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Alumni 101

Welcome to the BSU alumni family!

Even after you leave the shores of Bemidji, you will always have a place at Bemidji State University. Now that you've graduated, you are automatically a Bemidji State alum.

But what does it mean to be an alum? Our Alumni 101 series provides helpful resources to support recent (and even not-so-recent) graduates. Whether you're ready to start your career or just want to stay connected with BSU, this is the place for you.

Discover the ways to be an active alum, find ways to plug in, and receive words of wisdom from other alumni by exploring down below!

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Over 100 students attended the Senior Send-Off on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the David Park House. (Micah Friez / Bemidji State)
Peyton Barber, a 2023 Bemidji State University graduate, now works at The Travel Chalet in Bemidji after Career Services helped her enter into the professional world. (Micah Friez / Bemidji State)
Having fun studying (2023)
Bemidji State University's 2024 Commencement (Courtesy / Lainie Hiller Photography)

You graduated. Now what?

We've seen a new graduate or two in our day, so we've banked a few pieces of advice.

Keep and continue to build connections with people who made a positive impact in your life while you were here at Bemidji State.

Don’t be afraid of trying something new (pickleball is all the rage right now) because you never know what you may enjoy!

And be prepared to make tough decisions. Finding your place in the world requires time, work and a little bit of risk. But, much like your time at BSU, it's worth the investment.

For even more advice and resources, check out our Alumni 101 videos – plus alumni advice below the videos – to get you moving in the right direction.

Staying connected

No matter where you end up, we want you to still be up to date with all things Bemidji State. Follow us on social media and visit our website for the latest events and more, and communicate with us on all that's happening in your life.

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Misconceptions

As a new graduate, you are automatically considered a Bemidji State alumnus or alumna! We know you may not be financially ready to give back monetarily just yet, and that's OK. But we still want you to stay involved in other ways. Here's how you can.

Alumni & Foundation home page
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Career Services

Even after you graduate, Career Services is a resource you can always use for professional assistance. From resume reviewing and interview tips to job recruiting and employer matchmaking, Career Services is there for you as you transition from student to professional.

Visit the Career Services website
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Student loans

When it comes to repaying your student loans, you have support. To get you started, here's how you can understand your options.

 
Visit the Federal Student Aid website
BSU Financial Aid FAQs
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Alumni Networks

Continue your Beaver pride by connecting with other Bemidji State grads through Alumni Networks. Our networks aim to cultivate communities among alumni based upon geographical regions, career fields and interests.

The launch of our Alumni Networks program is coming soon.

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You graduated! Let us know what your next plans are.

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News and Events

Stay up to date on the latest happenings for alumni.

Explore

Official Transcripts

Learn how to request your official transcript.

Launch

Alumni advice 

Say yes to any opportunity for experience within your field. You never know what tiny opportunity will help you discover your true passions and lead to your lifelong career.

– Shelana

2017 grad

Find a place you can afford and learn to do all your own home repairs Also: Never stop learning.

– Mark

2000 grad

Never be afraid to walk away from something/someone that's hurting you.

– Jeremiah

It's all you. Connections that you make are 100% on you. I graduated in 1982 and returned to Canada with a piece of paper. Nothing else happens unless you do the work. Life takes many turns and you may have several jobs, and possibly one or two "careers." If you are one of the lucky ones, and you have a passion for something, go for it and don't stop until you have satisfied all your curiosities. College is but a stepping stone that hopefully leads to opportunities. Sometimes life is not fair, and things don't work out as we'd hoped. The successful (and happy) people learn how to roll with it.

– Susan

1982 grad

Start saving 10% of you gross salary and don't spend it for 30 years. That's a good retirement. Good luck.

– Laura

1973 grad

The friends I made freshman year are among my closest still. Hang onto those people! Maintain the connections you made with any profs too; mentorship doesn't have to end when you graduate.

– Morgan

I had a professor once tell me to always say yes to more opportunities; it helps you grow. I’ve often wondered if I could take on some things, and it turns out the person asking knew I could. Get a good mentor and trust the journey!

– Sandi

1998 grad

Don’t be afraid if your dream job does not turn out to be everything you thought it would be. You should find a job that brings you joy and fulfillment while also still meeting your needs. Don’t be afraid to leave that job to find your dream job or to go back to school; don’t give up because it will be hard to change fields.

– Emma

2023 grad

Pay off your school loans aggressively while you're still accustomed to being poor.

– Tim

2005 grad

It’s OK to change your mind. Your degree does not need to limit you to a specific sector. You’ve learned so many skills that will transfer no matter where life takes you.

– Kendra

When you can afford to do so, contribute to BSU and other colleges and universities you attended. And put them in your will or trust.

– Phil

1972 grad

Your educational experience doesn’t end with a degree. There are so many ways to embrace “lifelong learning” experiences. YouTube is free – I’ve learned many “how-tos” for house maintenance, cooking, golfing, kayaking, etc.!
Ask for help. Asking for help or advice does not mean you are weak.
One of my mantras: “If someone says you can’t, prove them wrong.”
Work for your life. There is greater satisfaction in your own accomplishments than getting everything for free.
Trust in God. He never fails you!

– Linda

1974 grad

Good luck paying down student loans, and don't always expect to get work in the field you went to school for.

– Jacob

2009 grad

Join the trades, and don’t be afraid to work with your hands. Get paid to learn if you can!

– Shaun

2020 grad

Follow us on social media

Following the Alumni & Foundation on social media is the easiest way to stay engaged and be in the know. Here are all of our platforms.

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Still have questions? We have answers.

There are probably still things you're wondering about as you navigate unfamiliar territory. (Who knew you'd have so many crash courses after graduation?) We're here to help! Contact us to get started.

Call us

218-755-2599

Email us

alumni@bemidjistate.edu

Fill out a form

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