready! New York is an expensive town. Expect to live with roommates and expect your apartment to be maybe twice the size of your dorm room. First thing to do is reach out to anyone and everyone you know living in New York. That is the #1 best way to find a good apartment and good roommates. Also, it’s going to be a lot easier to find a place once you’re here, so budget a week or two staying in a friend's living room or at a hotel, so you can look at apartments yourself.

— Rachel Routh ’08

— Jessica ‘06 Start your search early! It is tough to get a place in NYC in the summer.

Think about waiting until the fall. Look at roommate sites and Craigslist.

Ask people you know who live in NYC, too; it may be cheaper!

— Stephanie Rivera ‘10

STAYING CONNECTED WITH DEPAUW NYC has an excellent alumni community. The Facebook group is generally updated on a regular basis with upcoming events. The Monon telecast is my favorite alumni outings, and it's always a good idea to go to the alumni networking events.

— Jessica ‘06 Connect with alumni immediately — if you're not sure how, make sure the Alumni Office knows what city you live in, and then you will receive the eblasts about alumni events in your area.

— GOLD Graduate

washington, d.c.

LIVING IN D.C.

MOVING TO D.C.

It is a great city for young people – most everything is within walking distance, and if not, public transportation is easily available.

Be prepared financially. You will probably need to live with roommates your first few years. Also, if you have a job/internship lined up, be knowledgeable of transportation requirements. Public transport is great, but if you need a car, know that parking is expensive and hard to find and traffic is terrible.

— GOLD Graduate D.C. has become THE city for 20-somethings. There is so much to do, it has a great food scene, going out scene, and as cliché as it sounds, you really do meet a diverse group of smart, ambitious people from all over. And don't let the D.C. pricetag scare you — because so many graduate/law students and young professionals work in D.C., housing is surprisingly easy to find. I found my room in an apartment with two other girls in three days!

— Danielle Shover ‘10 D.C. is very expensive, but you're paying for the world at your fingertips.

There are more exhibits, performances, restaurants, and events than one person could ever get to.

— 2008 Graduate For people who stay longer than four years, Washington becomes like a small town. It is fast paced, expensive, high turnover on jobs and plenty of jobs if you can get your foot in the door.

— 2003 Graduate It's great, there are a lot of motivated, outgoing young people. It can be intense because of the high-energy nature of the people who live here. It can also be difficult financially because the cost of living is high, and many of the entry-level jobs in the government/nonprofit sectors have low pay.

— Wrede Smith ‘06

— Dan ’03 Living in the heart of Washington, D.C. is often more expensive, particularly if you live close to a metro, and parking is generally an additional expense ($100-300/month).

— Neal McKinney ‘09 Live within walking distance to a Metro station. If you can live in the N.W. section of the city, sell your car and buy a bike.

— 2003 Graduate

STAYING CONNECTED WITH DEPAUW The D.C. DePauw Regional Alumni Chapter is really active. I've been on a winery tour in Virginia, two happy hours, and the annual DePauw-Wabash Monon telecast party at a local Irish pub. There's a LinkedIn group and a Facebook page, so come find us!

— Danielle Shover ‘10 We have monthly happy hours and events like tours of historical sites or philanthropic events at least once a quarter.

— Dan ‘03

st. louis LIVING IN ST. LOUIS

MOVING TO ST. LOUIS

St. Louis is an extremely affordable city for young professionals. It has all of the amenities (restaurants, nightlife, etc.) that you would find in a larger city like Chicago at a lower level price. We have some of the best locally owned restaurants and affordable nightlife. St. Louis is also a place where you get the city feel while also being able to connect to the influential community in a variety of different ways. Business leaders are very accessible in this city, and it is a city that is looking to bring in and keep talented, young professionals.

Do your homework on where you want to live. Talk to people from the area to get a sense of the different vibes in each neighborhood. If you'd like to live in an inclusive area with a lot of options for apartments, go for the western edge of St. Louis City (Central West End) or the mid-county area (University City, Clayton, Richmond Heights). These areas also tend to have quite a few young(er) professionals living and working in them.

— Ashley Odham ‘06 St. Louis is a fun, vibrant, and diverse place to live. It is all the best of a small Midwest town with all of the perks of living in a big city.

— Christine (Walker) Archer ’11 It is affordable, fun and a really interesting place to live. There are a lot of great jobs available, nice neighborhoods and tons of fun, free things to do.

— Carolyn Mueller ‘09 The culture here can be intimidating at first if you only meet native St. Louisans (who I promise you will ask you where you went to high school and then occasionally not know what to do with you if you aren't from St. Louis), but there are plenty of transplants to the area and plenty of natives (like me!) that will be welcoming and glad you're joining our city. St. Louisans drive EVERYWHERE. Public transportation exists but isn't as widespread as it is in other cities. If you plan on not having a car, make sure you know the limitations of the system.

— Blair Rudert ‘07

— Blair Rudert ‘07 I recommend looking in the charming city neighborhoods like Soulard, Central West End, Downtown Loft district or Clayton.

— Ashley Odham ‘06 Living near Forest Park is amazing! I love my neighborhood, there is so much to do, and it is close to both downtown and the counties.

— Carolyn Mueller ‘09

STAYING CONNECTED TO DEPAUW Take advantage of the different alumni opportunities, such as the Monon Telecast parties and other get-togethers. I even emailed an alum who had a common professional interest, and we ended up having lunch and he has become a great professional resource.

— Christine (Walker) Archer ’11 Once you arrive, reach out to as many alumni as you can and ask to meet for coffee to learn about their career experiences. You may meet someone that could be a good mentor or even a future employer.

— Peter Lazaroff ‘07

CONNECTING WITH ALUMNI IN YOUR AREA Regional Alumni Chapters across the country strive to connect DePauw alumni to each other and the University. Every year these chapters organize a wide range of events, including networking opportunities, cultural and social events, educational opportunities, and service projects. These 17 chapters strive to offer programming that reaches out to a broad range of ages, interests and geographical locations in collaboration with the Alumni Relations Office. These opportunities contribute significantly to the rich alumni experience and offer a great way to strengthen and develop your alumni network in your new city.

REGIONAL CHAPTERS Atlanta

Indianapolis

Phoenix

Chicago

Los Angeles

San Francisco

Cincinnati

Louisville

St. Louis

Cleveland

Milwaukee

Twin Cities

Denver

New York City

Washington, D.C.

Fort Wayne

North Texas

Even if there isn’t an alumni chapter in your city, there are other ways you can find and connect with alumni in your area. 

Go to a Monon Telecast Party in your city. In 2012, more than 60 cities across the United States hosted a Monon Telecast Party, which can be a great way to meet fellow DePauw alumni in your area for the first time. If there isn’t an annual party in your area, the Alumni Relations Office can help you get one started.



Take advantage of the DePauw Gateway. This is an online community where you can create and manage your own account and search for alumni in your city as well as classmates, alumni with the same major, or alumni working in the same industry.



Get involved in social media. Join the DePauw Alumni group on LinkedIn, like the DePauw Alumni & Friends page on Facebook and follow the @DePauw_GOLD account on Twitter. Making initial connections online can help you find alumni near you and be the first step in connecting you with fellow alumni in your city.

acknowledgments The Alumni Relations Office would like to thank everyone involved in bringing this resource to life. Specifically, we’d like to extend our warmest gratitude to the following contributors and supporters: 

The Alumni Association Board of Directors — who sanctioned and supported the development of this book from its early conception through the final review. Without their involvement, providing valuable content and direction to make this resource a reality, Preparing Yourself for Life After DePauw would not exist.



Center for Student Engagement — for being a key player in bringing this resource to life and an ongoing partner in connecting alumni and students in as many ways as possible. The staff’s advice, input and support helped to establish a resource that will continue to evolve and support students and new graduates for years to come.



Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Council — who enthusiastically backed the development of this resource for current students and upcoming graduates. Their understanding of what it’s like to be a new graduate and willingness to share their insight is a great model for all young alumni.



GOLD Alumni — for submitting their thoughts and advice that are shared throughout this resource, making it a living and breathing document that reflects the ideas and attitudes of the DePauw alumni community. Their active participation demonstrates the eagerness all DePauw alumni have for supporting current students and new members of the Alumni Association.

On behalf of everyone involved, we hope you find this resource a useful starting point as you transition into your life after DePauw. We hope you’ll keep in touch and share your experiences, advice, and stories with us for years to come!

Jennifer Soster ’88 Executive Director Alumni Relations

Holly Enneking ’08 Assistant Director Alumni Volunteer & Affinity Programs

Jamie Grivas ’10 Assistant Director On-Campus Programs & Regional Engagement

You can contact the Alumni Relations Office at any time with any questions you may have about getting connected with alumni in your area or getting involved in your city’s Regional Chapter. Also, be sure to share your contact information with us so we can keep in touch with you!

Alumni Relations Office · 411 E. Seminary St. Greencastle, IN 46135 · alumnioffice@depauw.edu · (877) 765 -2586