The EUSEEDS project hosted an online workshop on “Alumni as a Strategic Resource”, where employability centers from across the Mediterranean explored practical strategies to strengthen alumni engagement and enhance graduate employability.
On 7 July 2026, the EUSEEDS project held an online workshop entitled “Alumni as a Strategic Resource”, bringing together representatives of the employability centers from beneficiary universities across Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine.
Led by the Alumni team of Aix-Marseille Université, the session aimed to share practical experience on building and managing an effective alumni strategy that supports graduate employability.
The workshop highlighted the value of alumni engagement through compelling evidence. Around 40% of graduate recruitment take place through recommendations and personal networks, while approximately 15% of graduates secure their first job directly through alumni connections. Mentoring programs also significantly accelerate graduates’ transition into the labour market, reducing the average job search by nearly four and a half months.
Rather than presenting a ready-made success story, the AMU team shared the university’s own learning journey. They openly described an initial attempt to create an alumni community through a collaborative digital platform that ultimately failed after four years.
The presenters then explained how AMU successfully redesigned its strategy through stronger institutional commitment, close collaboration with faculties, the creation of a network of faculty alumni coordinators, a simplified alumni directory, and the integration of alumni relations into the University’s Foundation with dedicated staff and resources.
The workshop concluded with a practical framework based on five strategic pillars – Govern, Understand, Unite, Support and Develop – that participants can adapt to their own institutions. An interactive discussion enabled universities to assess where they currently stand, whether launching their first alumni initiatives, structuring an existing network or expanding established practices. Participants also exchanged experiences on data management, mentoring programs, alumni events and fundraising.
By fostering an open and honest dialogue between peers, the session demonstrated that sharing both successes and challenges can help universities build stronger alumni communities and reinforce the long-term impact of their employability centers.
Last Update
09/07/2026
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