New Alumni Networking Platform Launches: Alum Andrew Margie ’96 unveils Alumnifire exclusively for the Conn College Community

Connecticut College hosts an online alumni database of its own, accessible through the College’s website. However, to use it for networking purposes, the user must have a clear idea of what company and location he/she is looking for. Additionally, the mode of contact provided are e-mail addresses that are only as updated as the users choose to make them. These accessibility issues have prompted many Camels to turn to LinkedIn for their networking needs – which, while helpful, can be overwhelming in its vastness and restrictive in terms of who one can reach out to via message.

For the Connecticut College community, the process is all about to change with Conn alum Andrew Margie’s recently launched online networking platform exclusively for the Conn community – Alumnifire. Earlier this month, The College Voice spoke with Margie ’96 about the user-friendly platform.

When asked how he was first struck with the idea for Alumnifire, Margie began, “I love Conn.” He spoke to how close he has stayed to the school since graduating in 1996. Margie is co-chair of his class’s giving committee and has volunteered at various events and activities. He then explained how the Conn network has opened a lot of doors for him, in ways that he hasn’t necessarily actively sought out. He learned at the end of his interview for his first job out of college that the interviewer was a fellow Camel – he ended up with the job. Margie said, “I think every Camel should get the most out of this network… which is amazing, but is largely disconnected.” He continued, “This networking need is universal. The most valuable asset you have is your network.”

Having worked in the technology field for a long time, Margie realized how the web has the power to unlock the potential of alumni networks. So, along with his business partner – affably called “partner in crime,” Trip Tate – Margie launched Alumnifire exclusively for the Connecticut College community. The website is designed to connect alumni and students directly and conveniently. He explained that the key to joining is affinity to one’s school. “[This affinity] – next to your family – is the most natural affinity you have. Alumni want to meet students halfway, they want to help – [Alumnifire’s] traction has demonstrated this.” As of the first week of February, the site had gained 200 users in just two weeks’ time.

What makes Alumnifire unique? “Universally, people have an instinct to give back. We let them do that – however much they want,” said Margie. For instance, an alumni can indicate that he or she has time for five requests for advice from other members of the Conn network per month – so after that fifth request, they will not receive any further requests until the next month. This way, “Alumni can give back in ways that make sense for them [and their schedules].”

“The next step,” Margie continued, “is to get students to start asking more questions.” Available jobs at companies in which Camels work are layered on this platform. “Hopefully they can help you [find a job], or at least give you great advice. The alumni network is the place where students can start. It’s about [utilizing] the community closest to you and then building up.”

In an Alumnifire questionnaire, “Over 95% of members said they would rather hire a Camel, given that the candidate was just as qualified as their competition.” Margie remarked, “This is really valuable.”
Kat Barker ’14, an intern for Alumnifire, personally attested to the platform’s utility. “Alumnifire’s mission is something that is important to me not only as a Conn student but also as a senior looking for a job.” She continued, “Alumnifire is, in my opinion, the best way to start reaching out to people and make connections for potential job opportunities. We are not going to meet many people in our career searches who will be as willing to help a camel as Conn alumni. I’ve already reached out to two alumni on the site. I had a phone conversation with the first and I have a face-to-face interview coming up with the other in a couple of weeks. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how willing and helpful they are.”

Margie commented on the effectiveness of Conn’s Career Enhancing Life Skills (CELS) office, as well as the College’s Alumni Relations; he feels Alumnifire will only augment these resources. When he went to Conn, the CELS internship program in the summer after one’s junior year did not yet exist. The College Voice asked if in this age of heightened emphasis on internships during undergraduate years would come into play for Alumnifire, and Margie believed he thought the platform could only help students in their endeavors.

Margie and Tate plan to expand the platform to other schools following the launch of Alumnifire at Conn. “My hope is that this is something that provides value in lots of different communities,” Margie explained.

Barker commented, “I highly encourage all students to join the site.  It is so easy to become a member, you can personalize your profile to the point that others will know what dorms you’ve lived in on campus and you can strike up fun a conversation that way.” In terms of learning more about Alumnifire as the semester continues, “Students can look forward to new social media platforms, alums visiting campus to talk to students, and a variety of events we plan to host which will be really great.”

As The College Voice’s interview with Margie came to a close, he recognized the 100 Days celebration marking the time left until graduation for this year’s Connecticut College graduating class and laughed. “Now that, they had in my day.” He concluded with a message for current students: “It’s never too early to get your sea legs ready. Use Alumnifire to start getting on your way, and eventually you will be the one opening these doors for future students when you become an alum yourself.” •