{"id":17445,"date":"2024-07-10T21:04:36","date_gmt":"2024-07-10T20:04:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aluminati.net\/?p=17445"},"modified":"2024-07-10T21:05:20","modified_gmt":"2024-07-10T20:05:20","slug":"creating-an-alumni-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aluminati.net\/creating-an-alumni-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Consider When Creating An Alumni Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to a recent VAESE survey, 90% of organizations<\/span><\/a> don\u2019t offer their alumni benefits or see little enthusiasm or results with the benefits they do offer. If your organization does not yet have an alumni strategy, or you too are struggling with engagement, this article is for you.<\/p>\n

In the academic sector, an alumni association is a network of former students and graduates. In the corporate sector, it is a network of former employees and executives.<\/p>\n

An alumni association does<\/i> offer many benefits. But whether you are in the academic or corporate world, the first step in building an alumni association is creating a strong alumni strategy that is mutually beneficial to both parties involved. Read on to learn what this strategy is, why it is so important, and what to consider when creating an alumni strategy of your own.<\/p>\n

What is an alumni strategy and why is it important?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Whether you are launching an alumni network from scratch or enhancing an existing one, you need two things. You need a good foundation to build on, like Aluminati<\/span><\/a>\u2019s community platform software, and a good strategy.<\/p>\n

Your alumni strategy is the plan of action to establish an alumni association for your organization. It will determine the stakeholders, both internal and external, and the benefits you hope to offer and receive from your alumni network.<\/p>\n

In higher education institutions<\/b><\/h3>\n

Why is a strong alumni strategy for a higher education institution important? It maximizes alumni\u2019s achievements both during their studies and since they left, enhancing your institution\u2019s public image. Your alumni not only serve as brand ambassadors for your institution, but they can also offer benefits such as mentoring your current students, knowledge sharing, and fundraising.<\/p>\n

Students who graduated Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and especially Summa Cum Laude may have gone on to attain significant corporate or political influence. This makes them most suitable for representing your institution.<\/p>\n

However, remember to include stakeholders from all walks of life in your alumni strategy. Diversity not only enhances your university or college\u2019s reputation, it builds a more relevant and robust alumni network.<\/p>\n

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In a corporate organization\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Why is a strong alumni strategy for a corporate institution important? It maximizes the many skills and vast expertise your ex-executives bring to the table, to help you build a better business.<\/p>\n

Alumni can help with future talent acquisition, sometimes filling roles themselves<\/span><\/a>. Your corporate alumni are the first place you should look during succession planning. They are also personally acquainted with your workplace culture and business goals, which helps them to further your interests.<\/p>\n

That said, ensure that your alumni are kept abreast of your current<\/i> business goals. Much may have changed since your alumni left the corporation. You need an alumni network strategy that best reflects your current situation, and it should be updated regularly to keep in step with your progress.<\/p>\n

5 things to consider when creating an alumni strategy<\/b><\/h2>\n

A strong alumni strategy is important, but when you\u2019re creating one from the ground up there are some important considerations.<\/p>\n

1. Defining objectives<\/b><\/h3>\n

What do you want to achieve with your alumni association? What do you, as their alma mater or former employer, expect your alumni to do for you and what can you offer in return?<\/p>\n

Do you expect them to offer mentoring and guidance to new or prospective students or employees? The Aluminati<\/span><\/a> platforms\u2019 mentor-matching<\/span><\/a> feature will make it a reality. Can you assist them in navigating their career paths? Our platform can house a digital repository of learning materials.<\/p>\n

Creating your mission statement<\/b><\/h4>\n

All large enterprises and higher educational institutions have a mission statement. It outlines your purpose and goals for the university or company. Your alumni association also needs a mission statement, which outlines its purpose, values, and objectives.<\/p>\n

2. Stakeholder involvement<\/b><\/h3>\n

Consider other stakeholders. These may be internal, active within your university, or employed at your company. Or they may be external, with vested interests in your institution or organization.<\/p>\n

Who are the best candidates for inclusion in your alumni association strategy? How do you intend to engage them, and what do you wish to collaborate with them on? If you wish to revamp an existing alumni association, your existing alumni can help with this.<\/p>\n

Your alumni may know of potential external stakeholders you are as yet unaware of, which is vital to expanding your fundraising community<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Involving current students\/employees<\/b><\/h4>\n

Get current students and employees involved with the planning or admin of your alumni organization. Encourage them to interact with alumni for mentorship and career advice. They will be more likely to join it after graduating or leaving your company if they have first-hand knowledge of how it operates.<\/p>\n

3. Reciprocal benefits for more engaged alumni<\/b><\/h3>\n

Many alumni feel like their alumni programs are constantly looking for handouts, yet not offering anything in return. This can turn alumni relations sour, fast. Any relationships, including those with your alumni, will be stronger when they are mutually beneficial.<\/p>\n

Offer them value to encourage alumni to participate:<\/p>\n