How M&S builds its alumni community
Investing in contact with former students: everyone recognises its value, yet in practice it often slips down the priority list. Even so, a small, regular point of contact can make a difference, for students, staff and education itself. Frank de Vos and Tom Wilderjans share how this works for their unit.
With around fifteen master’s students graduating each year and moving into a wide range of roles in research and practice, M&S has a small but engaged and valuable alumni network. By actively investing in this, they not only create opportunities for current students, but also build a close-knit community. How do they approach this? And what are the benefits?
How did your alumni management develop? Has it changed over time?
‘The private LinkedIn group, where we share vacancies and updates about M&S, has been in place for around fifteen years and has always been actively maintained. About ten years ago, we also started organising an annual alumni event. We invite not only alumni, but also current students and prospective bachelor’s students who want to explore what the M&S specialisation can offer them in the job market.’
Why do you consider alumni relations important?
‘Staying in touch with alumni is valuable in several ways. For example, it helps us find internship opportunities for our current students. In addition, alumni give us insight into what is happening in the workplace. We use that input to keep our teaching up to date and relevant.’
‘For M&S, it leads to guest speakers and for students, it creates a sense of connection with our community. It provides access to a relevant professional network.’
What works particularly well for you?
‘At the alumni event, we invite three alumni to talk about their careers: where they work now, the steps they took to get there, and how they experienced the M&S master’s specialisation programme. These personal stories prove extremely valuable. They inspire our current master’s students and also help bachelor’s students with their choice of specialisation.’
How have you organised this?
‘We work with a team of four: Elise Dusseldorp, Ingrid Penning, Frank de Vos and Zino Brystowski. In the run-up to the alumni event, usually held in February, we meet around five times. We use a detailed run sheet that outlines all steps, from inviting speakers to communication and organising the event on the day itself. In terms of time investment, the coordination by Ingrid takes around 40 to 50 hours, and the other team members spend approximately 10 to 15 hours each, including attending the event.’
Were there any lessons learned or pitfalls?
Definitely. Start inviting speakers early, so can announce the programme early and send out invitations well in advance. It also helps to make the event appealing for colleagues. For example, we order pizza before the alumni event, which creates an informal atmosphere and boosts attendance.
What tips would you give colleagues in other sections?
- Start simple: create a private LinkedIn group. This helps keep communication relevant and manageable.
- Ask students at the start of the master’s programme during the kick-off to join the group and share a personal email address, so you can stay in touch after graduation. Without any obligation, of course.
- Keep the group active by, for example, sharing vacancies. These are relevant for both students and alumni.
- Organise an activity now and then, however small.
Ook aan de slag met alumnirelaties?
Alumni relations do not need to be large-scale or time-consuming to be valuable. Even a modest approach with limited effort can already make a difference. For example, a one-hour alumni drinks event, a guest lecture by an alumnus, an online panel discussion, or an annual update email with research news and vacancies, for instance via the alumni office.
Would you like to exchange ideas about what might work for your unit? Feel free to reach out to Frank. Or contact the Psychology recruitment team. They are happy to think along with you.