Some people leave university without looking back, while others love the idea of staying connected and giving back to others and the University where they can. Through alumni programs, graduates can build new connections, maintain existing connections and maintain strong ties with their university..
Although many universities already offer a variety of alumni benefits, relatively few have implemented alumni mentoring programs. In this article, we’ll explore common alumni perks and why mentoring should be considered as an essential offering.
Common Alumni Association Benefits
When you graduate, most universities offer some kind of alumni network or benefits, allowing you the opportunity to stay connected to the university by joining its alumni association. This membership typically grants you access to numerous perks, including:
Invitations to Networking Events
Most universities will offer some form of alumni networking events, providing alumni with the opportunity to reconnect with each other and build new connections with industry peers. By attending these gatherings, alumni can build relationships with experienced individuals and explore career growth opportunities. These mixers offer the possibility of future business collaborations and professional development opportunities.
Access to Job Opportunities
Every university has a different level of support available for alumni to find new job opportunities. Some universities will have formal job boards or portals, others may have LinkedIn groups or Facebook groups, and some universities have no technology system but they might assist alumni informally through warm introductions or hosting networking events. 70-80% of jobs are not advertised. This is known as the ‘hidden job market’.
By alumni networking and attending networking events, they are more likely to connect and hear about job opportunities that may not be available to the general public—potentially leading to better opportunities.
Exclusive Discounts
Some universities have alumni associations that offer special discounts and offers. These perks are often provided through partnerships with businesses led by fellow alumni.
In addition, some universities grant alumni access or discounted access to campus facilities such as:
- Libraries
- Gyms and sports centres
- Research labs
- Co-working spaces
- Auditoriums
- Student dormitories/hostels
These perks not only offer tangible benefits but also foster continued engagement with the university and the alumni network.
Mentoring as an Alumni Benefit
Surprisingly, only a few universities offer alumni mentoring programs as part of their benefits. The value of such programs has yet to be fully realised, but they can be highly beneficial—especially in strengthening relationships between alumni, between alumni and current students, and alumni and the university. When alumni feel more connected to the university, they are more likely to give back to the university - either with time or money.
Assuming alumni are the mentees in the program, here’s how mentorship benefits alumni:
- Career Advancement: Mentors can guide alumni through career transitions, provide insight into different industries, and share strategies for professional success, helping them make informed career decisions.
- Networking Opportunities: Mentors can expand an alumnus’ network, connecting them with valuable professionals, which may lead to job opportunities, partnerships, or collaborations that might not have been possible otherwise.
- Skill Development: Mentorship helps alumni refine both soft and technical skills. Mentors provide feedback on leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities, allowing alumni to enhance their strengths and address areas for improvement.
- Confidence Building: Alumni exploring new career paths or facing professional challenges may experience self-doubt. A mentor offers encouragement and support, boosting their confidence to face these hurdles.
- Accountability and Goal Setting: Mentors help alumni set and achieve career goals, providing a structured environment for progress tracking and adjustment of plans to align with their aspirations.
- Navigating Challenges: Alumni may face setbacks such as job loss, burnout, or career stagnation. Mentors, having experienced similar situations, offer guidance on overcoming these challenges and staying motivated.
- Lifelong Learning: Mentorship promotes continuous learning and personal growth. Alumni benefit from their mentor's experience and insight, helping them stay adaptable and competitive in their careers.
By fostering growth, offering support, and expanding networks, mentorship is a powerful tool that helps alumni achieve their full potential both professionally and personally.
Launching Your Alumni Mentoring Program
Life is a continuous journey of learning, and mentorship is one of the best ways to support that growth. Brancher is here to help you establish a successful mentoring program for your alumni association.
We assist program administrators by simplifying mentor-mentee matching, tracking progress, and managing mentoring pairs. Contact us today to find out how we can help you set up a thriving alumni mentoring program.
Resources:
1. Dollinger, Mollie; Arkoudis, Sophie; Marangell, Samantha. (2019, May). Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management. University alumni mentoring programs: a win-win?. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333090720_University_alumni_mentoring_programs_a_win-win.