AIESEC Canada Alumni Impact Study 2010

ALUMNI IMPACT STUDY Getting to know the past to understand the present and plan for the future

INTRODUCTION

STUDY SUMMARY

The world is changing and facing new challenges, therefore a new generation of leaders capable of overcoming them is needed.

This study was conducted by

AIESEC

With over three billion of the globe’s population under the age of

between

30, there is a strong need to invest in globally-minded youth to

August 2010, with the aim

lead the change the world hopes to see.

to determine the impact that

AIESEC is the world’s largest student-driven organization.

Present in over 107 countries, the organization has been preparing leaders to overcome different challenges for the past 60 years.

June

Canada* 2010

and

AIESEC Canada has in its members.

The

following

summary gives an overview of the main results.

Through cultural experiences and leadership roles, AIESEC has managed to impact society on many levels through its various programs.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS This is a qualitative and quantitative study. The quantitative section was analyzed through an online survey, and the qualitative features were extracted from interviews. The participants from the online survey and interviews were alumni from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and ‘00s. Altogether, 234 alumni participated in the evaluation.

PARTICIPANTS BACKGROUND GENERAL BACKGROUND General background i nformation w as c ompiled in a ddition to information related to t he A IESEC Experience. H owever, it i s important to point out that for basic information, participants were given the choice t o answer t he q uestionnaire a nonymously a nd, as a r esult, t he i nformation r egarding “ basic background” is n ot completely known.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AIESEC started as a n association of s tudents of economic a nd c ommercial sciences; h owever, as a result o f the organization’s s ignificant m embership growth, it expanded into an organization for students of all disciplines.

Some a cademic institutions s till refer to A IESEC as a business-oriented organization. Results show that 14% of participants are interested in accounting, finance, a nd i nsurance, and 1 2% a re i nterested in t he c ommunications field and the marketing industry. It was difficult to find any representation from the health, arts, fashion, and film industries.

AIESEC BACKGROUND DECADE OF AIESEC

An example of the importance and impact of AIESEC’s leadership roles is illustrated in this testimonial: “I manage 18 stores employing about a hundred people, and the way we work with them is quite similar to the way we used to motivate members in my Local Committee in terms of training delivery and controlling and improving processes. We set individual time targets and goals, and this is very similar to what we did in AIESEC. I would say I use the skills I learned from performing these tasks in AIESEC on a daily basis.”

Mathew Meldensohn, ‘00s alumnus DURATION IN AIESEC AIESECers have the opportunity to develop their leadership potential according to their personal needs. They have the chance to take responsibility and ownership over their own learning and the learning of others to ensure that everyone in the organization gets the most out of their experience.

“AIESEC is a life-changing organization. The more you invest in it the more you get back. I was a committed member for five years and will remain a committed alumna and ally for life.”

Irena Kahn, ‘90s alumna

INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS Travel Opportunities with AIESEC

Cultural understanding, global mindset, new language skills, awareness of global

A member can have several travel opportunities throughout his/her AIESEC experience. In this study, 56% of participants went on an

issues, community involvement, and crisis management are some of the topics that members feel they can learn through international internships.

international internship, 55% of

The

that total attended an international

international exchange internships last between 6 weeks and

conference,

a

18 months. The majority of participants (18%) took

CEED, 12% had other kinds of

internships that lasted between 6 and 12 months, and 17%

international experience, and 12%

took internships that lasted between three to six months.

32%

went

on

did not travel abroad through AIESEC.

cultural

experience

exchanges

or

professional

While there is a small percentage (9%) of alumni who took internships lasting less than 3 months, a smaller group (4%)

Some members who went on a

of participants who went on international internships lasting

CEED

an

18 months were given extended contracts to continue

or

working in the company after their terms ended.

also

international

went

on

internship

conference. It is important to note that over 80% of AIESEC alumni

CIDA

took travel opportunities through

For several years AIESEC Canada received funds from The

the organization.

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). During this time 1 out of 4 or 26% of Canadian AIESECers received support from the AIESEC ADAPT funding program (CIDA funding) in order to contribute a positive impact in developing communities

AIESEC CONFERENCES The majority of participants in this study (97%) attended an AIESEC conference.

POTENTIAL AREAS OF IMPACT

LEADERSHIP Leadership development has become increasingly important and is a growing trend in many organizations. According to Bersin & Associates, organizations spent up to 30% of their learning

and

development

development,

in

order

management

training,

to

budget build

succession

the

on

leadership

foundation

planning,

for

executive

education, and other critical management responsibilities.

When asked if they believe in “socially responsible leadership” (the framework aligning

internal beliefs and

“Primarily

through

conferences, AIESEC opened my eyes to CSR/sustainability issues and I am still working with

these

issues

in

values with the external behaviours), 95% of alumni

Bangladesh with MicroEdit and

answered “yes” against a 5% who didn’t know, and 0%

sustainability programs. I am

answering “no”.

now

Determining

the

importance

of

“socially

responsible

leadership” is to outline whether alumni feel that AIESEC develops this type of leadership not only in Canada but also around the world. So, when participants were asked if they believe that AIESEC develops socially responsible leaders around the world, 89% answered “affirmative”, 9% answered

a

partner

of

an

organization which works on addressing programs businesses

complex and to

social

setting

up

promote

sustainable baby products.”

Christen Schotlen, alumna from the ‘90s

“don’t know,” and 1% answered “do not believe so”.

“AIESEC gave me pure leadership experience and I really became more sensitive to global and national issues. That's important in a large country like Canada.”

Francois Pintal, alumnus from the ‘80s

LEADERSHIP When given the opportunity to rate the importance of “socially responsible leadership” in their everyday life, on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 meaning none at all and 10

How would you rate the importance of “Socially Responsible Leadership” in your everyday life?

being extremely important), 55% of alumni answered between 8 and 10, 39% situated their ratings between 5 and 7, and 6% rated less than 5.

We have gathered that 86% of members who have gone through the entire AIESEC cycle rated the importance of “socially responsible leadership” from 6 and above.

Statements about what a person believes and rates in certain topic are important to determine attitudes and behaviours towards certain matters.

How frequently do you assume a leadership role in your work life or within the local community?

When alumni were asked, “How often do you assume a leadership role in your work life or community?”, 7 out of 10 claim that they either “always” or “often” assume a leadership role in their work life or community while 21% do it sometimes, and 8% rarely or never take a leadership role.

Members were asked to rate their interest in taking leadership roles in their communities PRIOR and AFTER their AIESEC experiences. On a scale from 1 to 10, 64% of alumni rated their interest as 6 or above prior to joining AIESEC. This figure jumps to 91% after taking part in an AIESEC experience.

How has your level of interest in assuming a leadership role in your community changed since your experience in AIESEC?

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AIESEC provides its members with an integrated experience comprised of leadership opportunities, international internships, and participation in a global learning environment. Each member’s experience develops skills that could be useful in their professional lives.

When past members were asked to rate the impact that they felt AIESEC had on their

“The work that I did as an AIESECer

professional lives on a scale of 1 to 10, 74% of

determined the career path I followed in my

alumni gave ratings between 8 and 10 and 4%

professional life.”

Francis Prevost, Alumni 00’s

gave ratings of 4 and below.

It was also relevant to determine the skills that alumni felt they had developed from joining the organization, which could be useful in their professional lives.

At

all

stages

of

their

experiences,

AIESEC members should be able to increase their theoretical knowledge of functional and interpersonal skills, and put that knowledge into practice. The survey gave the participants the option to select which skills alumni had prior to and after AIESEC.

It is important to highlight the growth in the number of members who experienced an increase in certain competencies. Our results show that the surveyed alumni believe that their networking skills increased 55%, project management skills increased 42%, strategic thinking skills had a 41% increase, and leadership skills improved by 35%.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Languages

Non-Profit Sector

Learning another language is always an asset as

Starting a not-for-profit organization is an

the world is reflecting greater need for multicultural

activity which requires strong leadership, a

accommodation and international business.

clear vision, passion and commitment.

As a result we included a second list of skills that

For this reason, the option of starting an NFP

alumni felt could be acquired through working with

was included among the list of activities alumni

AIESEC.

describe for their lives after AIESEC.

Approximately

37%

of

alumni

participating in the survey learned or developed

Responses showed that 7% of past members

further a new language after joining AIESEC.

started an NGO or project focused on giving back to the community.

Entrepreneurship

International Aspect

Having entrepreneurial skills was another asset

Gaining an international mentality is vital in a

that alumni felt they acquired through AIESEC.

world which is rapidly becoming globalized, yet

Approximately 24% of AIESEC alumni had, at

maintaining

some point in their lives, started a company.

barriers.

its

stereotypes

and

cultural

This international orientation can be acquired through experiences working with international students or going abroad for a conference, CEED, or internship About 35% of alumni started or joined an organization with an international component while 41% are currently working or have worked

previously

for

an

international

organization.

“Since AIESEC, I’ve worked with Amnesty international, Engineers Without Borders, the Engineering Student Society,and the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada. AIESEC has contributed to my pursuit to be active in the communities in which I’m a part” Jomar Manzano, alumni ‘00s

WORKPLACE In many organizations, development of the talent pipeline is key to eventual and sustained growth.

Consequently, companies tend to hire candidates with leadership skills who might be able to take on more responsibilities and overcome new challenges.

Therefore when alumni were asked when they received their first promotion, the most frequent answer was “in less than a year after being hired.” Thirty-one percent chose “between 1 and 2 years after being hired”. These results show that a significant number of AIESECers are perceived as contributors of value. More than half of the AIESEC alumni are likely to be promoted to a higher position within 2 years.

Seeking to have a better understanding of the context of their career path, alumni were also asked about the types of organizations they started

working

AIESEC.

for

post

Responses

show

These promotions in the working environment are also related to

that 53% started in large

the level where alumni began their professional careers; for this

organizations (more than 500

reason a question aiming to find out at what level they began a

employees), 15% started in

professional career was added into the survey. The results show

medium-sized

that 54% started as an employee, 19% as a Project Manager,

and

11%

organizations.

in

Middle

Management,

2%

Senior

Manager,

5%

22%

organizations, joined

small

Entrepreneur*, 9% other.

“The results of your AIESEC experience will show in your professional career as they did mine and many of my fellow graduates. Being involved on an international level creates an incredible opportunity to learn how differences can be overcome as we head towards a common goal.”

Murtaza Albiz, ‘00s alumnus

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AIESEC

creates

an

environment in which members and

can

clarify

expand

their

ambitions. Throughout their

experience,

members

engage

mentorship, planning, setting

in

personal and

allowing

goalfor

greater awareness of the

opportunities

contribution

in

AIESEC works to make a positive impact on society, and it also has a unique way of achieving impact. One of them is to develop positive values that will stay with its members for life.

To measure the strength of the organization’s

values,

were

which

asked

alumni of

the

AIESEC values they felt they most identified with. About 83% feel they indentify with “Striving for Excellence”.

AIESEC’s core values also link with taking

for

action in response to global issues.

the

wanted to know if alumni found increased

world.

global awareness as a result of their experience in AIESEC. Approximately

Being an outstanding member

in

89% of alumni felt that their awareness

local

did increase, 7% don’t believe so, and 3%

communities or at work drives

We

activities

don’t know.

that

help those who are less

fortunate

and

Being aware of global issues is relevant to

contribute towards the

working with communities, therefore when

common good.

asked if they were more involved in their local community as a result of their involvement with the organization, 60% of alumni believe so, 31% do not believe so, and 9% don’t know.

“I volunteer organizing different things with my family. We organize internationally themed dinners, and we help new immigrants to get settled in the community. Talking to Canadians about immigrants and getting immigrants more comfortable with the Canadian culture is something I’m very passionate about.”

Robin Rooke, ‘80s alumna

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AIESEC members develop competencies through the different learning experiences that AIESEC offers.

Our analysis shows that 76% of alumni feel they developed or acquired a global mindset, 74% feel they became aware of global issues, 70% feel they developed the ability to adapt to change, 68% feel they developed a sense of social responsibility, 68% mentioned becoming more proactive when learning, 56% feel they acquired a developmental/philanthropic inclination, 49% feel they developed emotional intelligence, 44% mentioned they developed an entrepreneurial outlook, and 43% felt they were more inclined to responsible risk taking after joining AIESEC.

A study published for an international exchange program revealed that 57% of North Americans felt they could identify more with their home country than anywhere else after going abroad.

Our results show that 50% of past members feel like they are citizens of the world, 38% feel they identify more with their own country, 7% felt they identify most with their city or province, and 2% feel they identify most with another continent.

“AIESEC took me out of my box. I thought I was globally aware, but I truly wasn’t until I lived and worked somewhere else, particularly somewhere less advantaged than where I grew up.”

Heather Campbell, ‘90s alumna

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Interest in global issues PRIOR/AFTER their experience in AIESEC

Do you currently/have you previously spent time promoting awareness about any of the following global issues?

Poverty and Hunger Violation of Human Rights Gender Inequality Health Issues

Regarding

AIESEC’s

influence on alumni’s interest

in

global

issues,

alumni

were

asked to rate, on a scale of 1 to 10 their interest in global issues prior

to

their

involvement AIESEC.

in

30%

rated

their interest between a 5 and 7, while 15% rated 4 and below.

A

There is a significant difference alumni’s

between interest

None of the Above

before

and

after

joining

AIESEC. It is important to note that zero alumni gave ratings below five regarding their interest in global issues after AIESEC.

Universal Eduaction Substance Abuse

issues

worked

Violence/War

in

global

having

Environmental Issues

with

Other

Of the alumni surveyed, 71% have spent time promoting awareness about global issues. Among that number, 41% spent time promoting awareness about environmental

issues,

32%

about

universal education, 29% about gender inequality, 28% about both health issues

majority of 81% rated

and poverty/hunger, 25% about human

their interest between 8

rights, 17% about violence/war, 7%

and 10.

about other issues, and 6% promoted awareness about substance abuse.

“AIESEC opened a whole world of possibilities for me. I met many people of different backgrounds and had a better connection and understanding of what life is like around the world.”

Mark Vreugdenhill, ‘90s alumnus

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Volunteering

for

different

non-profit

organizations is a way to give back to the community;

therefore,

we

included

a

question in the survey to find out how often alumni participate in volunteer activities.

According to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, in 2004, 45% of adult Canadians (15 years and over) give up some of their time to volunteer for notfor-profit organizations.

When AIESEC alumni were asked, “How often do you participate in volunteer activities?” 45% often or always volunteer, 41% sometimes participate in charity work, and 14% rarely or never volunteer. This means that 86% of AIESEC alumni devote some significant measure of time to volunteer activities.

Another way of giving back to the community and generating awareness about global issues is through getting involved with non-governmental organizations.

Results show that 33% of AIESEC alumni are currently involved with an NGO.

“ I’m involved with five not-for-profit organizations: AIESEC Laurier, my Church, and three disability-related charities and am simultaneously an advisor, board member, finance member, fundraising member, and volunteer.”

Mike Simpson, ‘80s alumnus

IMPACT ON PERSONAL LIFE “I had an excellent experience on many different ways. The first, I think, was that it increased my interest in the Canadian Foreign

The organization is well known for positively contributing to students’ careers by strengthening skills and developing global mindsets, cultural understanding, and social responsibility.

Service. I think the assignments I

There are many different ways in which AIESEC can positively

had abroad with AIESEC and the

impact members’ personal lives such as expanding their global

work I did for AIESEC had a

network, creating life-long friendships, and future business

positive contribution toward my

partners.

interview for the Foreign Service; they saw that I had a certain amount of experience that might be useful to them.”

Jason

When asked to rate the impact that the organization had on their personal lives, on a scale from 1 to 10, 84% of AIESEC alumni rated between 8 and 10, with only 3% rating 4 and below.

Reiskind,

‘60s alumnus “I met wonderful, fabulous people, I got to express my interest in internationalism, I got to travel the world, I was given management and executive responsibility miles ahead of where I would have been in other organizations, and it was a wonderful recommend

experience. everybody

I

highly to

get

AIESEC exposure.”

Theresa Kane, ‘70s alumna “AIESEC provided me with life-long connections and lasting friendships which have sustained for more than 10 years, and many of us are now married, have careers, and have children. I think the best thing that AIESEC does is open the eyes of youth to the broader world outside of their own universities, cities, and countries.

This perspective is very valuable.”

Lena Jerabek ‘90s alumna

CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) As previously stated, some AIESEC alumni received funding from CIDA, which helped them to go abroad and live the AIESEC Exchange Experience. AIESEC’s exchange programs took Canadian students to countries to work on specific projects related to helping the development of communities.

“[ADAPT funding] helped so much; I had just finished university before going abroad, and I had no

These high-impact experiences gave members the opportunity to

money. CIDA helped get

travel and develop a strong sense of commitment to the

me the funding I needed to

development of their respective communities.

go to a lesser-developed

With the aim to get a closer look at the impact of the CIDA program, we observed that 25% of alumni were able to benefit from the program. Results show that from the list of alumni who received ADAPT funding

country.

Receiving ADAPT funding was very useful, especially

56.6% are or have previously worked in an NGO or project focused on giving back to the community 8.3% at some point in their lives started their own company 41.6% are currently working for an NGO 91.6% sometimes, often or always volunteer in their

right after having graduated from university.”

Thierry Kbeya, ‘00s alumnus

communities and; 93.3% sometimes, often, or always assume a leadership role in their community or work life

“I probably wouldn’t have been able to afford my whole internship if I didn’t receive the ADAPT funding, so without it I wouldn’t have gone on an internship, I wouldn’t have worked abroad, and I wouldn’t have found a newfound understanding of Chinese culture. Because my parents didn’t fund my education I had to shell out for everything. I had to pay for food, textbooks, housing, and tuition fees so I didn’t have anything left by the end of my university career. The ADAPT funding I received was very critical to my voyage on an internship.”

Kyle Burgess, ‘00s alumnus

CONCLUSIONS AIESEC is an organization that has a strong impact in its member’s lives, both personally and professionally. Even though AIESEC is fairly strong in developing skills and positive attitudes, programs like ADAPT foster lasting impact for both the individual and community by providing the opportunity to go abroad for development initiatives.

AIESEC helps young professionals develop skills, positives attitudes and needed competencies. Its many programs can help Canadian members work in developing communities around the world.

There is significant growth in the skills and positive behaviour of students and recent graduates who have gone through the AIESEC Experience in AIESEC Canada.

AIESEC alumni tend to be active members in their community after they complete the AIESEC Experience.

AIESEC alumni care deeply about global issues.

AIESEC alumni strongly believe in responsible leadership.

AIESEC alumni are more likely to pursuit a career in the non-profit sector AIESEC alumni are likely to start their own business.

AIESEC members are likely to get promoted by a company within two years of being hired.

AIESEC alumni are active in international environments.

AIESEC alumni have a strong sense of cultural understanding.

AIESEC develops globally minded responsible leaders who become involved in their communities.

AIESEC CANADA

*This study was created and conducted by Danhalit Zamalloa for AIESEC Canada

Phone: (416) 368-1001 Fax: (416) 368-4490 Email: info@aiesec.ca Web: http://www.aiesec.ca Registered Charity # 129835872 RR000