Report: Alumni Crave Lifelong Learning, But Few Plan A Return To B-School

Despite strong demand for lifelong learning among business school graduates, most alumni are looking beyond their alma maters to meet those needs, according to a new global study.

The Alumni Matters report, released by education consultancy CarringtonCrisp in partnership with EFMD, surveyed 2,130 alumni across 87 countries. It found that while nearly half (46%) of respondents are eager for more learning opportunities, only 30% plan to return to their business school for further education.

Instead, alumni are calling for more tailored support from their former institutions. Seven in ten (70%) want business schools to create specific learning programs for alumni, while 64% are seeking online access to faculty content and 61% are looking for preferential rates for additional study.

A MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR B-SCHOOLS

“Lifelong learning is one of the priorities for alumni, and there is a clear indication that they expect favorable rates and access from their business schools,” says Andrew Crisp, co-founder of CarringtonCrisp and author of the report, in a news release accompanying it. “If they are not able to get this, they are very willing to go elsewhere.”

The findings suggest a missed opportunity for business schools but also point to a potential path forward. Crisp says that institutions could develop partnerships with external providers to broaden their lifelong learning offerings.

More than half of respondents (51%) expressed interest in pursuing another full-time degree, such as an MBA, EMBA, or other master’s. Postgraduate certificates or diplomas (45%) and short non-degree executive education courses (43%) were also popular. A majority (51%) preferred either fully online or blended learning formats.

Beyond academic learning, alumni are seeking deeper engagement with their business schools. Nearly half (45%) would like to attend annual community events combining networking and learning. Others expressed a desire to contribute to student career development (42%) and curriculum design (41%). Some 39% are interested in collaborating with fellow alumni on charitable or NGO projects.

‘AN OPEN DOOR FOR SCHOOLS WILLING TO ADAPT’

Career support remains a top priority. Just under half (48%) of respondents want improved alumni career services, with 46% asking for easier ways to connect with fellow graduates and the same number requesting more learning opportunities.

Entrepreneurship also emerged as a major theme. Four in ten alumni (41%) want support for starting a business. Among this group, 62% are looking to invest in new ventures, 52% are in the early planning stages of launching a business, and 45% are already founders seeking a stronger entrepreneurial network.

“The global job market is changing quickly due to technological, economic, and societal factors,” Crisp says. “Having several different careers is becoming the norm, and alumni are looking to their business schools for help to get up-to-date skills, knowledge, and experience. It’s an open door for schools willing to adapt.”

Read the full report here.

DON’T MISS IN DRAMATIC ABOUT-FACE- MOST MBA CANDIDATES NO LONGER CRAVE ON-CAMPUS LEARNING