As a cornerstone of UMGC's support ecosystem, the platform helps address specific challenges and driving outcomes for students and alumni. Francois shares insights into how PeopleGrove is helping underrepresented groups, particularly first-generation students, access opportunities. "55% of our students identify as first-generation students," Francois notes. UMGC leverages PeopleGrove to level the playing field, providing networking opportunities and resources to all. “Because of CareerQuest, I’m excited that we can truly support one of our tenets – creating equitable access for our students.”
Driving Engagement: Buy-in is Key to Student Success
UMGC's success with PeopleGrove extends beyond implementation; it's about integration and buy-in from stakeholders across campus. When CareerQuest rolled out, Francois made a pointed effort to involve different work groups across campus, including advancement, alumni relations, student engagement teams, the Honors Society, volunteer programs, and the Mentor Community Connect Program.
UMGC also integrates career services within the classroom through CareerQuest, offering a career exploration gateway course for new students. In it, students are encouraged to join CareerQuest, to engage with alumni and mentorship programs. This has been particularly important for underrepresented groups, notes Francois, who may not have social capital and inherited connections needed to complete networking assignments.
CareerQuest: Adding Value to the UMGC brand
As CareerQuest continues to grow, Francois sees the platform as a unique way to identify the UMGC brand. For Francois and other stakeholders across campus, CareerQuest allows students to seamlessly transition to alumni and have the opportunity to give back as a mentor. The “career services for life” component of the UMGC platform allows alumni on the platform to feel engaged with their institution at any point throughout their lives.
A pillar of UMGC's brand is a commitment to post-grad outcomes, and PeopleGrove plays a pivotal role in elevating the institution's brand. "PeopleGrove allows us to build and leverage our brand affinity," Francois emphasizes. Career Quest serves as more than just a networking hub or job portal; it's a gateway to lifelong connections and opportunities. UMGC's promise of career services for life fosters loyalty and engagement among students and alumni, reinforcing the institution's brand identity.
Francois has seen career confidence and career readiness in students significantly increase due to the engagement with resources PeopleGrove facilitates. From addressing initial goals to driving post grad outcomes for students and alumni, PeopleGrove has become an integral part of UMGC's support ecosystem, empowering student success via a connected, online community made possible by scalable technology.
For a more in-depth conversation with UMGC’s Cathy Francois, watch her strategy-oriented conversation Engage Online Students with a Virtual Campus.
