Networking is an essential part of any professional journey, and in the funeral service profession, it is especially valuable. Relationships and referrals often shape career opportunities, business growth, and ongoing education. For alumni of funeral service programs, maintaining and expanding your professional network can be a catalyst for career advancement, business partnerships, and personal development.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced funeral director, there are proven strategies to stay connected, build new relationships, and continue evolving in your career. This blog outlines key networking tactics for funeral service alumni and highlights how Pierce Mortuary Colleges supports alumni at every stage.
Start with the Alumni Network
One of the most accessible networking tools is the alumni community itself. As a graduate of Pierce Mortuary Colleges, you are part of a national network of professionals working in funeral homes, crematories, cemeteries, educational institutions, and related fields.
Connecting with fellow PMC alumni can lead to:
- Career referrals and job opportunities
- Business collaborations or mentorship
- Shared knowledge about industry trends and best practices
You can begin by engaging with the PMC Alumni Career Resources page, which includes job boards, career tools, and alumni updates. Consider reaching out to former classmates on LinkedIn or attending alumni events hosted by your campus.
Join Professional Funeral Service Associations
National and state-level associations provide structured opportunities to meet others in the profession, gain continuing education credits, and stay informed on policy or industry changes.
Credible organizations to consider include:
- National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA): www.nfda.org
- Cremation Association of North America (CANA): www.cremationassociation.org
- International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA): www.iccfa.com
Membership in these groups gives you access to regional meetings, national conventions, webinars, job boards, and leadership training. Many offer discounted or complimentary memberships for recent graduates.
Use LinkedIn Strategically
While often overlooked in funeral service, LinkedIn is a valuable platform for expanding your professional visibility. It allows you to stay connected with classmates, faculty, vendors, and other professionals across the country.
Tips for using LinkedIn effectively:
- Keep your profile current with your credentials, licenses, and skills
- Follow organizations like NFDA, ICCFA, and Pierce Mortuary Colleges
- Join relevant groups such as “Funeral Service Professionals” or “Death Care Industry Network”
- Post or share content that aligns with your role, such as articles on grief support, business ethics, or green burials
Your online presence is an extension of your professional reputation—keeping it updated and active enhances your credibility and reach.
Attend Conferences and Local Events
In-person events remain one of the most effective ways to network in the funeral profession. Conferences offer a unique blend of education and relationship-building that can’t be replicated online.
Benefits include:
Meeting potential employers or business partners
Learning about innovations in embalming, technology, or service models
Expanding your vendor network
Reconnecting with instructors or mentors from school
Make a goal to attend at least one regional or national event each year. Bring business cards, prepare a short introduction, and be intentional about following up after each conversation.
Contribute to Your Local Community
Sometimes the best way to network is by serving others. Community involvement can introduce you to professionals, clergy, city officials, and volunteers who may one day become referral sources or collaborators.
Ways to contribute include:
- Speaking at schools or community centers about death care education
- Hosting a grief support workshop at your funeral home
- Volunteering at civic events or with hospice organizations
These activities not only expand your network—they also reinforce your personal brand and your funeral home’s reputation as a compassionate, community-centered provider.
Leverage the PMC Mission for Lifelong Support
At Pierce Mortuary Colleges, our mission is to educate and empower individuals for a lifetime of service and leadership in funeral care. That mission doesn’t end at graduation. PMC continues to support alumni through access to job opportunities, continuing education updates, mentorship programs, and tools to grow your professional network.
By staying connected to the college and engaging with other alumni, you remain part of a legacy that values both excellence and humanity in the profession.
Networking is not just about finding the next job—it’s about staying inspired, informed, and connected in a profession where relationships matter. As a funeral service professional, your network can be a source of learning, opportunity, and long-term growth.
Whether you’re attending a national conference, joining a funeral association, or reconnecting with PMC classmates, each connection adds value to your career journey.
Continue your path with purpose. Visit Pierce Mortuary Colleges to explore alumni resources, connect with your peers, and grow your impact in the profession that chose you.
