Illuminating the Significance of Alumni Engagement

Shinn Teo, Associate Director, Alumni and Careers, Southeast Asia and Oceania

Shinn Teo seeks deep satisfaction in bringing out the best in people and takes great pride in forging relationships with organizations vested in nurturing talents. As the Associate Director of Alumni and Careers for IE University, based in Singapore, she combines her belief in people development and appreciation for lifelong learning to support young graduates and alums in defining their career paths and launching their careers in the Southeast Asia & Oceania region. In her current role, she leverages her expertise in alumni engagement, corporate relations, and business development to create value for alums, students, and industry partners. Passionate about connecting with and supporting IE alumni who are leaders and changemakers in various industries and fields, Shinn helps them achieve their professional aspirations and personal goals. Her goal is to continue positively impacting someone's life, leveraging her deep foundational background in hospitality, customer-centric approach, and understanding of the learning and development and higher education industry.

In this interview with Education Consulting 2024 - Education Technology Insights APAC, Shinn Teo spotlights the role that mindful engagement and support can play in progressing students. Pushing beyond academics, she places value on the advancements in the academic sector that connect like-minded individuals to influence career opportunities.

Staying Mindful Of the Individual Timelines

Alumni engagement depends greatly on the stage of life the alumni are in. Often, when alumni take on a program like an MBA or a master’s, it is with the hope of supporting their career progression. However, life can get in the way, and networking might not be their priority. Alumni engagement requires an intentional approach; we aim to support our alumni in whatever way they need, whenever they need it. There is always time-specificity for whenever they wish to be supported, and it is vital to understand their needs and align solutions. We strive to constantly back them to further build collaboration both inside and outside the campus.

At an organizational level, we have implemented tools like IE Connects, which allows alumni and students to see campus activities, unlock networking opportunities and join events. This platform helps them expand their network and stay connected with the university.

The Catalyst of Alumni Engagement

Today, there is an abundance of information readily available at everyone's fingertips through the internet and mobile devices. Learning opportunities are vast, with even a simple Google search serving as an avenue for education. Thanks to these technological advancements, access to learning opportunities is only expected to increase in the future.

Shinn Teo believes that humans will always play a crucial role in making the world function. While technology and advancements like AI are significant, the need for communication and collaboration has also expanded due to these innovations. Technology has enhanced humans' ability to learn, communicate, and work collaboratively, eliminating the necessity of physical travel for meetings.

“In today's world, the abundance of information allows for an exchange of ideas in the classroom. Teachers now act more as facilitators, encouraging students to take responsibility for accelerating their own learning.”

Moreover, technology has fundamentally changed the roles of teachers and learners. Traditionally, teachers were seen as authoritative figures and the primary source of information, with learners passively receiving knowledge. However, in today's world, the abundance of information allows for an exchange of ideas in the classroom. Teachers now act more as facilitators, encouraging students to take responsibility for accelerating their own learning. Schools can leverage technology to redesign the learning space, fostering more interaction and collaboration. While the impact of technology on education is not a new concept, it is essential to recognize and appreciate how far we have come.

Encouraging the Networking Aspect

Shinn Teo emphasizes that the most important thing for fellow education professionals and institutions to remember is the enduring value of connections in today's digital age. At IE University, fostering a sense of belonging among alumni is crucial. It's not just about what alumni know but who they know, and guiding the community toward productive and effective networking is essential. The easiest way to initiate this is by encouraging alumni to connect with like-minded peers, leveraging the shared experience of attending the same educational institution.

Currently, Southeast Asia and Oceania represent growing markets for IE University, but they are also challenged by a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment, which can hinder career movement. Many alumni navigate their careers based on prevailing industry trends and personal preferences, such as a desire to experience different cultures. Recognizing these challenges, IE University has engaged more intentionally in the region. Shinn, appointed to her role in August, acknowledges that there is still a lot of foundational work to be done.

Understanding this, students and alumni need to bring a spirit of collaboration and adaptability into their workforce or academic environments. Shinn believes in reminding students and alumni that passion is not singular; everyone has diverse interests that fuel perseverance and interaction. Despite market irregularities, Shinn is confident that with passion, grit, and networking, students and alumni can achieve their desired positions. Ultimately, these soft skills form the essence of excellence in any professional environment.