Young Alumni Survey December 2011

Results Report

Young Alumni Survey Results

December 2011

More than 2,500 of McMaster’s graduates of the last decade participated in the Young

Alumni Survey in December 2011. The answers and additional comments show a clear

interest in programming specifically tailored to support recent graduates in their social,

professional and intellectual growth. Respondents wrote enthusiastically about their pride

as McMaster graduates and gave thoughtful suggestions on the kind of programming that

would most benefit young alumni at the beginning of their adult life and career.

This document summarizes the results of the survey, including a selection of the many

hundreds of additional comments made by alumni.

Please direct any inquiries about the survey results to Erin O’Neil, oneilel@mcmaster.ca.

Preliminary Information

– 1 –

In what year did you graduate?

– 2 –

Where do you currently live?

– 3 –

Where do you currently work?

Overall sample

SW Ontario sample

– 4 –

Please rank the top 3 examples of young alumni

programming that interest you.

Other: Sports activities, alumni discounts, family events, continuing education, community

and social justice issues, travel, leadership development, financial education.

– 5 –

How often would you take time to attend a young

alumni event in your area?

– 6 –

If McMaster offered monthly deals to young alumni,

which would you like to receive (choose all that apply)?

Other: Sports & entertainment, vacation and hotels, education, HSR and GO Transit, deals

outside Ontario.

Alumni Living outside Ontario

– 7 –

Which of these online resources for young alumni

would you use (choose all that apply)?

Other: Library access, online journal access, online chats with other grads or field-specific

alumni.

– 8 –

If you would be interested to find out more about

organizing a McMaster young alumni event in your

community, please leave your email and location.

More than 90 alumni living internationally expressed interest in organizing events in their

cities, including:

Riyadh

Zurich

Kinshasa

Vicenza

Mexico City

Beijing

Sacramento

Melbourne

Career Development

– 9 –

Please rank the top 5 professional development

programs that would interest you.

Other: Job shadowing, mentor program, field-specific PD, personal branding, entrepreneurial

workshop, conferences or seminars, online streaming with real-time responses to

questions.

– 10 –

Please rate the likelihood that you would attend a

professional development event during:

– 11 –

How likely would you be to use the following career

counseling resources?

Lifelong Learning

– 12 –

Please rank your top 3 choices for educational events

that you would be interested to attend:

Other: Anything online, an opportunity to share career experiences as a presenter, more

events in Toronto, opportunities to meet and interact with interesting guests.

– 13 –

How interested would you be to attend educational

events with these themes?

Comments: Would also like to see events related to a specific field of study, sports and athletics

at McMaster, environmental topics, with online accessibility.

– 14 –

Please rate the likelihood that you would attend an

educational event during the following times:

Social and Service

– 15 –

Please rank your top 5 choices for social events that

you would be interested to attend:

Other: Outdoor recreational trips, group travel, debates, wine & cheese, instructional classes

i.e. cooking, local indie concert and reception, movie nights, degree-specific

gatherings, tours.

– 16 –

Please rate the likelihood that you would attend a social

event during:

– 17 –

Please rank your top 3 choices for community service

that you would participate in as a Mac grad:

Other: Chapter locations for community service, anti-poverty initiatives, Habitat for

Humanity.

– 18 –

Please rate the likelihood that you would attend a

community service event during:

Communication and Inclusion

– 19 –

On what social media networks are you already

connected to McMaster?

Other: Email, Google+, Daily News RSS, none of the above.

– 20 –

What is the most effective way for us to tell you about

events, resources and news for young alumni?

Other: Have an attention-grabbing subject line, snail mail, quarterly or once-per-semester

email.

– 21 –

Please select the functions that you would use on a

young alumni website:

Other: Connect to McMaster Library catalogue, job postings for alumni, order transcripts,

sports, alumni database of local professionals.

– 22 –

Do you agree with this statement:

“I am satisfied with the diversity of young alumni

programming at McMaster.”?

Comments: More science alumni events, more young alumni international events, more financial

industry events, more regional events, more information about current programming.

– 23 –

What does social inclusion meant to you?

What can we do to be more inclusive?

*More than 700 alumni answered this question.

“For me, social inclusion means

addressing and celebrating all social

backgrounds and beliefs. You are

doing a great job in the social inclusion

department, keep it up!”

“Social inclusion fosters an

environment where people from any

place or culture can connect… making

things available online would assist

greatly in reaching a greater

demographic.”

“Have different kinds of

events targeted at alumni in

different fields.”

“To be more inclusive, continue to

keep up the variety of events

organized and offered through the

alumni program (e.g. a mix of various

social, educational, community

events). Social inclusion means being

able to engage a diverse group of

people and reach those you have not

yet been able to reach.”

“Making social events and activities

accessible to all.”

“Social Inclusion means programming

that takes into consideration the

diversity of cultural backgrounds of the

attendees. Some individuals from

cultural backgrounds don't drink

alcohol, for example, and therefore

would feel alienated if attending a pub

night or club night.”

“Recognize that all of your new alumni

are not "young." Many of us come

back in our forties etc.”

“I don't understand the point of an

alumni association when absolutely

nobody from McMaster's staff of

deans, presidents, and other well-

paid suits ever reached out to

"include me" during my actual time

at McMaster.”

“What social inclusion means

to me is that although my 4

years of schooling at

McMaster University is over, I

will still feel a part of the

McMaster family and keep up

to date with what is going on at

McMaster as well as staying in

touch with my fellow alumni

and classmates.”

“Social inclusion means to welcome all

people. To be more inclusive, do not

isolate events to Hamilton/Toronto.

.”

“Host some diversity-focused events,

like U of T's LGBTQ-specific

programming, or talking about the

glass ceiling in workplaces, etc. Don't

be afraid to address the issues head

on in a relaxed, social atmosphere. It

works!”

“Social inclusion should also

involve alumni's spouse / family.”

“Social inclusion means feeling

represented within a social programme

or network. The alumni magazine

seems to cater to and reflect older

alumni cohorts ... would be great to see

a young alumni specific webpage with

links, stories and profiles that are more

relevant to younger alumni cohorts.“

“Culturally significant and relevant

programs would be extremely

appealing.”

Final Thoughts

– 24 –

What makes you proud to be a McMaster grad?

*More than 1,300 alumni answered this question.

(including hundreds who mentioned our Vanier Cup win!)

“McMaster focuses on providing a meaningful

undergraduate experience and has a great reputation.“

“Through the people and the professors

I’ve met, McMaster has really shaped

my perspective on life and my career.”

“I’m proud to be a McMaster grad, not

only because of its excellent reputation

in Canada and worldwide, but because

of the experiences, knowledge and

friendships I gained while attending the

university contributed immensely to my

own personal growth and development.“

“VANIER CUP!!!“

“McMaster’s beautiful campus.“

“Experiential

education.“

“More than simple knowledge about

technical issues, McMaster taught me

to think. Life isn’t about knowing one’s

way around, it is about reasoning with

situations and people.“

“We’re internationally known for

problem-based learning and

healthcare education.“

“Being a female graduate from one

of the best engineering faculties in

Canada and one of the nicest and

coziest universities I know.“

“Knowing that the education I had was by

the best, and that the future of McMaster is

moving towards students and research.“

“I’m proud when I see

McMaster making more

of an effort to have a

positive impact on

Hamilton and the

community surrounding

the school.“

“It is always a home away from home!.“

“The difference McMaster researchers,

alumni and students make to the

broader community.”

“Viewing accomplishments by

McMaster students and faculty

in national media.“

“Coming from a socially responsible,

accountable institution, with fellow grads

who are socially responsible and engaged.“

“Being a McMaster grad is what got me my job today, and its

distinctive reputation as a school with a strong community

and culture of collaboration.”

“It’s a school where you’re

happy to meet a fellow grad

because you’ll have similar

stories to enjoy and likely have

only six degrees of separation.“

“I am proud that I obtained my degree

locally in Hamilton and work in Hamilton.

Many of my friends fled to Toronto for

school or work because of the Hamilton

steel city stereotypes. I can now truly

appreciate this city and all its hidden

gems thanks to my time spent at Mac.“

“I am proud to be a Mac grad

because I know all of the wonderful

ways McMaster gives back to the

community through innovations in

health care, engineering and the arts.

McMaster has a wonderfully

welcoming atmosphere and whenever

I am on campus again, I still feel that

pride for the school.“

– 25 –

At this point in your life and career,

what is the most valuable event or resource that the

Alumni Office can offer you?

*More than 1,200 alumni answered this question.

“Time management

and stress reduction.“

“Tools for the proper use of money and

budgeting. Ideas for saving for the

future, investment opportunities, etc.“

“How to reconnect with my

teachers and mentors.“

“Networking! Networking! Networking!”

“Events and resources that encourage us to make

a difference in the world and the lives of others.“

“Career resources tailored to arts majors.“

“Athletic alumni fundraiser.“

“Engaging opportunities for lifelong

learning – a strong panel discussion on

current issues, for example. Also,

exclusive opportunities – alumni tour of

a museum, etc.“

“Mock job interviews for people who want

to pursue additional professional schools

or work. This would be a valuable tool,

especially using alumni in a specific field

to run the mock interview.“

“An up-to-date website with

diverse , faculty-specific content.“

“Access to McMaster Library online.“

“Free dinners and events... I’m broke.“

“Thoughtful seminars, lectures and

workshops about major events in the world.“

“The alumni magazine is a great

way to keep up with what is going

on at the University.“

“I think a lot of graduates would

appreciate extra support for career

planning, either for graduate schools

(how to apply, how to find funding, etc.)

or professional development (job

searching, resume building, interview

skills, connecting to internships or other

opportunities). These resources may

already be available, but perhaps

people would appreciate more creative

events or outreach.“

“Mentorship programs and perhaps

a way to show alumni jobs that

might be available in each field.“

“Discounts on travel would be nice.“

“Library resources,

webinars, podcasts, etc.“

“Perhaps create some kind of

knowledge sharing network. As a

fresh graduate who is starting his

career, I find it very helpful when I

can call someone who has

walked a similar path before me.“

“Contact with alumni abroad, or alumni

involved in entrepreneurial activities.“

“Retirement planning.“

“Volunteer opportunities.“

“Local alumni association.“

“Job search skills and job fairs.“

“Outreach to local industry and Hamilton economic development office

to ensure that grads don’t have to relocate and/or undergo an extreme

commuting lifestyle in order to launch their careers.“

“Industry-specific networking.“

“Online continuous learning activities,

how-to videos, etc.

“A meaningful way to contribute to the University

(other than simply giving money).“

“Golf lessons.”

“Dance lessons.”

“A LinkedIn recommendation.“

“Outside-the-box skills/training.“

– 26 –

We are always looking for new venues, topics and

experts for our events. Please use this space to

describe any ideas you have for a young alumni event.

*More than 300 alumni answered this question.

The path from Kinesiology to

Chiropractic College

Integrative chronic pain

Monthly dinner at a different

restaurant in Toronto

Overseas teaching experience

Canadian Forces health

Gemology research

Importance of intellectual property

and commercial law to young

academics and entrepreneurs

Future of education, public school

system

Queen’s Park event

Public engagement and the

McMaster Health Forum

Health and wellness fair

The business of private health care

provision

Focus group for young alumni

chaired by veteran alumni in different

careers

RIM mechanical engineer

presentation

Changing state of mental health

services in Canada

Saturday service learning

How to start up a business

Networking tactics, personal

branding, leadership, career growth

Effective engagement with clients in

addiction field

The Year in Research@Mac

Pediatric surgeon

Leadership development

City-building

Innovation conference or workshop

(like MaRS)

Financial freedom and how to retire

successfully

Mortgages, rate trends

“How money works”

Poetry slam

Concerts

Art Bus trip with The Pearl Company

Event at Hamilton Place Studio,

AGH, Workers Arts and Heritage

Toastmasters session

Young alumni showcase of

community contributions

Human rights past and present

First nations health

Staying healthy over 30

Career Q & A for different fields

Global maternal, newborn and child

health

LIUNA station event

Naturopathic doctor

Importance of environmental

planning and sustainability in today’s

society and the future

Real estate investment

Humanistic and civilizational Islamic

studies

Invite agencies in the community,

not-for-profits and community

leaders to social alumni events

Outdoor recreation trip

Winery tour

Canadian tour to bring Mac outside

of Hamilton to grads in other cities

International marketing

Ballroom dancing

Spirituality

Opportunities in public relations

Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra

Communication and negotiating

skills

Innovations in economic

development at home and in the

developing world

Thank you to everyone who participated!