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New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016 | Produced by Australian Survey Research
DFAT
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1
Report of survey findings
December 2016
Australian Survey Research Pty Ltd 258 Centre Road Bentleigh 3204
Level 3, 22 Darley Road | PO Box 807 Manly NSW 1655 | T 03 9557 4211 | F 03 9557 4311 | E [email protected] www.aussurveys.com
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016 | Produced by Australian Survey Research
Table of contents
Executive summary 1
Introduction 5
Methodology 5
Data collection 5 Participant profile 6
Key findings 9
Future plans 9 NCP experience /scholarship influence on career 9 NCP contacts and links 10 The alumni program 11 Mentoring 17 Benefits of the NCP experience 18 Promoting NCP 20
Observations/recommendations 22
Australian Survey Research Group Pty Ltd is accredited under the AS ISO 20252 quality standard
applying to market and social research.
This research project was carried out in compliance with the AS ISO 20252 quality standard.
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 1
Executive summary
Australian Survey Research Group (ASR) was commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to
develop a survey for New Colombo Plan (NCP) Alumni.
This report presents the results of the first Alumni survey which as administered to NCP Scholars and Mobility students
that participated in round 2014. At least one year should have elapsed from the completion time of their program and
receipt of an NCP Alumni survey invitation.
Sample and response rates
ASR administered an online survey to 1,324 NCP Alumni. DFAT supplied a list of NCP program participants and their
email contact details. Each participant received an invitation email containing a unique link to a web survey.
The table below outlines the invitations sent, completions and email bounce backs.
Sample Email
invitations count
Completions count
Bounce-backs count
Response rate %
NCP Alumni 1,324 197 97 16
General demographics
The ratio of female to male responses was roughly 60/40. Most commonly, NCP Alumni undertook their
program in either Indonesia (41%) or Japan (37%).
Only one respondent identified as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and six respondents identified as
having a disability, representing 0.5% and 3% of total respondents, respectively.
Nearly two thirds (63%) of respondents had an honours or an undergraduate degree as their highest level of
education. Notably, just under one quarter (24%) of respondents had year 12 as their highest level of
education.
Just over half (52%) of respondents were studying and/or employed. Around one in seven (15%) alumni
were looking for work and one in eight (12%) were undertaking postgraduate studies.
Among the proportion of alumni who were studying, the vast majority (86%) were studying at undergraduate
level and 11% were undertaking some form of post graduate study. Refer to the chart below.
Of the 52% of Alumni that were employed, including an additional 7% that do volunteer work, 42% believed
their NCP experience / scholarship helped them get their current job.
One in eight (13%) of alumni that were employed (paid or unpaid) indicated they manage staff.
Future plans
Alumni were asked what their plans were over the next five years. Nearly 3 in 5 respondents (59%) indicated they
intend to undertake further study while just over half (51%) wanted to seek employment in Australia, 41% wanted to
seek work overseas in the Indo-Pacific region and just under one third (31%) intended to seek work elsewhere
overseas.
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 2
NCP contacts and links
The majority (83%) of NCP Alumni reported that their NCP contacts enhanced their understanding and connections to
the Indo Pacific region to a great (53%) or moderate (30%) extent. Three in five alumni 61% believed their study
opportunities / outcomes were enhanced greatly (29%) or moderately (32%) and just over half (52%) reported their
employment prospects / outcomes were enhanced by their contacts greatly or moderately (26% for each).
Useful elements of the Alumni program
Two thirds (67%) of alumni indicated that job or work opportunities would be the most useful to them as part of the
NCP Alumni program. Professional networking (57%) and professional development opportunities (54%) are also
popular elements. Refer to the chart below.
One in five (21%) alumni are willing to act as a mentor, deliver training or participate in program development.
Attendance at NCP Alumni events and likely future attendance/participation
Overall, 29% of alumni have been to an NCP Alumni event (not shown). The vast majority (88%) of those that have
been to an event are likely to attend (another) event whereas 12% were unsure.
Professional networking (83%), Job / Work placement opportunities (80%) and Learning (presentations, training, etc.)
(68%) were the top three main areas interest to alumni that indicated they were likely to attend an NCP Alumni event.
Overall, only 4% of alumni have participated in NCP Alumni online events such as Facebook Live session or webinars.
Over one third (36%) of those that have not been to an event indicated they were likely to attend (another) event
whereas 30% were unsure. Networking (67%), employment (58%) and learning opportunities (73%) were also of
main interest indicated by respondents who indicated they would participate in future online events.
53
29
26
30
32
26
9
23
27
5
12
16
2
3
5
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Understanding and connections to the Indo-Pacific region(n=137)
Study opportunities/outcomes (n=137)
Employment prospects/outcomes (n=137)
To what extent has your NCP contacts / links you have maintained enhanced your ...% respondents, n=variable, refer to chart
To a great extent To a moderate extent To a minor extent Not at all Not sure
67
57
54
36
30
21
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Job or work placement opportunities
Professional networking
Professional development opportunities
Social networking
Access to mentors
To give back to the network by acting as a mentor, deliveringtraining or participating in program development
What elements would be most useful for you as part of the NCP Alumni program?Respondents selected their top three
% respondents n=181
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 3
Professional development as part of the Alumni program
NCP Alumni are keen to have leadership and management skills (75%) as part of an alumni professional development
program. Not surprisingly this is followed by development of communication skills (64%).
Participation in other NCP Alumni groups
Under half (45%) of NCP Alumni were members of the NCP Alumni LinkedIn group.
Of the alumni that belong to the NCP LinkedIn Alumni Group one third (33%) found event information useful (16%
very, useful 17%) and just under one third (32%) found connections to other alumni useful (12% very, 20% useful).
However up to 54% of group participants either did not read or weren’t aware of the information available.
Australia Global Alumni
A very large proportion of NCP Alumni respondents (84%) were not members (49%) or were unsure whether they
were members (35%) of the Australia Global Alumni Network.
Of the small proportion of NCP Alumni that were members of the Australia Global Alumni Network, 37% found the
news articles on the site very useful (15%) or useful (22%). Event information (38% [19% Very useful, 19% useful]),
access to alumni profiles (34% [15% very useful, 19% useful]) and connections to other alumni (33% [7% very
useful, 26% useful]). Again a large proportion of members (up to 55%) either haven’t used or aren’t aware about
information available.
Benefits of the NCP experience
There were a number of positive benefits the NCP Alumni had gained from their NCP program that aligns with the
strategic objectives of the program that relate to strengthening understanding, connections and work readiness of NCP
Alumni to businesses and institutions within the Indo-Pacific region. Refer to the chart below.
75
64
58
57
40
1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Leadership and management skills
Communication skills
Foreign policy and trade
Networking skills
Business skills
Other
What areas of professional development would be of most interest to you as part of an NCP Alumni program?% respondents n=177
66
48
43
40
33
27
30
40
44
43
35
31
2
7
9
10
22
25
2
3
11
2
5
3
5
6
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
I gained useful knowledge and understanding of my hostlocation(s)
I gained cross cultural skills that have helped in my career
I am confident in my ability to engage with people in the Indo-Pacific region
I am more likely to seek out work relating to the Indo-Pacificregion
I gained professional experience that has helped in my career
I gained personal connections that have helped in my career
Indicate the degree to which you agree with the following statements about what you gained from your NCP program?
% respondents n=176
Strongly agree Agree Part agree / part disagree Disagree Strongly disagree Don't know
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 4
The most valuable elements of NCP
Then table below shows the top four elements of the NCP program most valued by NCP Alumni.
Networking (46%), cultural understanding (44%) a broadened more global perspective (35%) and obtaining practical
real world work skills and experience (23%) were top of the list.
Top 4 - What were the most valuable elements of your program?
% Total
mentions
(n=95)
Building networks/business contacts that proved helpful/academics/fellow students/new
lifelong friends/teachers/colleagues 46
Gaining an understanding of the host country(ies) culture/regional culture/cultural activities 44
Obtained a global perspective/wider view/more open minded/accepting of other points of
view/other ways of doing things/opened my eyes 35
Gained work/practical/skills in industry area/how business runs in host country compared to
Australia/real world experience 23
Promoting NCP
NCP Alumni are enthusiastic about the benefits of the program and are willing to promote it further.
The vast majority (87%) of respondents recommend the program to Australian students frequently (47%) or
occasionally (40%). Nearly three quarters (73%) actively promote the program frequently (32%) or occasionally
(41%) and one third (33%) recommend the program to organisations in the Indo-Pacific region frequently (15%) or
occasionally (18%).
Just over half (52%) of all NCP Alumni respondents indicated they were willing to speak at schools, universities,
conferences and events to promote the NCP program. Mentoring is a preference almost half (49%) of respondents and
41% are willing to help with pre-departure briefings. Refer to the chart below.
52
49
41
37
36
31
19
29
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Speaking at schools, universities, conferences, events
Mentoring NCP students
Helping with pre-departure briefings
Writing an article or blog
Media opportunities
I do not wish to participate in promotional activities atthis time
Establishing an NCP or indo-pacific alumni chapter or clubat your university or state
Other promotional activities
What activities would you be willing to participate in to promote the NCP program?% respondents n=166
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 5
Introduction
Australian Survey Research Group (ASR) was commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to
develop a survey for New Colombo Plan (NCP) Alumni.
This report presents the results of the first Alumni survey which as administered to NCP Scholars and Mobility students
that participated in round 2014. At least one year should have elapsed from the completion time of their program and
receipt of an NCP Alumni survey invitation.
Methodology
Data collection
Sample and response rates
ASR administered an online survey to 1,324 NCP Alumni. DFAT supplied a list of NCP program participants and their
email contact details. Each participant received an invitation email containing a unique link to a web survey.
The survey was administered from 8 November 2016 to 29 November 2016 allowing for 3 weeks in field. Three
reminder emails were sent at approximately 1 week intervals to participants that had not yet completed the survey. A
final SMS reminder was sent to 859 non-responding alumni with valid mobile phone numbers – this resulted in 20
additional completions before final survey close.
The table below outlines the invitations sent, completions and email bounce backs. The overall response rate was
16%. 173 participants actually completed the survey however there were an additional 24 respondents that partially
completed the survey to a sufficient extent so some of the results could be used, resulting in a total of 197 responses
overall.
Sample Email
invitations count
Completions count
Bounce-backs count
Response rate %
NCP Alumni 1,324 197 97 16
Maximising the response rate in future
Sending alumni invitation emails at the beginning of September of each year would maximise responses. There were
very few email bounces for this survey, indicating that the alumni were not reading their emails. The most likely
reason for this is:
The majority of email addresses were student emails.
The survey fieldwork period took place after the end of the academic year when it is likely that student emails
addresses would not be used.
No alternate private email addresses were available.
ASR recommends that:
Private email addresses be collected as soon as a student is registered for the program, and
Survey fieldwork take place before exam SWOT Vac.
Incentives
No incentives were offered for the completion of the surveys. This was not deemed necessary as the participants had
received a grant to study or undertake a project overseas and the vast majority had very positive experiences during
their program.
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 6
Participant profile
This section provides information on participant profiles based on broad demographics.
General demographics
The ratio of female to male responses was roughly 60/40. Just over half Most NCP Alumni undertook their program in
either Indonesia (41%) or Japan (37%). Refer to the charts below.
Only one respondent identified as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and six respondents identified as having a
disability (representing 0.5% and 3% of total respondents, respectively; not shown).
Nearly two thirds (63%) of respondents had an honours or an undergraduate degree as their highest level of
education. Notably, just under one quarter (24%) of respondents had year 12 as their highest level of education.
63
24
6
2
1
1
3
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Undergraduate degree (including honours)
Year 12
Graduate diploma / Certificate
Masters degree
Doctorate
Vocational qualification
Other
What is the highest level of education you have completed?% respondents n=171
37
63
Gender% respondents n=150
Male Female X (indeterminate / unspecified)
41
37
13
9
0 20 40 60
Indonesia
Japan
Singapore
Hong Kong
Primary host country% respondents n=197
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 7
Employment
Just over half (52%) of respondents were studying and/or employed. Around one in seven (15%) alumni were looking
for work and one in eight (12%) were undertaking postgraduate studies. Refer to the chart below.
Of the 52% of Alumni that were employed, including an additional 7% that do volunteer work, 42% believed their NCP
experience / scholarship helped them get their current job.
One in eight (13%) of alumni that were employed (paid or unpaid) indicated they manage staff. Refer to the charts
below.
52
52
15
12
7
3
1
0
1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Studying (undergraduate)
Employed (paid work for an organisation)
Looking for work
Studying (postgraduate)
Voluntary (unpaid) work
Self-employed (paid work for myself)
Unemployed
Full-time carer
Other
What is your current employment status?% respondents n=191
13
87
Do you manage staff?% respondents employed n=98
Yes No
42
42
16
Do you think your NCP experience helped you to get this job?
% respondents employed, n=100
Yes No Not sure
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 8
Study
Among the proportion of alumni were studying, the vast majority (86%) were studying at undergraduate level and
11% were undertaking some form of post graduate study. Refer to the chart below.
86
8
3
1
0
2
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Undergraduate degree
Masters degree
Doctorate
Graduate diploma
Vocational qualification
Other
What is your current level of study?% respondents, those studying n=117
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 9
Key findings
The following sections report key finding from survey results.
Future plans
Alumni were asked what their plans were over the next five years. Nearly 3 in 5 respondents (59%) indicated they
intend to undertake further study while just over half (51%) wanted to seek employment in Australia, 41% wanted to
seek work overseas in the Indo-Pacific region and just under one third (31%) intend to seek work elsewhere overseas.
Refer to the chart below.
NCP experience /scholarship influence on career
The NCP experience had a positive influence on the majority of alumni career choices and prospects. Around four in
five respondents (82%) indicated that their NCP experience influenced their career choices to a great (35%) or
moderate (47%) extent. Nearly nine in ten respondents (88%) believed their experience had made a positive
contribution to their career prospects to a great (56%) or moderate (32%) extent. Refer to the chart below.
59
51
42
31
29
27
24
17
16
13
10
3
3
3
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Further study
Seek employment in Australia
Seek employment overseas(Indo Pacific Region)
Seek employment overseas (elsewhere)
Seek advancement in current career
Explore a new career path
Continue in current employment
Seek an internship overseas (Indo Pacific Region)
Seek an internship in Australia
Seek an internship overseas (elsewhere)
Start my own business
Continue to work in my own business
Career break
Other
What are your plans for the next five years?% respondents n=188 (multiple choice)
35
56
47
32
10
7
4
2
4
2
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Influenced your career choices (n=186)
Contributed positively to your future career prospects(n=188)
To what extent has your NCP experience / scholarship ...% respondents, n=variable, refer to chart
To a great extent To a moderate extent To a minor extent Not at all Not sure
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 10
NCP contacts and links
NCP Alumni were asked how many links they had maintained with anyone in their host location or anyone they met
through their NCP experience. They were asked to indicate who they considered their four (4) most significant links.
The table below (left) shows the number of significant links maintained by proportion of respondents. 16% of
respondents indicated they had not maintained any significant links while 84% maintained at least one significant link
and 28% had maintained at least four significant links.
The table below (right) shows the links maintained by type; whether professional, academic or personal (friends). Note
that a total of 137 respondents indicated that they had maintained at least one or more significant links. The
classifications for each link was multiple choice, therefore a link could be nominated in up to three classifications. This
is why the total percentages do not add to 100%.
Number of most significant links
maintained (at least)
% Total
n=164
None 16
1 84
2 68
3 44
4 28
Type of link - Row% Total % Professional Academic Personal
Link 1 (n=137) 30 30 59 119
Link 2 (n=111) 22 27 66 114
Link 3 (n=72) 15 31 71 117
Link 4 (n=46) 15 26 76 117
Total (n=137) 23 29 66 118
Analysis showed that professional and academic classifications overlapped with themselves as well as the personal
classification. In other words, aside from a purely academic or professional nature or both, NCP Alumni also regard
many of their professional and academic links as friends.
The majority (83%) of NCP Alumni reported that their NCP contacts enhanced their understanding and connections to
the Indo Pacific region to a great (53%) or moderate (30%) extent. Three in five alumni 61% believed their study
opportunities / outcomes were enhanced greatly (29%) or moderately (32%) and just over half (52%) reported their
employment prospects / outcomes were enhanced by their contacts greatly or moderately (26% for each). Refer to
the chart below.
Notably, 16% of respondents did not believe their contacts enhanced their employment prospects / outcomes and
12% indicated the same for study opportunities / outcomes.
53
29
26
30
32
26
9
23
27
5
12
16
2
3
5
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Understanding and connections to the Indo Pacific region(n=137)
Study opportunities/outcomes (n=137)
Employment prospects/outcomes (n=137)
To what extent has your NCP contacts / links you have maintained enhanced your ...% respondents, n=variable, refer to chart
To a great extent To a moderate extent To a minor extent Not at all Not sure
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 11
The alumni program
The following sections relate to a series of questions about what NCP Alumni would be interested in as part of an
alumni program in terms of events, professional development offerings and other opportunities.
Useful elements of the Alumni program
Two thirds (67%) of alumni indicated that job or work opportunities would be the most useful to them as part of the
NCP Alumni program. Professional networking (57%) and professional development opportunities (54%) were also
popular elements. Refer to the chart below.
One in five (21%) alumni are willing to act as a mentor, deliver training or participate in program development.
NCP advocacy activities
NCP Alumni are welcome to participate in a number of advocacy activities after the conclusion of their program. The
chart below shows the proportion of alumni that have participated in one or more of these activities. The activity most
engaged in by 61% of respondents was social networking with other NCP students. This was followed by professional
networking associated with an NCP Alumni event (34%) and mentoring/training of other NCP students prior to their
departure (29%).
67
57
54
36
30
21
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Job or work placement opportunities
Professional networking
Professional development opportunities
Social networking
Access to mentors
To give back to the network by acting as a mentor, deliveringtraining or participating in program development
What elements would be most useful for you as part of the NCP Alumni program?Respondents selected their top three
% respondents n=181
84
77
73
71
66
39
16
23
27
29
34
61
0 20 40 60 80 100
Other activity (n=169)
A job placement with a business or organisation associatedwith the NCP (n=175)
Presentations and training sessions associated with an NCPAlumni event (n=177)
Mentoring/training of other NCP students prior to theirdeparture (n=177)
Professional networking associated with an NCP Alumnievent (n=177)
Social networking with other NCP students (n=178)
Which of the following NCP Alumni or advocacy activities have you been involved with?% respondents, n=variable, refer to chart
% Participated in activity % Don't know / not applicable
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 12
NCP Alumni that participated in advocacy activities found them quite useful to their career plans. For example, close to
three quarters (72%) of NCP Alumni that participated in mentoring/training of other NCP students prior to their
departure found the exercise very useful (37%) or somewhat useful (35%). Refer to the chart below.
Over two in five (44%) NCP Alumni that participated in a job placement with a business or organisation associated
with the NCP found this very useful for their career plans.
Attendance at NCP Alumni events and likely future attendance
Overall 29% of alumni have been to an NCP Alumni event (not shown). The table below shows that 88% of those that
have been to an event are likely to attend (another) event whereas 12% were unsure.
Over half (54%) of alumni that have not been to an alumni event indicated they were likely to attend an event, 29%
were unsure and 17% indicated they would not.
Have you attended a NCP Alumni event?
Would you be likely to attend a NCP Alumni event? Row%
Yes No Unsure Total
Yes (n=52) 88 0 12 100
No (n=127) 54 17 29 100
Unsure (n=2) 50 0 50 100
Total n=181 64 12 24 100
37
44
21
22
28
25
35
27
49
41
32
33
23
17
26
33
35
35
6
12
4
4
5
7
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Mentoring/training of other NCP students prior to theirdeparture
A job placement with a business or organisation associatedwith the NCP
Presentations and training sessions associated with an NCPAlumni event
Other activity
Social networking with other NCP students
Professional networking associated with an NCP Alumni event
Which of the following NCP Alumni or advocacy activities have you been involved with and how useful were they to your career plans?
% respondents participated, n=variable, refer to chart (don't know and not applicable excluded)
Very useful Somewhat useful A little useful Not at all useful
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 13
NCP Alumni seek networking, employment and learning opportunities. Professional networking (83%), Job / Work
placement opportunities (80%) and Learning (presentations, training, etc.) (68%) were the top three main areas
interest to alumni that indicated they were likely to attend an NCP Alumni event. Refer to the table below.
What elements would be of most interest to you at NCP Alumni Program events? (multi choice)
Would you be likely to attend a NCP Alumni event?
Col %
Yes n=115
No n=19
Unsure n=44
Total n=178
Professional networking 83 42 61 74
Job / work placement opportunities 80 79 75 79
Learning (presentations, training, etc.) 68 26 73 65
Social networking 57 16 50 51
Opportunities to give back to the network by
supporting the coordination of events, delivering presentations or training
48 16 20 38
Participation in online events and likely future participation
Overall only 4% of alumni have participated in NCP Alumni online events such as Facebook Live session or webinars
(not shown). The table below shows that 36% of those that have not been to an event are likely to attend (another)
event whereas 30% are unsure.
Have you participated in NCP
Alumni online events such as Facebook Live session or webinars?
Would you be likely to participate in NCP Alumni online events such as Facebook Live
session or webinars?
Row%
Yes No Unsure Total
Yes (n=4) 50 25 25 100
No (=171) 36 34 30 100
Unsure (n=3) 100 0 0 100
Total (n=178) 37 33 30 100
Learning (presentations, training, etc.) (73%), Professional networking (67%) and Job / Work placement opportunities
(58%) were again among the top three areas of interest to alumni that indicated they were likely to participate in NCP
Alumni online events such as Facebook Live session or webinars. Refer to the table below.
What elements would be of most interest to you in NCP Alumni online events?
(multi choice)
Would you be likely to participate in NCP Alumni online events such as Facebook Live session or
webinars? Col %
Yes n=66
No n=53
Unsure n=53
Total n=172
Learning (presentations, training, etc.) 73 51 68 65
Professional networking 67 32 55 52
Job / work placement opportunities 58 70 70 65
Social networking 48 32 42 41
Opportunities to give back to the network by supporting the coordination
of events, delivering presentations or training
32 21 21 25
Other 2 2 0 1
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 14
Professional development as part of the Alumni program
NCP Alumni are keen to have leadership and management skills (75%) as part of an alumni professional development
program. Not surprisingly this is followed by development of communication skills (64%).
NCP Alumni LinkedIn group
Under half (45%) of NCP Alumni are members of the NCP Alumni LinkedIn group. Refer to chart below.
75
64
58
57
40
1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Leadership and managementskills
Communication skills
Foreign policy and trade
Networking skills
Business skills
Other
What areas of professional development would be of most interest to you as part of an NCP Alumni program?% respondents n=177
42
45
13
Are you a member of the NCP Alumni LinkedIn group?
% respondents, n=178
Yes No Unsure
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 15
Of the alumni that belong to the NCP LinkedIn Alumni Group, one third (33%) find event information useful (16%
very, useful 17%) and just under one third (32%) found connections to other alumni useful (12% very, 20% useful).
Refer to the chart below.
In some cases up to 50% of alumni don’t read or don’t know about particular resources available at the LinkedIn
group. For example 25% of alumni don’t read and 29% don’t know about discussion forums available on the NCP
LinkedIn Group, a total of 54%.
Australia Global Alumni Network
A very large proportion of NCP Alumni respondents (84%) were not members of the Australia Global Alumni Network
(49%) or were unsure whether they were members (35%). See the chart below.
16
12
8
11
7
4
5
17
20
21
19
13
13
8
20
15
27
20
28
17
14
7
11
4
7
7
11
3
20
24
24
20
29
25
24
20
19
16
24
16
29
47
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Event information
Connections to other alumni
News articles
Professional opportunities
Alumni profiles
Discussion forums
Other
How useful have you found the following LinkedIn articles and resources?% respondents, members of linkedIn NCP n=75
Very useful Useful Somewhat useful Not useful Don't read Don't know about it
16
49
35
Are you a member of the Australia Global Alumni Network?
% respondents, n=174
Yes No Not sure
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 16
Of the small proportion of NCP Alumni that were members of the Australia Global Alumni Network, 37% found the
news articles on the site very useful (15%) or useful (22%). Event information (38% [19% Very useful, 19% useful]),
access to alumni profiles (34% [15% very useful, 19% useful]) and connections to other alumni (33% [7% very
useful, 26% useful]) ranked among the top four most useful resources on this site. Refer to the chart below.
Again there was a very high proportion of Australia Global Alumni Network members that haven’t used or did not know
about the various resources available, for example up to 55% for discussion forums (44% haven’t used, 11% don’t
know about it).
Preferred communications channel for NCP Alumni information
Email was the preferred form of contact for receiving alumni program information for 88% of NCP Alumni respondents.
Refer to the chart below.
15
19
15
7
15
7
8
22
19
19
26
15
19
16
7
15
11
11
15
15
4
4
4
7
4
4
4
4
41
33
37
41
37
44
32
11
11
11
11
15
11
36
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
News articles
Event information
Alumni profiles
Connections to other alumni
Professional opportunities
Discussion forums
Other
How useful have you found the following Australia Global Alumni information and resources?
% respondents, members of AGAN n=27
Very useful Somewhat useful A little useful Not useful Haven't used Don't know about it
88
8
2
1
0
1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
New Colombo Plan Alumni Group on LinkedIn
Letter
Australian Government Global Alumni Portal
Other
What is your most preferred method of receiving information about the NCP Alumni Program?% respondents n=177
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 17
Mentoring
There was solid enthusiasm among NCP Alumni to be mentors of an NCP student or alumnus with 50% affirming they
would be interested and 36% indicating ‘maybe’ (implying a dependence on what the commitment would require).
Refer to chart below left.
Just under one in five respondents (18%) indicated that they or their organisation would be interested in more
information about the NCP Internship and Mentoring Network, Mobility Partners Program or ways to get involved with
and support the NCP – 13% indicated maybe. Refer to the chart below right.
50
15
36
Would you be willing to be a mentor for an NCP student or alumnus?
% respondents, n=177
Yes
No
Maybe18
69
13
Are you or your organisation interested in more information about NCP Internship and Mentoring
Network, Mobility Partners Program or ways to get involved with and support the NCP?
% respondents, n=94Yes
No
Maybe
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 18
Benefits of the NCP experience
There were a number of positive benefits the NCP Alumni had gained from their NCP program that aligns with the
strategic objectives of the program that relate to strengthening understanding, connections and work readiness of NCP
Alumni to businesses and institutions within the Indo-Pacific region. Refer to the table below and the accompanying
chart underneath.
Objective Measure % Net +ve
(Strongly agree or agree)
Lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia
by increasing the number of Australian
undergraduate students undertaking study and
Internships in the region
I gained useful knowledge and
understanding of my host
location(s)
97%
Deepen Australia’s people-to-people and
institutional relationships with the region,
through the engagement of students, universities,
businesses and other stakeholder networks in the
Program
I gained personal connections
that have helped in my career 59%
I gained cross cultural skills that
have helped in my career 88%
Establish study in the Indo-Pacific as a rite of
passage for Australian undergraduate students,
and as an endeavour that is highly valued by the
Australian community, and
Increase the number of work-ready
Australian graduates with regional
experience.
I am confident in my ability to
engage with people in the Indo-
Pacific region
87%
I gained professional experience
that has helped in my career 68%
I am more likely to seek out
work relating to the Indo-Pacific
region
83%
66
48
43
40
33
27
30
40
44
43
35
31
2
7
9
10
22
25
2
3
11
2
5
3
5
6
5
0 20 40 60 80 100
I gained useful knowledge and understanding of my hostlocation(s)
I gained cross cultural skills that have helped in my career
I am confident in my ability to engage with people in the Indo-Pacific region
I am more likely to seek out work relating to the Indo-Pacificregion
I gained professional experience that has helped in my career
I gained personal connections that have helped in my career
Indicate the degree to which you agree with the following statements about what you gained from your NCP program?
% respondents n=176
Strongly agree Agree Part agree / part disagree Disagree Strongly disagree Don't know
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 19
Comments on the most valuable elements of NCP
There were many elements of their NCP program that Alumni respondents found valuable. These are consistent with
findings from scholarship and mobility survey responses as well as responses in previous sections of this report.
Building professional networks in business and/or academia (46%) was the most valuable aspect of the NCP program
along with gaining an understanding of the host country(ies) culture (44%). Many respondents commented how their
contacts continued to be very worthwhile in obtaining work, references, advice, collaboration and personal support to
help achieve their goals.
“I made friends through the program who I have kept in contact with permanently and have continued to add a
holistic understanding of my degree.”
“Social networking and friendship building was a major highlight for myself during the NCP program. You make
connections from across the globe, and not just with the people in the host country.”
“It has opened several academic and professional doors. The program influenced my choice to do honours, the region
of study (Indonesia) and the connection with my supervisor, which has subsequently lead to more professional work.”
“I formed professional relationships with key people at the organisation in Hong Kong, who act as referees on my CV,
offered advice, and assisted me to secure a great job in Australia.”
Many NCP Alumni also found obtaining a global perspective, getting a wider or different view of the world, seeing other
ways of doing things (35%) a valuable element of their program. It also provided practical skills and real world
experience (23%)
“My NCP experience opened my eyes to a world beyond the books. It provided me with firsthand experience of the
business world closest to home yet the culture was so distinct. You develop personally as much as you develop in your
professional skills.”
“Meeting new people from different schools of thought. Challenging thinking…”
“The NCP experience was valuable as it exposed to another cultural reality, and to another nation's way of doing
things … I thought that the Australian way of doing things was close to the best way doing things… This was the most
important element of the program for me, to learn that people in the Indo-Pacific and further abroad had different
ways of doing just about anything, that we could learn from.”
What were the most valuable elements of your program? % Total
mentions
(n=95)
Building networks/business contacts that proved helpful/academics/fellow students/new lifelong friends/teachers/colleagues
46
Gaining an understanding of the host country(ies) culture/regional culture/cultural activities
44
Obtained a global perspective/wider view/more open minded/accepting of other points of view/other ways of doing things/opened my eyes
35
Gained work/practical/skills in industry area/how business runs in host country compared to Australia/real world experience
23
Improving host country language skills/immersion/Travelling through the Indo-Pacific region/host country(ies)
20
Inspired me to work/want to work in the Indo-Pacific region/host country/seek opportunities abroad
17
Helped focus/define/future career goals/helped self-reflection and reassessment 16
Built confidence/independence/feel more relaxed/in control/able to step out of comfort zone/pursue my field/confirmed mu career or study direction
16
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 20
What were the most valuable elements of your program? % Total
mentions (n=95)
Improving social skills/learning how to approach people differently/interacting culturally/professionally
15
Inspired/prepared me for future study in my chosen field/career 15
Contributed to my degree/thesis/study area/expanded my knowledge in field of study
12
Improving academic skills/adapting to different learning environments/different
teaching styles/study practices 9
The program helped me get employment/more professional work/gave me an edge 7
I could not have had the experience without NCP funding/maximised exchange 4
Enhanced research skills/fieldwork skills/opened academic doors 4
Other 5
Promoting NCP
NCP Alumni respondents demonstrate their positive attitude towards and sense of value of the NCP program by
recommending and actively promoting the NCP program to Australian Students and organisations in the Indo-Pacific
region. Refer to the chart below.
The vast majority (87%) of respondents recommend the program to Australian students frequently (47%) or
occasionally (40%). Nearly three quarters (73%) actively promote the program frequently (32%) or occasionally
(41%) and one third (33%) recommend the program to organisations in the Indo-Pacific region frequently (15%) or
occasionally (18%).
67
27
13
18
41
40
15
32
47
0 20 40 60 80
I recommended the program to organisations in the IndoPacific region
I actively promote the NCP program
I recommend the program to Australian students
Frequency and type of promotion of the NCP program% respondents n=172
Yes, frequently Yes, occasionally Do not do this
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 21
Just over half (52%) of all NCP Alumni respondents indicated they were willing to speak at schools, universities,
conferences and events to promote the NCP program. Mentoring is a preference for under half (49%) of respondents
and 41% are willing to help with pre-departure briefings. Refer to the chart below.
52
49
41
37
36
31
19
29
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Speaking at schools, universities, conferences, events
Mentoring NCP students
Helping with pre-departure briefings
Writing an article or blog
Media opportunities
I do not wish to participate in promotional activities atthis time
Establishing an NCP or indo-pacific alumni chapter or clubat your university or state
Other promotional activities
What activities would you be willing to participate in to promote the NCP program?% respondents n=166
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 22
Observations/recommendations
Overall, the results of the NCP Alumni survey were very positive. Alumni appear to have been well engaged in the
program and are willing to promote the benefits of participating to students, organisations and to other people in
general. They are also happy to continue to provide help and support to future NCP Students and Scholars.
The program was reported to be a life changing, ‘eye opening’, mind expanding, maturing, growth and confidence
building experience for the majority of participants – in effect an experience many will never forget; a right of
passage. In many cases their experience has validated or guided the alumni in their chosen career or study path and
at the very least provided an opportunity for self-reflection and reassessment of what their study or career path should
be.
The social aspect (networking/mentoring) of the program has had an enormous impact on alumni learning and career
outcomes, evidenced by its ranking as the number one most valuable aspect of the program and consistent top
ranking as one of the main benefits.
For the majority of alumni, their NCP experience was very worthwhile and has/will have a lasting impact on personal,
professional and academic aspects of their lives.
The following sections outline some observations and recommendations.
Alumni interests in program content – live events and online
The program was viewed as highly valuable overall by the majority of NCP Alumni and as a highly motivated group
they are interested in further opportunities in:
Networking (including learning how to effectively)
Learning and training (especially in leadership and management, and communication skills)
Professional/career development (mentors); and
Employment
Alumni appear to take advantage of live events provided by the program, however very few have participated in online
events or webinars. Further communication about these benefits may be required.
Overall there is a strong indication that NCP Alumni will participate in future events. These activities should continue to
be planned and developed.
Online resources
Although the alumni program offers resources online and via other global networks, many Alumni were unaware of
what these online resources had to offer – or that they even existed.
Further communication of these benefits may help to raise awareness. One opportune way to achieve this may be as
part of a presentation/demonstration at networking events on what is on offer and where to access/how to use the
websites – a site tour.
These online resources may also prove a valuable resource for organisations wanting to be involved in the NCP
program allowing them to access with NCP Alumni.
Links
Maintaining personal and professional links with people they have met has proven a very useful and supportive
element of the program. These aspects should be encouraged and facilitated as much as possible as it appears to be a
crucial part of personal development and guidance (mentoring) for NCP Alumni in their study and careers.
Communications channels
Email is by far the most preferred communications channel to communicate with NCP alumni. This is all the more
reason to ensure the dispatch of the alumni survey is before the end of year exam study period. The vast majority of
non-responding alumni in this survey round had student email addresses that appeared valid in that they did not
‘bounce’. However, those addresses appeared to be unattended due to the end of the study year. It is recommended
that alumni survey should occur before study period for end of year exams; no later than September of any given
year.
New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 23
Also, it is advised that a personal non-university email addresses be collected from NCP Mobility students and Scholars
at registration, if possible, or as soon as possible via Scholar and Mobility student feedback surveys as well as the
alumni survey.
Promotion
A large proportion of NCP Alumni are willing to participate in activities to promote the NCP program. Their details
should be maintained and classified into their preferences for participation such as mentoring, speaking etc as well as
field of study/expertise. These details should also be periodically updated or maintained as intended via future alumni
surveys.