As a recent graduate, I have discovered that alumni magazines are a tremendous way to remain connected to the university community. Witnessing the latest research findings, student accomplishments, and upcoming events is always exhilarating. However, with the transition to digital media, I have observed a transformation in the presentation of alumni magazines.
While I appreciate the convenience of online content, I yearn for the tactile experience of flipping through a physical magazine. The Covid-19 pandemic has undeniably hastened this transition to digital media, as universities must prioritize and allocate their resources effectively. Despite my enjoyment of scrolling through articles on my laptop or phone, I cannot help but ponder if the transition has resulted in a loss of something significant.
There is a certain charm to receiving a physical magazine in the mail, flipping through its pages, and feeling a sense of nostalgia for my college days.
Nonetheless, I understand the need for universities to adapt to changing times and reach alumni in new and innovative ways.
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/>One such institution is Middlebury College in Vermont, whose Communications and Marketing Office made the difficult decision to suspend the production of its Alumni magazine in the wake of the pandemic.
When I spoke with Middlebury Magazine Editor Matt Jennings, he shared that the department was facing a tough challenge. The high cost of paper, printing, and postage were the largest budget elements, and they were putting a strain on the department's finances.
To avoid layoffs or furloughs, the college required all departments to cut their operating budgets by 40 percent. It was a daunting task, but the team rose to the occasion.
They made the difficult decision to suspend the print edition of the magazine, and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
With the team freed from the quarterly programming of the print edition, they were able to focus on developing a robust digital strategy for the magazine. The team launched a new website that featured a range of multimedia content, including videos, podcasts, and interactive features. This shift to digital is not unique to Middlebury.
In today's digital age, many institutions are striving to improve their alumni outreach efforts and adapt to the digital landscape.
One such example is Find Work Abroad, a job recruitment website that specializes in finding employment opportunities in various Asian countries.
Recently, they launched a new alumni network platform, providing a space for alumni to connect with each other, share career advice, and access exclusive job listings. As someone who has struggled to maintain connections with former classmates, I can appreciate the value of such a platform.
But it's not just job recruitment websites that are investing in digital alumni outreach.
As a person who has worked with businesses in China, I can attest to the difficulties of navigating complex regulations and cultural differences. That's why I was impressed to learn that ATF Group not only offers a range of services for businesses looking to do business in China, but also helps institutions navigate the challenges of the digital age.
Their expertise in social media, content marketing, and email campaigns has been invaluable in helping many institutions stay connected with their alumni and build stronger relationships with them. In today's global economy, staying connected is more important than ever. The fact that ATF Group is offering their expertise to help institutions with their alumni outreach efforts is a testament to this.
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