Institutions have started to recognize the value of building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with their alumni. When engaged in building positive understanding of the institution, creating internship and job opportunities, reinforcing bonds with other batchmates, and giving back to their alma mater, alumni provide a number of resources upon which an institution depends. A vibrant alumni relations program is one in which alumni are engaged with their alma mater and supporting the university to the extent of their ability through both their time and personal resources.

To help institutions foster such relationships, software companies are helping them analyze the historical dynamics of alumni involvement and benchmarking institution with their competitor set; research levels of satisfaction among alumni; apply predictive modeling to identify the key drivers of alumni engagement for an institution; audit current operational practices pertaining to alumni relations and institutional advancement. Based on research, analysis, and predictive modeling, they deliver: Findings of causal factors of reasons for alumni (dis)satisfaction and (dis)engagement; Insights on how alumni want to connect with the institution; a categorized list of services desired by alumni; Design and discuss best practices for increasing alumni satisfaction and involvement. Some of the key outcomes addressed by them are: Increased alumni engagement; increased alumni giving; reduced student recruiting costs.

Following is a summary from recent study conducted by institution to learn more about the ways their alumni association and alumnus are (and wish to be) engaged with each other. This study is influential for development and delivery of new initiatives for engagement.
Key Qualitative findings included: Continuing Learning: Alumni described continued learning is the base that keeps them hooked to the alma mater. They were particularly interested in €real world€ solutions to professional and personal challenges. Career: According to a lot of members, their institution has a significant impact on their through networking, career preparation, research, etc.

Connection: According to the findings, creating personal relationships with fellow batchmates and faculty members is the best way to increase alumni interest in engaging with alma mater. Content: There was a list of topics that alumni would like to discuss with others, and identified specific topics that were of particular interest. Key Quantitative findings included: Alumni want both in-person and online activities that focus on knowledge sharing. Alumni want more direct interaction with other members. Four separate segments of alumni were identified, which will allow the School to focus programming and outreach efforts.