Alumni Volunteer Resources
Engaging younger alumni One of the most common questions we’re asked is ‘How can we engage younger alumni/recent graduates?’ Our research has shown that many young alumni want: • To connect and engage with a meaningful network • Career opportunities • Information and advice So what can Groups offer recent graduates and how can they adapt so as to offer younger alumni what they want?
Alumni Volunteer Resources
Engaging younger alumni Here are a few ideas provided by Alumni Groups who have a thriving section of young alumni: • Understand the relevance of what they can offer to young alumni at each specific part of their life. • Recruit them to help run sub Groups with a separate brand identity to the more established Groups. • Organise and fund drinks events at a pub by “putting money behind the bar”. • Ensure events have an emphasis on networking and education. • Create themes of shared interests rather than shared experiences. • Publicise your Group through Twitter and Facebook. (See guides). • Be flexible on who can be a member. Some Groups open up their membership or events to anyone with an interest in the Group, including non-alumni and current students. • Your Group needs to decide what your purpose is and what you can offer of value to young alumni.
Freshers’ Parties During the month of September, many of our volunteerled Alumni Groups hold parties for students who have been given a place at Cambridge University. Parties are held by many UK and international Groups with the primary aim of introducing freshers to current students as well as alumni. The attendance of current students at these Parties is a great opportunity for soonto-be first years to learn about what to expect from life in Cambridge, make friends and perhaps settle some nerves. Over the years we have received many emails from current students saying how much they appreciated the opportunity to pass on their knowledge and experiences and to meet others who were coming up to Cambridge. Groups who run these parties also enjoy running them and for many it is a good way of engaging and recruiting new members. CARO will assist Groups with these Parties by providing advice, support and working with the Colleges to inform prospective students about the event. If you would like to hold a Freshers’ Party please contact us at networks@alumni.cam.ac.uk Further information, including testimonials, can be found by visiting alumni.cam.ac.uk/groups/freshers
alumni.cam.ac.uk/groups