Alumni Strategies
Description of the use of alumni strategies as a recruitment and retention strategy.
Overview
Many people work in or near the places where they spent time as children or during their professional education. ‘Alumni’ also serve as ambassadors for those places, recommending them to their friends and colleagues. Strategies which involve maintaining contact with previous residents and those who have visited on professional placements can lead to improved recruitment outcomes. Activities might include a yearly newsletter, or a social media group, or an invitation to an annual ‘alumni’ function.
How to Implement
Success Factors
Research has found that maintaining contact with past residents and acknowledging their professional achievements can create a sense of goodwill, and even lead to people returning to work in locations that they might not otherwise have considered (Mathews et al, 2012). Success comes from the maintaining of personal and sincere relationships, rather than overt promotion of the location. Success is ultimately dependent on encouraging local youth to consider careers in the professions in local demand, and welcoming visiting students. ‘Alumni’ strategies can be linked with offers of summer jobs or research scholarships.
Challenges
‘Alumni’ strategies require long term investment. They may be less successful for locations with poor education infrastructure (both standard and professional education). However, alumni may be recruited from near or distant locations, making these strategies useful for rural and remote locations.
Evidence Base
Mathews M, Seguin M, Chowdhury N, Card RT. Generational differences in factors influencing physicians to choose a work location. Rural and Remote Health(Internet) 2012; 12: 1864. Available: http://www.rrh.org.au/articles/subviewnew.asp?ArticleID=1864
Connected to the following framework elements
- Emphasise information sharing
- Community engagement
- Supporting team cohesion