Building a network against the backdrop of remote or hybrid work and the ever-growing challenges of securing employment in competitive job markets, means that stepping into the world of work post-degree can be daunting.
The Alumni Team is therefore undertaking a project to both look at how we can improve the student-alumni transition as well as how we can further support our graduates during the first few years.
The project is being led by Jennifer Mullins (MSc HRM 2022), who is undertaking a placement with the Alumni Team as part of the Business School’s Graduate Leader Programme. A first in the UK, this is a two-year rotational programme designed to help graduate leaders develop the skills and experience needed to pursue a professional services position within higher education.
Jennifer tells us more about the 'Supporting Recent Graduates project'.
‘As part of this placement, we are exploring how we can improve the recent graduate experience in terms of the events we host, the communications we send and the additional support we provide for our recent graduates, against the backdrop of what is already provided by the University’s Careers Service and central Development and Alumni Services.
‘We are also looking to understand more about their experience of the transition from being a student to becoming an alum, as we know that this is a particularly important time for them prior to them joining the alumni network upon graduating.
‘By gathering and analysing insights from recent graduates through an online survey, we aim to plan and trial a range of new activities that would improve the experience of future graduates as they transition into the workplace. This may take the form of targeted communications highlighting careers resources and advice from more experienced alumni, or hosting more networking events or online speaker events to give them the opportunity to make connections with alumni in roles that they aspire to be in.’
How can recent graduates get involved?
If you graduated in 2022 or 2023 with an MSc or MA(Hons) degree, we would really value your input. You should have received an email with a survey link in mid-January. We would be grateful if you complete the survey by the deadline of Friday 2 February 2024. If you haven’t received the email, please contact the Alumni Team on alumni@business-school.ed.ac.uk
Graduated before 2022?
Even if you graduated further back, we would still value your input on how you feel you could have been better supported as a recent graduate, so please do get in touch. Equally, if you feel that you are now in a position to support recent graduates, perhaps by sharing your experience and expertise, either in-person or online, then we would love to hear from you.
UEBS Graduate