Michele Jennae, the award winning author of The Connectworker , made an interesting quip, “Networking is not about just connecting people. It is about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.” Institutions generally have a vast untapped potential network of alumni, that, if harnessed to its potential can bring in unimaginable benefits to the institution and its students.
Several colleges and universities have their alumni networks and associations that offer a range of benefits, perks, and opportunities to the current students. However, these associations are a two-way street; students must also view their alumni networks as a potential pool of empathetic people and make persistent dogged efforts to improve their bonds so as to benefit from it. There are several ways existing students can leverage their alumni networks.
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Gain expert advice: Most alumni want students from their Alma matter to succeed, of course, with the expectation that once successful, they shall help fellow alumni, the current students, and the institution. Talented alumni will have a wealth of experience and skills, which, in most cases, they will be open to share with students. Several successful alumni sit on panel discussions in the institution to share their experience and advice, that can inspire current and prospective students. By being a part of the alumni network, students can have access to this knowledge.
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Mentorships and scholarships: Many students, even after graduation, continue to feel connected to their university and associate a part of their identity with the institution. They come forward to help current students through scholarship donations, activity support or awards.
Asset management
While it is imperative for students to be a part of the alumni network, receiving the desired outcome from these platforms will also depend on colleges and universities. Hence, institutions must also play an active role in fostering this relationship. They need to re-frame and re-energise the mission of the alumni in a way that makes them useful and valuable as opposed to treating them like piggy banks for donations and sponsorships.
University Grants Commission, of late, has constituted a task force to formulate a policy document on ‘student career progression and alumni network’, and intends to bring a guiding document for colleges and universities for creating and managing their alumni network.
The alumni network is a valuable asset; if used innovatively and intelligently, it can help the current tranche of despondents, who are often directionless, become more employable.
The writer is the Founder of Schoolguru Eduserve.