ALUMNI RELATIONS
How do you measure the success and impact of your alumni network initiatives, beyond just participation rates? What metrics are most important to you and how do you track them? “We are implementing a new customer relationship management system that will completely overhaul our existing approach to alumni collaboration. This platform will enable targeted communication, allowing alumni to reconnect with the school and each other. By overcoming geographic and regulatory barriers, we aim to foster stronger connections within our global community. “Alumni engagement is more than just participation; it’s about making a measurable impact. We take a holistic approach to measuring the success and impact of our alumni network initiatives. One of the key success indicators is the quality of engagement, which we assess through the following: • Network growth: We monitor new connections and career progression established through events and mentorship programmes • Sustained engagement: We evaluate long-term alumni involvement in initiatives such as career coaching and participation in industry forums • Alumni contributions: Alumni enrich the community through mentorship, guest lectures and other initiatives that support students’ professional development.” In what ways does your alumni network support current students and how do you facilitate such connections (eg mentoring programmes, career advice or networking events)? “Alumni are vital in supporting students’ professional journeys. Through
mentorship, career coaching, career- focused panels and networking events, alumni offer valuable guidance to student cohorts. Alumni also provide job postings, connecting students to career opportunities and offering guidance for career pivots. We facilitate these connections through both structured and informal initiatives to create high-impact touchpoints between alumni and students. In support of the career service mandate, alumni serve on the career advisory council, ensuring that career resources remain aligned with industry trends. “In addition, lifelong learning is a growing priority. Through masterclasses and continued participation in annual courses, we offer continuous professional development, keeping alumni engaged and fostering a community of shared knowledge. A new podcast will feature student-conducted interviews with alumni, further connecting the community.” Looking ahead, what are the key priorities for the development of your alumni network? What new strategies or initiatives are you exploring to enhance engagement and impact? “Our key priority is to evolve the alumni network into a more dynamic, purpose- driven community that delivers lifelong value, both to our graduates and to the business school itself. With the CRM and new digital tools, we are excited about the future of alumni engagement. “By embracing innovation, we will create stronger, more lasting connections that benefit both students and alumni, making a significant impact on their professional growth and the wider community. “Ultimately, our goal is to ensure every alumnus sees the network not only as a resource but as a platform for purpose, partnership and leadership.”
MOREA JOSIAS Head of alumni relations & careers service University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business What are the biggest challenges you face in engaging alumni with the business school and with each other, particularly across different generations and geographic locations? “We believe that the core of a vibrant alumni community is the strength of its connections. While there are challenges in fostering deeper engagement between students and alumni, these also present opportunities to innovate and strengthen our alumni offering. “A key challenge in alumni engagement is the regulatory framework that limits the sharing of third-party information, increasing barriers to the creation of meaningful connections between students and alumni. Additionally, limited access to an effective platform and alumni mobility complicate ongoing engagement, especially if databases are not up to date. “A further challenge lies in the heterogeneity of our alumni base, spanning multiple generations, industries and locations around the globe. Established alumni often have set expectations around engagement, whereas more recent graduates seek different types of connections. Geographic dispersion further complicates things, as time zones, travel constraints and regional differences can make it difficult to foster a consistent sense of community.”
Ambition • ISSUE 3 • 2025 31
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