LinkedIn has just launched new functionality to the professional social network.  Now users have the ability to connect and network with fellow alumni.  This is done through a new tool called “LinkedIn Classmates.”

CIO.com expains:

At the top of your Classmates page you’ll see three subheads: “Where they work,” “What they do,” and “Where they live.” Click “Show more” at the bottom of each category to view a longer list of popular workplaces, industries or locations.

From this interface, LinkedIn users can narrow search results to identify specific locations, jobs or companies, and from there decide how to connect with fellow alumni.  Users also have the ability to view a preview of each profile, which provides basic information such as year graduated, jobs held and things in common.

If you are already a LinkedIn user, the alumni network is automatically set up for the schools listed in your profile, and is even narrowed down to the years that you attended.  However you are also able to choose different schools and different years by using the drop-down menus to search all alumni databases.

This new alumni feature should help many LinkedIn users to connect with old classmates and possible future employers/employees.  Many schools are interested in helping their alumni find jobs and many companies often prefer to hire fellow alumni.  With the largest social network for professionals now offering a tool to help alumni find one another, being able to re-connect with past friends and acquaintances just may provide a golden opportunity for those looking for work.