How to Build a Corporate Alumni Network in 6 Steps

Alumni Engagement Platform

Fifty years ago, long-term loyalty to a single employer was the norm. Today, career paths are more dynamic, shaped by new opportunities, evolving skills, and changing expectations.

Nowadays, almost all of your employees will want to explore their options, chase opportunities and acquire new skills.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build a corporate alumni network that strengthens your employer brand, expands business opportunities, and keeps long-term relationships alive.

Why should you build a corporate alumni network?

It is important for organizations to keep track of their alumni. You should consider maintaining a good relationship between your past employees who parted on a good note as a small investment for the future of your company. Here are the main reasons why your organization needs a strong corporate alumni network:

Maintaining connections

Your former employee probably had several reasons for leaving your organization. Even if they’re offered better opportunities at another company, their departure can open doors to new opportunities, from partnerships and referrals to future collaborations.

Former employees often become future clients, referral partners, or trusted bridges between organizations.

Building a community

Keep in mind that your corporate alumni are still valuable members of your community. Former employees who’ve had positive experiences are often willing to give back. An engaged community will lead to the sharing of knowledge and expertise, thus creating a dynamic where your company and your corporate alumni can improve together.

Stay in touch with your corporate alumni to maintain a dynamic network.
(Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash)

Increasing brand value

Talented professionals are drawn to companies that value relationships beyond employment contracts. Having ex-employees who are still active members of your community will draw even more talent and skill to your organization.

A visible, active corporate alumni network strengthens your employer brand and signals long-term commitment to people, not just roles.

Boomerang employees

Last but not least, your corporate alumni could always return to your company after acquiring more experience and overcoming burnout. Since they’re already familiar with how your organization works, boomerang employees often return with new skills, broader perspectives, and minimal onboarding needs, making them high-impact hires from day one.

Charts from shrm.org which show the positive impact of alumni programs.

After finding out why corporate alumni networks are important, you may not know where to start. Keep reading to find out how to manage and engage your alumni!

Build Your Corporate Alumni Network in 6 Steps

Step 1: Reach out to your corporate alumni

First things first, it is crucial that you build a strong foundation for your network. Start by reaching out to your corporate alumni. Take the first step to offer them a way to stay in touch by exchanging contact information. Bring your corporate alumni along the journey as you’re figuring out the plan for your network.

Step 2: Create a team of people to help you manage the network

The next step to take is to ask the leaders of your organization and the leading figures among your alumni to manage and execute tasks for your network. Having responsible people on board will help increase engagement and interest among your alumni. Set goals and by-laws with your team to progress with a structured plan. Schedule regular meetings and events to keep your team engaged and active.

Step 3: Find or create a platform for your alumni network

You also need a platform to keep a database of your alumni. Having an active and updated platform is just as important as starting off your network.

With the right platform, you can track engagement, segment alumni by interests or career paths, and deliver personalized experiences at scale.

In addition, you can keep track of interests and participation data through the platform to provide an improved experience for your alumni.

Step 4: Manage fundings

You will need resources and time to keep your network engaged over time. Share your goals with your alumni, plan fundraisers and campaigns to ensure that everything functions smoothly. The stronger the foundation, the more your community will be willing to give back and support your network.

Some organizations also introduce optional membership plans that unlock exclusive content, events, or networking opportunities, creating sustainable support for the network.

Keep in mind that network resource management is an important process.
(Photo by Pixabay on Pexels)

Step 5: Mobilize resources

Resources go beyond fundraising and material goods. Having consultants, volunteers, facilities and tools will also help your alumni network grow. Strategize how you can maximize and make use of your resources to improve your network, as well as your brand. Schedule events where people can share professional expertise, find out and post new job opportunities, interact and help each other climb the ladder of success. Provide a platform to demonstrate why keeping in touch with peers is important for your alumni.

Step 6: Get feedback

Finally, to ensure the success of your network and the continuous engagement from your community, make sure to respond and adapt to feedback. Discuss potential changes with your management team to find the best solutions to your problems. Be on the lookout for improvements at all times!