The impact of AI in driving a new alumni relationship

19 June 2026

Andrew Crisp examines how AI may be changing what alumni want from their former school with ever greater importance on networking, community and learning.

This year’s Alumni Matters report has signs that alumni may be looking for a different relationship.  The vast majority of alumni remain positive about their former institution, but seem to be less engaged, perhaps not finding the career and learning support that they want and need in today’s AI world.

The study collected data between September and December 2025 with 1873 alumni responding from 41 countries.  Just over a third (34%) have an undergraduate degree while 57% have a postgraduate qualification, of which 27% are Master’s, 24% MBAs and 6% PhDs.

When alumni want more from the relationship with their former school, they are most likely to suggest that the answer is more networking, whether that’s with those they studied with or those working in the same profession or sector.  It doesn’t stop at networking though; better career services and lifelong learning are clear priorities.

If anything, career services and lifelong learning may become even more important with the rise of AI.  New alumni will seek further help to get an entry-level job as these types of roles decline as corporate AI usage increases, while order alumni will need to upskill and reskill to learn about AI and how to use it in their careers.

Interestingly, older alumni tend to be less engaged with their business school, less inclined to support activities for alumni and less likely to donate.  Of course, there are exceptions with some older alumni making substantial donations.  However, it may be that when older alumni graduated, there was little offered to them as alumni and consequently, they feel they have seen little benefit from being an alumnus.

For alumni and their business schools, the answer may be more community.  Bringing together prospective students, current students, recent alumni and older alumni in relevant groups or at events will drive benefits for each of these groups, as well as their business school.  For individuals, the benefit may be better understanding of what study means and where it might lead, it might mean better access to future career opportunities or it might mean learning from one another, acquiring knowledge and expertise.  For a school, there is the potential for stronger recruitment, but also better corporate access, whether that is to get student placements, full-time graduate opportunities, speakers to provide applied experience of work and business, involvement in research projects or other support.

The Alumni Matters report can be purchased on the CarringtonCrisp website here.