The Alumni Matters Study quizzed 2,489 alumni from 82 countries on their relationships with their former schools, asking how schools could improve and what else they could offer to students once they've graduated. It found that 51% of alumni were unaware what services their previous schools offered.
Alumni want access to additional learning opportunities
The study, which took place between August and September in 2022, showed that business school alumni want schools to offer further lifelong learning opportunities.
Most respondents still supported their former schools but felt more could be done to support them academically. As many as 88% of alumni said they were proud of where they studied however just 43% would still recommend their schools to prospective students.
“Alumni already know and trust their former school, and that makes it an obvious place to turn to for reskilling and upskilling,” said Andrew Crisp, co-founder of CarringtonCrisp and author of the study.
“It’s clear that business schools are missing a trick when it comes to engaging with this market” he added.
A total of 70% of alumni surveyed said they wanted their school to overcome this issue by creating lifelong learning opportunities. A further 57% displayed a preference for short course, non-degree, executive education.
Around 20% of respondents mentioned that they would like to be able to earn digital badges for each learning credential they gained, and 18% would like to see more alumni access to micro credentials.
Business school alumni seek extended career support
A common feeling expressed by respondents was a strong desire for universities to do more to help alumni with their career development.
Some even said they were willing to pay a small fee to obtain career services such as access to a jobs availability board—as many as 75% of alumni said they were willing to pay for this. Alumni also expressed that they would be interested in accessing professional coaching services and mentorship opportunities.
The study found that just over half (53%) of alumni were thinking about starting their own businesses and sought support and advice from their universities.
A further 65% of alumni also wanted more networking opportunities, such as the chance to get involved in student mentoring. Over half mentioned that they’d like to work with students looking for internships or work experience.
“Schools need to develop relevant learning opportunities for alumni and communicate with alumni about the ways they can help them with their ongoing development" Andrew Crisp added.
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