Colleges and businesses can have a surprising amount in common. They both are constantly fighting to stay afloat, they both attempt to build prestige, and they both have alumni networks. Alumni networks are groups of previous members who have dedicated themselves to staying connected. What purpose they serve can and does vary, but their influence and power is undeniable.
Looking at colleges and universities, alumni networks are one of the primary fundraising groups. Colleges are at the whims of their alumni networks in certain cases because they want to keep their funding. This gives alumni a lot of influence over the direction and culture of colleges. Even if most of the time it is indirectly exerted.
Corporations on the other hand have a much wider range of uses for an alumni network. These networks help to boost development and perception, increase sales, and connect mentors. That’s not to say that corporate alumni networks don’t influence funding, but they more rarely directly provide it. This sets a different standard from the networks seen in higher education.
Regardless of their differences, both of these networks are powerful. This is something that is true, has been true, and will continue to be true. Connecting with and being involved with influence networks leads to more successful employees and students. It’s one of the most hidden variables seen between the successful and non-successful individual, but is a real difference maker.
Infographic provided by: AcademicInfluence.com
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