How can you create a career services program that meets alumni needs?

I think it's important to ask questions even before this one. What is the goal/impact of alumni efforts in 2024 and beyond? With the advent of LinkedIn and social media the idea of using an alumni network for connecting and aligning interests, the model has changed from when alumni relations began it's work. Fundraising has shifted its strategy and efforts massively over the years and alumni engagement efforts need to rethink their purpose as well. I don't need my career office at my alma mater to help with opening doors - I can make those connections via LinkedIn directly. What I would love is mentorship opportunities - at differing levels of seniority (for new professionals to those in their penultimate role). Think anew!

So, how do you tap into their wisdom? Surveys: Quick and easy way to gather a broad range of feedback (think online questionnaires). Focus groups: Get a deeper understanding through in-depth discussions in smaller groups. Interviews: Dive into individual experiences and perspectives through one-on-one conversations. Social media: Use platforms like LinkedIn to spark conversations and gauge general interest.

In addition to asking alumni directly through surveys, you can also utilize public data sets to analyze alumni trends for employment and wages. This alumni labor market data can be used along with surveys to create an overall strategy that is both qualitative and quantitative.

Craft a career service program for alumni by offering networking events, job search resources, mentorship opportunities, and skill-building workshops to support professional growth post-graduation.

Utilize technology platforms to make career services accessible to alumni regardless of their location. This could involve creating an online portal or mobile app where alumni can access resources, schedule appointments with career advisors, and participate in virtual events. Also, we need to Facilitate networking events, both in-person and virtual, to connect alumni with each other as well as with professionals in their field. Alumni networks can be invaluable for job leads, mentorship, and professional development.

In addition to basic career services, colleges and universities can also offer specialized program offerings through continuing education and extension programs at a discount rate for alumni seeking additional corporate training and professional certifications recognized by industry.

Communication will get you "jobs", and communication will get you "clients". Starting a career services program takes a long of energy and organization. While there is a benefit to those looking to hire someone, and a job seeker looking for employment, you must have an organized approach and be ready. Credibility is the key element with your communication. If you have a great response to getting job listings, how will you handle them, and can you stay on top of the communication with the employer (alum?)? If you have an overwhelming interest from your alums and students looking for jobs, can you manage those requests and match them appropriately? Stay in touch.

Data and results should be included in social media or digital marketing. A successful career services campaign targeted for alumni should not only include testimonials, but also the ROI after completion of a career service such as new job attainment or higher wage attainment in existing job.

Além de comunicar a proposta de valor de forma clara e consistente, é essencial criar uma experiência personalizada. Oferecer servi?os e recursos que atendam às suas necessidades específicas. Ter algo pré estabelecido é fundamental. E moldar de acordo com a necessidade e perfil de cada um pode ser necessário para um bom desenvolvimento. Também é fundamental manter-se atualizado com as tendências do mercado de trabalho e as demandas da indústria, para garantir que os servi?os oferecidos permane?am relevantes e eficazes.

Alumni also make great new hires to teach workshops and courses for alumni and future alumni. Consider partnering with peer institutions in the same region to co-deliver career services to shared alumni stakeholders.

One component of a progressive and innovative career services office that meets alumni needs is strategic co-branding. By that I mean the value proposition that comes when the University and key, top-notch employers are "linked at the hip" formally and informally and in a sense, "co-branded". Esteem and awareness for all increases if this is executed. The alumni win by getting jobs at top- organizations, that in-turn increases the reputation of the University and synergistically it also brings talent, and revenue to the employers. The concept is relatively easy to understand but executing this plan truly take time, talent and a "village". But, it should be on a leader's radar screen as a goal in career services.