I know, I know - all business schools boast about their alumni network. But since I've only had direct interaction with that of UCLA Anderson, I can only vouch for one. And, boy, is it strong!
You probably already know the power of networking. In today's job market, it really (really, really) helps to know someone in the company, in the division, in the department, on the team where you dream of getting employed. As an MBA at Anderson, you not only have the fantastically resourceful Parker CMC for all your recruiting needs, you also have an extensive network of highly successful alumni just at the other end of your phone or email connection.
In my time so far at Anderson, I have interacted with alumni in a number of ways: at industry/function panels organized by professional clubs; at social events organized by identity clubs; as representatives of companies at industry career nights; as guest speakers at various clubs' 101 events; as volunteers for Orientation and A-Days events; at Days-on-the-Job (company site visits); and for one-on-one informational interview sessions.
While all of these forums are great ways to meet former Andersonians, I have been especially impressed with the openness and supportive manner in which alumni have responded to requests for informational interviews. They have been consistently willing to spend (lots of) their own time to discuss their role and company with me, and best methods of how to direct my career. The alumni benefit, too - by helping us, they are often able to help themselves with the opportunity to find potential interns. (Especially for those wishing to enter the Entertainment industry, this is huge because a foot in the door can help you by leaps and bounds.)
My point is, Anderson alumni are active. Really active! They're more than happy to help out current students in any number of ways. Like I said, I don't know what the networks are actually like at other business schools, but I do know that ours is positively connected. And that's what makes the Anderson community so awesome.
