Will alumni recovery parallel better economic times for the UK?

Aug, 2009

MBS alumnus David Paynter looks at how a local approach to alumni relations is welcoming better days for MBS graduates in London

A drawn-out recession, unclear direction, too many chiefs at the head-table, and a lack of engagement.  It’s little wonder that our alumni chapter has fallen on difficult times of late.

As the President of the London Alumni of Melbourne Business School (LAMBS), I know that 2009 has been a challenging year for Melbourne alumni based in the UK – indeed the story has often been the same around the world.  For the London chapter, 2009 has also represented a new start in rebuilding an important global outpost for the School.  This is why I’d like to share our region’s story of how we’re underpinning a stronger support base for the School, its alumni, staff and students.

The LAMBS leadership, like many organisations in the UK, downsized and restructured this year.  The key to rebuilding has been identifying how to engage postgraduate business alumni, whilst putting in place a systematic and sustainable leadership structure.

Like many people around the world, we’ve had to be creative in doing more with less.  This has seen our alumni chapter identify strategic partners that can help us deliver continued and valuable activity for MBS graduates in the UK.  Some of the initiatives we’ve taken are:

  • Joining Australian Business , which will allow MBS alumni throughout Europe to attend Australian Business events and take part in new business opportunities
  • Establishing ABSA (Australian Business Schools Abroad), to expand alumni access to a like-minded postgraduate alumni business network
  • Enlisting the support of Advance, a global community of Australians, to help reconnect alumni with LAMBS events and market the School to a broader audience
  • Meeting with government bodies including Invest Victoria, DFAT, the Australian High Commission and AusTrade, who are assisting in network building and guiding the processes of collaboration

We’re now beginning to see the results.

Our August drinks event – normally the quietest of the year – was stronger than ever, with more alumni from Australian-based schools joining us and extending alumni networking opportunities for everyone.  Growing attendance at the monthly First Friday drinks will be vital to long-term success.

October sees the fourth LAMBS Annual Ball take place.  With a new format planned, and with stronger marketing through new and traditional channels, we’re confident that the Ball will be a highlight for UK-based, Australian business school alumni.

Ultimately, as President, I hope to look back on 2009 as having lead creative re-invigoration of our local alumni chapter.  It’s been hard work.  However, I’ve learnt a lot along the way and made many fabulous new connections, which will I’m certain will benefit UK-based alumni and our School.

They say the first signs of recovery are beginning to show in the UK.  So, after a long and protracted recession, the future is looking brighter for our region – in more ways than one.

David Paynter (MBA 1997)
d_paynter@bigpond.com

** Register now for the 2009 UK Alumni Annual Dinner Dance