Engaging our younger alumni

May 2005

Report: Robyn Anns

Monash has formed two young alumni groups to cater for the needs of the university's more recent graduates.

The Business and Economics faculty has established a young alumni network called Accelerate, while the Monash University Malaysia campus has formed the Monash Young Alumni Group.

Further education: Adele Jones works as national education program manager for the Aga Khan Foundation in Afghanistan.

Officially launched last October, Accelerate was inspired by alumni feedback that showed graduates aged under 30 wanted activities relevant to their needs and interests that would keep them in touch with their former classmates.

Business and Economics faculty alumni coordinator Ms Linda Carpenter said young graduate participation in traditional alumni programs had not been strong.

"Younger graduates, who are just starting out in their careers, are often time-poor, so a half-day of golf during the working week is not for them," Ms Carpenter said. "Also, they may not feel particularly comfortable about getting involved with groups of older graduates who may not share their outlook or interests."

Accelerate has already received a positive response to activities that involved casual socialising and outdoor, team-based activities. Events planned for 2005 include career assistance and business information sessions as well as weekend team games and informal club nights.

"We have about 7500 graduates aged under 30 who are currently working in metropolitan Melbourne," Ms Carpenter said.

"Accelerate offers real opportunities for them to build active and dynamic contacts and friendships with other Monash business graduates."

The Monash Young Alumni Group was established by Monash Malaysia last July to develop active interaction between the university and those alumni aged under 30.

Ms Ivy Cheong, alumni relations manager at the Malaysia campus, said the group was set up to encourage young alumni to participate in events that would keep them in touch with each other and their alma mater.

"We plan to enhance existing informal networks and to support alumni activities through regular social events, recreational and sporting activities, guest speakers and a new support initiative for returning graduates," Ms Cheong said. "Our activities will raise the profile of Monash alumni locally and promote the value of networking."

Ms Cheong said the alumni group was establishing a solid database of young alumni's contact details, including their current employment.

The group's management team has 20 members, led by president Mr Indran Navaratnam and vice-president Ms Chong See Ming.

Action: For more information about Accelerate, visit www.accelerategrads.com.au or contact Ms Linda Carpenter, Business and Economics faculty alumni coordinator, on +61 3 9903 2450 or email linda.carpenter@buseco.monash.edu.au. For more information about the Young Alumni Group, contact Ms Ivy Cheong on +60 3 5636 0600 extn 3821 or email ivy.cheong@adm.monash.edu.my.