When we talk about a Corporate Alumni Platform for the Large Enterprise, we often talk about 'fully integrated': the requirement for the enterprise that the Alumni Platform works as part of the ecosystem, not as a silo. It means the application is enterprise-grade, best in class, integrates across the existing IT stack and is consumer-focused.
The new definition of what it means for an enterprise to bring in a new application to engage their alumni is critical. While some might look at the 'which alumni platform' question from a feature/function perspective (i.e. 'does it do this or that'), this is but one small part of a broader conversation that must be had.
The more important questions include: 'Do we have a unified landscape?', 'Do all our applications talk to each other?', 'Do users have to toggle between screens?' and finally, 'Does the total cost of ownership of our entire enterprise ecosystem remain intact, without being impacted by this net new application?'
Corporate Alumni Platforms are now being considered critical for business. They transform the talent pipeline, identify boomerang or contingent workers available for a project, engage with sales channels and increase overall brand value.
However for it to be successful it needs to be “fully integrated.” It can't live in a silo, be accessible only to a single admin, have a separate database or require roles and permissions to be individually set.
Alumni data can co-exist with your existing Human Resource Information System (HRIS) platform. Native integrations enable functions such as:
For example, internal recruiters in the organization can access alumni talent searches or take actions such as bringing alumni into talent communities, all without having to define 'new' roles and permissions in the application.
The point is that they're simple, easy, and unified. And most of all, a platform will allow alumni to drive value anywhere in the organization in real time.
Developing a corporate alumni network has many benefits, including improved recruitment, brand advocacy, networking, and knowledge sharing.
Let's explore these in more detail.
Hiring the right people takes time – job postings, interviews, training, and more. An alumni network gives you an additional channel to tap into when roles open up.
You can post opportunities directly on the platform, where members can refer others or reapply. Former employees often bring the advantage of knowing your business inside out, from culture to processes.
Research shows that 28% of rehires are alumni returning to previous employers, commonly known as boomerang employees. A well-managed alumni network can make this process smoother and more efficient.
With EnterpriseAlumni, recruitment and talent acquisition are simple. It offers your enterprise:
Brand advocacy is a powerful asset, helping to attract top talent and retain existing employees. Loyalty to your brand begins with how you treat your team, both during their time with you and after they’ve moved on.
A strong corporate community should offer:
Brand loyalty doesn't have to stop when someone leaves. Former employees and leaders can still contribute by becoming brand ambassadors. Whether speaking at events, hosting training sessions, or leading webinars, they can talk positively about your brand and recommend it to others.
You show lasting support by continuing to provide resources, learning opportunities, and benefits after someone has left the company.
Employees who have been with a company for a while often build up deep knowledge of their role, the business, and the wider industry. When they move on or retire, that expertise is left with them.
That loss can hit hard for a business that’s invested in developing those skills.
Building an alumni network should be a key part of your corporate community approach.
With the right platform, you can create mentorship opportunities where experienced alumni support newer members. You can also invite former employees back as trainers or coaches, sharing their insights through workshops, talks, or webinars.
As alumni understand your business better than anyone else, keeping them involved sets the groundwork for a lifetime of business opportunities. We've done extensive research on this and found that:
Building an alumni network allows you to tap into your network for connections, leads and clients, extend your reach, create compelling events everyone will want to attend and gain insights into which messaging drives sales.
Our platform offers many key features, including:
From job boards and events to groups, messaging, and live chat, EnterpriseAlumni drives alumni engagement through connection, relationships, and ongoing value.
While many users join via desktop, most return on mobile. Our platform supports seamless access across devices, making it easy for members to chat, RSVP, or explore updates.
Real-time dashboards track user activity, sign-ups, referrals, job applicants, time on page, and more, giving you a clear view of your community's performance.
The platform is built with privacy and protection in mind, with encryption, access controls, monitoring, and compliance with GDPR and CCPA.
Corporate community building isn’t a trend; it’s a strategic move. Bringing together employees, leadership, clients, and external partners can unlock real value for your organization.
A strong corporate community can:
Alumni play a key role in this. With a platform like EnterpriseAlumni, you have everything you need to build and sustain a successful alumni network.