DFAT New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 Report of...

New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016 | Produced by Australian Survey Research

DFAT

New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1

Report of survey findings

December 2016

Australian Survey Research Pty Ltd 258 Centre Road Bentleigh 3204

Level 3, 22 Darley Road | PO Box 807 Manly NSW 1655 | T 03 9557 4211 | F 03 9557 4311 | E [email protected] www.aussurveys.com

New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016 | Produced by Australian Survey Research

Table of contents

Executive summary 1

Introduction 5

Methodology 5

Data collection 5 Participant profile 6

Key findings 9

Future plans 9 NCP experience /scholarship influence on career 9 NCP contacts and links 10 The alumni program 11 Mentoring 17 Benefits of the NCP experience 18 Promoting NCP 20

Observations/recommendations 22

Australian Survey Research Group Pty Ltd is accredited under the AS ISO 20252 quality standard

applying to market and social research.

This research project was carried out in compliance with the AS ISO 20252 quality standard.

New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 2016| Produced by Australian Survey Research | 1

Executive summary

Australian Survey Research Group (ASR) was commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to

develop a survey for New Colombo Plan (NCP) Alumni.

This report presents the results of the first Alumni survey which as administered to NCP Scholars and Mobility students

that participated in round 2014. At least one year should have elapsed from the completion time of their program and

receipt of an NCP Alumni survey invitation.

Sample and response rates

ASR administered an online survey to 1,324 NCP Alumni. DFAT supplied a list of NCP program participants and their

email contact details. Each participant received an invitation email containing a unique link to a web survey.

The table below outlines the invitations sent, completions and email bounce backs.

Sample Email

invitations count

Completions count

Bounce-backs count

Response rate %

NCP Alumni 1,324 197 97 16

General demographics

The ratio of female to male responses was roughly 60/40. Most commonly, NCP Alumni undertook their

program in either Indonesia (41%) or Japan (37%).

Only one respondent identified as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and six respondents identified as

having a disability, representing 0.5% and 3% of total respondents, respectively.

Nearly two thirds (63%) of respondents had an honours or an undergraduate degree as their highest level of

education. Notably, just under one quarter (24%) of respondents had year 12 as their highest level of

education.

Just over half (52%) of respondents were studying and/or employed. Around one in seven (15%) alumni

were looking for work and one in eight (12%) were undertaking postgraduate studies.

Among the proportion of alumni who were studying, the vast majority (86%) were studying at undergraduate

level and 11% were undertaking some form of post graduate study. Refer to the chart below.

Of the 52% of Alumni that were employed, including an additional 7% that do volunteer work, 42% believed

their NCP experience / scholarship helped them get their current job.

One in eight (13%) of alumni that were employed (paid or unpaid) indicated they manage staff.

Future plans

Alumni were asked what their plans were over the next five years. Nearly 3 in 5 respondents (59%) indicated they

intend to undertake further study while just over half (51%) wanted to seek employment in Australia, 41% wanted to

seek work overseas in the Indo-Pacific region and just under one third (31%) intended to seek work elsewhere

overseas.


NCP contacts and links

The majority (83%) of NCP Alumni reported that their NCP contacts enhanced their understanding and connections to

the Indo Pacific region to a great (53%) or moderate (30%) extent. Three in five alumni 61% believed their study

opportunities / outcomes were enhanced greatly (29%) or moderately (32%) and just over half (52%) reported their

employment prospects / outcomes were enhanced by their contacts greatly or moderately (26% for each).

Useful elements of the Alumni program

Two thirds (67%) of alumni indicated that job or work opportunities would be the most useful to them as part of the

NCP Alumni program. Professional networking (57%) and professional development opportunities (54%) are also

popular elements. Refer to the chart below.

One in five (21%) alumni are willing to act as a mentor, deliver training or participate in program development.

Attendance at NCP Alumni events and likely future attendance/participation

Overall, 29% of alumni have been to an NCP Alumni event (not shown). The vast majority (88%) of those that have

been to an event are likely to attend (another) event whereas 12% were unsure.

Professional networking (83%), Job / Work placement opportunities (80%) and Learning (presentations, training, etc.)

(68%) were the top three main areas interest to alumni that indicated they were likely to attend an NCP Alumni event.

Overall, only 4% of alumni have participated in NCP Alumni online events such as Facebook Live session or webinars.

Over one third (36%) of those that have not been to an event indicated they were likely to attend (another) event

whereas 30% were unsure. Networking (67%), employment (58%) and learning opportunities (73%) were also of

main interest indicated by respondents who indicated they would participate in future online events.

53

29

26

30

32

26

9

23

27

5

12

16

2

3

5

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Understanding and connections to the Indo-Pacific region(n=137)

Study opportunities/outcomes (n=137)

Employment prospects/outcomes (n=137)

To what extent has your NCP contacts / links you have maintained enhanced your ...% respondents, n=variable, refer to chart

To a great extent To a moderate extent To a minor extent Not at all Not sure

67

57

54

36

30

21

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Job or work placement opportunities

Professional networking

Professional development opportunities

Social networking

Access to mentors

To give back to the network by acting as a mentor, deliveringtraining or participating in program development

What elements would be most useful for you as part of the NCP Alumni program?Respondents selected their top three

% respondents n=181


Professional development as part of the Alumni program

NCP Alumni are keen to have leadership and management skills (75%) as part of an alumni professional development

program. Not surprisingly this is followed by development of communication skills (64%).

Participation in other NCP Alumni groups

LinkedIn

Under half (45%) of NCP Alumni were members of the NCP Alumni LinkedIn group.

Of the alumni that belong to the NCP LinkedIn Alumni Group one third (33%) found event information useful (16%

very, useful 17%) and just under one third (32%) found connections to other alumni useful (12% very, 20% useful).

However up to 54% of group participants either did not read or weren’t aware of the information available.

Australia Global Alumni

A very large proportion of NCP Alumni respondents (84%) were not members (49%) or were unsure whether they

were members (35%) of the Australia Global Alumni Network.

Of the small proportion of NCP Alumni that were members of the Australia Global Alumni Network, 37% found the

news articles on the site very useful (15%) or useful (22%). Event information (38% [19% Very useful, 19% useful]),

access to alumni profiles (34% [15% very useful, 19% useful]) and connections to other alumni (33% [7% very

useful, 26% useful]). Again a large proportion of members (up to 55%) either haven’t used or aren’t aware about

information available.

Benefits of the NCP experience

There were a number of positive benefits the NCP Alumni had gained from their NCP program that aligns with the

strategic objectives of the program that relate to strengthening understanding, connections and work readiness of NCP

Alumni to businesses and institutions within the Indo-Pacific region. Refer to the chart below.

75

64

58

57

40

1

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Leadership and management skills

Communication skills

Foreign policy and trade

Networking skills

Business skills

Other

What areas of professional development would be of most interest to you as part of an NCP Alumni program?% respondents n=177

66

48

43

40

33

27

30

40

44

43

35

31

2

7

9

10

22

25

2

3

11

2

5

3

5

6

5

0 20 40 60 80 100

I gained useful knowledge and understanding of my hostlocation(s)

I gained cross cultural skills that have helped in my career

I am confident in my ability to engage with people in the Indo-Pacific region

I am more likely to seek out work relating to the Indo-Pacificregion

I gained professional experience that has helped in my career

I gained personal connections that have helped in my career

Indicate the degree to which you agree with the following statements about what you gained from your NCP program?

% respondents n=176

Strongly agree Agree Part agree / part disagree Disagree Strongly disagree Don't know


The most valuable elements of NCP

Then table below shows the top four elements of the NCP program most valued by NCP Alumni.

Networking (46%), cultural understanding (44%) a broadened more global perspective (35%) and obtaining practical

real world work skills and experience (23%) were top of the list.

Top 4 - What were the most valuable elements of your program?

% Total

mentions

(n=95)

Building networks/business contacts that proved helpful/academics/fellow students/new

lifelong friends/teachers/colleagues 46

Gaining an understanding of the host country(ies) culture/regional culture/cultural activities 44

Obtained a global perspective/wider view/more open minded/accepting of other points of

view/other ways of doing things/opened my eyes 35

Gained work/practical/skills in industry area/how business runs in host country compared to

Australia/real world experience 23

Promoting NCP

NCP Alumni are enthusiastic about the benefits of the program and are willing to promote it further.

The vast majority (87%) of respondents recommend the program to Australian students frequently (47%) or

occasionally (40%). Nearly three quarters (73%) actively promote the program frequently (32%) or occasionally

(41%) and one third (33%) recommend the program to organisations in the Indo-Pacific region frequently (15%) or

occasionally (18%).

Just over half (52%) of all NCP Alumni respondents indicated they were willing to speak at schools, universities,

conferences and events to promote the NCP program. Mentoring is a preference almost half (49%) of respondents and

41% are willing to help with pre-departure briefings. Refer to the chart below.

52

49

41

37

36

31

19

29

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Speaking at schools, universities, conferences, events

Mentoring NCP students

Helping with pre-departure briefings

Writing an article or blog

Media opportunities

I do not wish to participate in promotional activities atthis time

Establishing an NCP or indo-pacific alumni chapter or clubat your university or state

Other promotional activities

What activities would you be willing to participate in to promote the NCP program?% respondents n=166


Introduction

Australian Survey Research Group (ASR) was commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to

develop a survey for New Colombo Plan (NCP) Alumni.

This report presents the results of the first Alumni survey which as administered to NCP Scholars and Mobility students

that participated in round 2014. At least one year should have elapsed from the completion time of their program and

receipt of an NCP Alumni survey invitation.

Methodology

Data collection

Sample and response rates

ASR administered an online survey to 1,324 NCP Alumni. DFAT supplied a list of NCP program participants and their

email contact details. Each participant received an invitation email containing a unique link to a web survey.

The survey was administered from 8 November 2016 to 29 November 2016 allowing for 3 weeks in field. Three

reminder emails were sent at approximately 1 week intervals to participants that had not yet completed the survey. A

final SMS reminder was sent to 859 non-responding alumni with valid mobile phone numbers – this resulted in 20

additional completions before final survey close.

The table below outlines the invitations sent, completions and email bounce backs. The overall response rate was

16%. 173 participants actually completed the survey however there were an additional 24 respondents that partially

completed the survey to a sufficient extent so some of the results could be used, resulting in a total of 197 responses

overall.

Sample Email

invitations count

Completions count

Bounce-backs count

Response rate %

NCP Alumni 1,324 197 97 16

Maximising the response rate in future

Sending alumni invitation emails at the beginning of September of each year would maximise responses. There were

very few email bounces for this survey, indicating that the alumni were not reading their emails. The most likely

reason for this is:

The majority of email addresses were student emails.

The survey fieldwork period took place after the end of the academic year when it is likely that student emails

addresses would not be used.

No alternate private email addresses were available.

ASR recommends that:

Private email addresses be collected as soon as a student is registered for the program, and

Survey fieldwork take place before exam SWOT Vac.

Incentives

No incentives were offered for the completion of the surveys. This was not deemed necessary as the participants had

received a grant to study or undertake a project overseas and the vast majority had very positive experiences during

their program.


Participant profile

This section provides information on participant profiles based on broad demographics.

General demographics

The ratio of female to male responses was roughly 60/40. Just over half Most NCP Alumni undertook their program in

either Indonesia (41%) or Japan (37%). Refer to the charts below.

Only one respondent identified as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and six respondents identified as having a

disability (representing 0.5% and 3% of total respondents, respectively; not shown).

Nearly two thirds (63%) of respondents had an honours or an undergraduate degree as their highest level of

education. Notably, just under one quarter (24%) of respondents had year 12 as their highest level of education.

63

24

6

2

1

1

3

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Undergraduate degree (including honours)

Year 12

Graduate diploma / Certificate

Masters degree

Doctorate

Vocational qualification

Other

What is the highest level of education you have completed?% respondents n=171

37

63

Gender% respondents n=150

Male Female X (indeterminate / unspecified)

41

37

13

9

0 20 40 60

Indonesia

Japan

Singapore

Hong Kong

Primary host country% respondents n=197


Employment

Just over half (52%) of respondents were studying and/or employed. Around one in seven (15%) alumni were looking

for work and one in eight (12%) were undertaking postgraduate studies. Refer to the chart below.

Of the 52% of Alumni that were employed, including an additional 7% that do volunteer work, 42% believed their NCP

experience / scholarship helped them get their current job.

One in eight (13%) of alumni that were employed (paid or unpaid) indicated they manage staff. Refer to the charts

below.

52

52

15

12

7

3

1

0

1

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Studying (undergraduate)

Employed (paid work for an organisation)

Looking for work

Studying (postgraduate)

Voluntary (unpaid) work

Self-employed (paid work for myself)

Unemployed

Full-time carer

Other

What is your current employment status?% respondents n=191

13

87

Do you manage staff?% respondents employed n=98

Yes No

42

42

16

Do you think your NCP experience helped you to get this job?

% respondents employed, n=100

Yes No Not sure


Study

Among the proportion of alumni were studying, the vast majority (86%) were studying at undergraduate level and

11% were undertaking some form of post graduate study. Refer to the chart below.

86

8

3

1

0

2

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Undergraduate degree

Masters degree

Doctorate

Graduate diploma

Vocational qualification

Other

What is your current level of study?% respondents, those studying n=117


Key findings

The following sections report key finding from survey results.

Future plans

Alumni were asked what their plans were over the next five years. Nearly 3 in 5 respondents (59%) indicated they

intend to undertake further study while just over half (51%) wanted to seek employment in Australia, 41% wanted to

seek work overseas in the Indo-Pacific region and just under one third (31%) intend to seek work elsewhere overseas.

Refer to the chart below.

NCP experience /scholarship influence on career

The NCP experience had a positive influence on the majority of alumni career choices and prospects. Around four in

five respondents (82%) indicated that their NCP experience influenced their career choices to a great (35%) or

moderate (47%) extent. Nearly nine in ten respondents (88%) believed their experience had made a positive

contribution to their career prospects to a great (56%) or moderate (32%) extent. Refer to the chart below.

59

51

42

31

29

27

24

17

16

13

10

3

3

3

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Further study

Seek employment in Australia

Seek employment overseas(Indo Pacific Region)

Seek employment overseas (elsewhere)

Seek advancement in current career

Explore a new career path

Continue in current employment

Seek an internship overseas (Indo Pacific Region)

Seek an internship in Australia

Seek an internship overseas (elsewhere)

Start my own business

Continue to work in my own business

Career break

Other

What are your plans for the next five years?% respondents n=188 (multiple choice)

35

56

47

32

10

7

4

2

4

2

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Influenced your career choices (n=186)

Contributed positively to your future career prospects(n=188)

To what extent has your NCP experience / scholarship ...% respondents, n=variable, refer to chart



NCP contacts and links

NCP Alumni were asked how many links they had maintained with anyone in their host location or anyone they met

through their NCP experience. They were asked to indicate who they considered their four (4) most significant links.

The table below (left) shows the number of significant links maintained by proportion of respondents. 16% of

respondents indicated they had not maintained any significant links while 84% maintained at least one significant link

and 28% had maintained at least four significant links.

The table below (right) shows the links maintained by type; whether professional, academic or personal (friends). Note

that a total of 137 respondents indicated that they had maintained at least one or more significant links. The

classifications for each link was multiple choice, therefore a link could be nominated in up to three classifications. This

is why the total percentages do not add to 100%.

Number of most significant links

maintained (at least)

% Total

n=164

None 16

1 84

2 68

3 44

4 28

Type of link - Row% Total % Professional Academic Personal

Link 1 (n=137) 30 30 59 119

Link 2 (n=111) 22 27 66 114

Link 3 (n=72) 15 31 71 117

Link 4 (n=46) 15 26 76 117

Total (n=137) 23 29 66 118

Analysis showed that professional and academic classifications overlapped with themselves as well as the personal

classification. In other words, aside from a purely academic or professional nature or both, NCP Alumni also regard

many of their professional and academic links as friends.

The majority (83%) of NCP Alumni reported that their NCP contacts enhanced their understanding and connections to

the Indo Pacific region to a great (53%) or moderate (30%) extent. Three in five alumni 61% believed their study

opportunities / outcomes were enhanced greatly (29%) or moderately (32%) and just over half (52%) reported their

employment prospects / outcomes were enhanced by their contacts greatly or moderately (26% for each). Refer to

the chart below.

Notably, 16% of respondents did not believe their contacts enhanced their employment prospects / outcomes and

12% indicated the same for study opportunities / outcomes.

53

29

26

30

32

26

9

23

27

5

12

16

2

3

5

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Understanding and connections to the Indo Pacific region(n=137)

Study opportunities/outcomes (n=137)

Employment prospects/outcomes (n=137)

To what extent has your NCP contacts / links you have maintained enhanced your ...% respondents, n=variable, refer to chart



The alumni program

The following sections relate to a series of questions about what NCP Alumni would be interested in as part of an

alumni program in terms of events, professional development offerings and other opportunities.

Useful elements of the Alumni program

Two thirds (67%) of alumni indicated that job or work opportunities would be the most useful to them as part of the

NCP Alumni program. Professional networking (57%) and professional development opportunities (54%) were also

popular elements. Refer to the chart below.

One in five (21%) alumni are willing to act as a mentor, deliver training or participate in program development.

NCP advocacy activities

NCP Alumni are welcome to participate in a number of advocacy activities after the conclusion of their program. The

chart below shows the proportion of alumni that have participated in one or more of these activities. The activity most

engaged in by 61% of respondents was social networking with other NCP students. This was followed by professional

networking associated with an NCP Alumni event (34%) and mentoring/training of other NCP students prior to their

departure (29%).

67

57

54

36

30

21

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Job or work placement opportunities

Professional networking

Professional development opportunities

Social networking

Access to mentors

To give back to the network by acting as a mentor, deliveringtraining or participating in program development

What elements would be most useful for you as part of the NCP Alumni program?Respondents selected their top three

% respondents n=181

84

77

73

71

66

39

16

23

27

29

34

61

0 20 40 60 80 100

Other activity (n=169)

A job placement with a business or organisation associatedwith the NCP (n=175)

Presentations and training sessions associated with an NCPAlumni event (n=177)

Mentoring/training of other NCP students prior to theirdeparture (n=177)

Professional networking associated with an NCP Alumnievent (n=177)

Social networking with other NCP students (n=178)

Which of the following NCP Alumni or advocacy activities have you been involved with?% respondents, n=variable, refer to chart

% Participated in activity % Don't know / not applicable


NCP Alumni that participated in advocacy activities found them quite useful to their career plans. For example, close to

three quarters (72%) of NCP Alumni that participated in mentoring/training of other NCP students prior to their

departure found the exercise very useful (37%) or somewhat useful (35%). Refer to the chart below.

Over two in five (44%) NCP Alumni that participated in a job placement with a business or organisation associated

with the NCP found this very useful for their career plans.

Attendance at NCP Alumni events and likely future attendance

Overall 29% of alumni have been to an NCP Alumni event (not shown). The table below shows that 88% of those that

have been to an event are likely to attend (another) event whereas 12% were unsure.

Over half (54%) of alumni that have not been to an alumni event indicated they were likely to attend an event, 29%

were unsure and 17% indicated they would not.

Have you attended a NCP Alumni event?

Would you be likely to attend a NCP Alumni event? Row%

Yes No Unsure Total

Yes (n=52) 88 0 12 100

No (n=127) 54 17 29 100

Unsure (n=2) 50 0 50 100

Total n=181 64 12 24 100

37

44

21

22

28

25

35

27

49

41

32

33

23

17

26

33

35

35

6

12

4

4

5

7

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Mentoring/training of other NCP students prior to theirdeparture

A job placement with a business or organisation associatedwith the NCP

Presentations and training sessions associated with an NCPAlumni event

Other activity

Social networking with other NCP students

Professional networking associated with an NCP Alumni event

Which of the following NCP Alumni or advocacy activities have you been involved with and how useful were they to your career plans?

% respondents participated, n=variable, refer to chart (don't know and not applicable excluded)

Very useful Somewhat useful A little useful Not at all useful


NCP Alumni seek networking, employment and learning opportunities. Professional networking (83%), Job / Work

placement opportunities (80%) and Learning (presentations, training, etc.) (68%) were the top three main areas

interest to alumni that indicated they were likely to attend an NCP Alumni event. Refer to the table below.

What elements would be of most interest to you at NCP Alumni Program events? (multi choice)

Would you be likely to attend a NCP Alumni event?

Col %

Yes n=115

No n=19

Unsure n=44

Total n=178

Professional networking 83 42 61 74

Job / work placement opportunities 80 79 75 79

Learning (presentations, training, etc.) 68 26 73 65

Social networking 57 16 50 51

Opportunities to give back to the network by

supporting the coordination of events, delivering presentations or training

48 16 20 38

Participation in online events and likely future participation

Overall only 4% of alumni have participated in NCP Alumni online events such as Facebook Live session or webinars

(not shown). The table below shows that 36% of those that have not been to an event are likely to attend (another)

event whereas 30% are unsure.

Have you participated in NCP

Alumni online events such as Facebook Live session or webinars?

Would you be likely to participate in NCP Alumni online events such as Facebook Live

session or webinars?

Row%

Yes No Unsure Total

Yes (n=4) 50 25 25 100

No (=171) 36 34 30 100

Unsure (n=3) 100 0 0 100

Total (n=178) 37 33 30 100

Learning (presentations, training, etc.) (73%), Professional networking (67%) and Job / Work placement opportunities

(58%) were again among the top three areas of interest to alumni that indicated they were likely to participate in NCP

Alumni online events such as Facebook Live session or webinars. Refer to the table below.

What elements would be of most interest to you in NCP Alumni online events?

(multi choice)

Would you be likely to participate in NCP Alumni online events such as Facebook Live session or

webinars? Col %

Yes n=66

No n=53

Unsure n=53

Total n=172

Learning (presentations, training, etc.) 73 51 68 65

Professional networking 67 32 55 52

Job / work placement opportunities 58 70 70 65

Social networking 48 32 42 41

Opportunities to give back to the network by supporting the coordination

of events, delivering presentations or training

32 21 21 25

Other 2 2 0 1


Professional development as part of the Alumni program

NCP Alumni are keen to have leadership and management skills (75%) as part of an alumni professional development

program. Not surprisingly this is followed by development of communication skills (64%).

NCP Alumni LinkedIn group

Under half (45%) of NCP Alumni are members of the NCP Alumni LinkedIn group. Refer to chart below.

75

64

58

57

40

1

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Leadership and managementskills

Communication skills

Foreign policy and trade

Networking skills

Business skills

Other

What areas of professional development would be of most interest to you as part of an NCP Alumni program?% respondents n=177

42

45

13

Are you a member of the NCP Alumni LinkedIn group?

% respondents, n=178

Yes No Unsure


Of the alumni that belong to the NCP LinkedIn Alumni Group, one third (33%) find event information useful (16%

very, useful 17%) and just under one third (32%) found connections to other alumni useful (12% very, 20% useful).


In some cases up to 50% of alumni don’t read or don’t know about particular resources available at the LinkedIn

group. For example 25% of alumni don’t read and 29% don’t know about discussion forums available on the NCP

LinkedIn Group, a total of 54%.

Australia Global Alumni Network

A very large proportion of NCP Alumni respondents (84%) were not members of the Australia Global Alumni Network

(49%) or were unsure whether they were members (35%). See the chart below.

16

12

8

11

7

4

5

17

20

21

19

13

13

8

20

15

27

20

28

17

14

7

11

4

7

7

11

3

20

24

24

20

29

25

24

20

19

16

24

16

29

47

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Event information

Connections to other alumni

News articles

Professional opportunities

Alumni profiles

Discussion forums

Other

How useful have you found the following LinkedIn articles and resources?% respondents, members of linkedIn NCP n=75

Very useful Useful Somewhat useful Not useful Don't read Don't know about it

16

49

35

Are you a member of the Australia Global Alumni Network?


Yes No Not sure


Of the small proportion of NCP Alumni that were members of the Australia Global Alumni Network, 37% found the

news articles on the site very useful (15%) or useful (22%). Event information (38% [19% Very useful, 19% useful]),

access to alumni profiles (34% [15% very useful, 19% useful]) and connections to other alumni (33% [7% very

useful, 26% useful]) ranked among the top four most useful resources on this site. Refer to the chart below.

Again there was a very high proportion of Australia Global Alumni Network members that haven’t used or did not know

about the various resources available, for example up to 55% for discussion forums (44% haven’t used, 11% don’t

know about it).

Preferred communications channel for NCP Alumni information

Email was the preferred form of contact for receiving alumni program information for 88% of NCP Alumni respondents.


15

19

15

7

15

7

8

22

19

19

26

15

19

16

7

15

11

11

15

15

4

4

4

7

4

4

4

4

41

33

37

41

37

44

32

11

11

11

11

15

11

36

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

News articles

Event information

Alumni profiles

Connections to other alumni

Professional opportunities

Discussion forums

Other

How useful have you found the following Australia Global Alumni information and resources?

% respondents, members of AGAN n=27

Very useful Somewhat useful A little useful Not useful Haven't used Don't know about it

88

8

2

1

0

1

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Email

New Colombo Plan Alumni Group on LinkedIn

Letter

Australian Government Global Alumni Portal

Twitter

Other

What is your most preferred method of receiving information about the NCP Alumni Program?% respondents n=177


Mentoring

There was solid enthusiasm among NCP Alumni to be mentors of an NCP student or alumnus with 50% affirming they

would be interested and 36% indicating ‘maybe’ (implying a dependence on what the commitment would require).

Refer to chart below left.

Just under one in five respondents (18%) indicated that they or their organisation would be interested in more

information about the NCP Internship and Mentoring Network, Mobility Partners Program or ways to get involved with

and support the NCP – 13% indicated maybe. Refer to the chart below right.

50

15

36

Would you be willing to be a mentor for an NCP student or alumnus?


Yes

No

Maybe18

69

13

Are you or your organisation interested in more information about NCP Internship and Mentoring

Network, Mobility Partners Program or ways to get involved with and support the NCP?

% respondents, n=94Yes

No

Maybe


Benefits of the NCP experience

There were a number of positive benefits the NCP Alumni had gained from their NCP program that aligns with the

strategic objectives of the program that relate to strengthening understanding, connections and work readiness of NCP

Alumni to businesses and institutions within the Indo-Pacific region. Refer to the table below and the accompanying

chart underneath.

Objective Measure % Net +ve

(Strongly agree or agree)

Lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia

by increasing the number of Australian

undergraduate students undertaking study and

Internships in the region

I gained useful knowledge and

understanding of my host

location(s)

97%

Deepen Australia’s people-to-people and

institutional relationships with the region,

through the engagement of students, universities,

businesses and other stakeholder networks in the

Program

I gained personal connections

that have helped in my career 59%

I gained cross cultural skills that

have helped in my career 88%

Establish study in the Indo-Pacific as a rite of

passage for Australian undergraduate students,

and as an endeavour that is highly valued by the

Australian community, and

Increase the number of work-ready

Australian graduates with regional

experience.

I am confident in my ability to

engage with people in the Indo-

Pacific region

87%

I gained professional experience

that has helped in my career 68%

I am more likely to seek out

work relating to the Indo-Pacific

region

83%

66

48

43

40

33

27

30

40

44

43

35

31

2

7

9

10

22

25

2

3

11

2

5

3

5

6

5

0 20 40 60 80 100

I gained useful knowledge and understanding of my hostlocation(s)

I gained cross cultural skills that have helped in my career

I am confident in my ability to engage with people in the Indo-Pacific region

I am more likely to seek out work relating to the Indo-Pacificregion

I gained professional experience that has helped in my career

I gained personal connections that have helped in my career

Indicate the degree to which you agree with the following statements about what you gained from your NCP program?

% respondents n=176

Strongly agree Agree Part agree / part disagree Disagree Strongly disagree Don't know


Comments on the most valuable elements of NCP

There were many elements of their NCP program that Alumni respondents found valuable. These are consistent with

findings from scholarship and mobility survey responses as well as responses in previous sections of this report.

Building professional networks in business and/or academia (46%) was the most valuable aspect of the NCP program

along with gaining an understanding of the host country(ies) culture (44%). Many respondents commented how their

contacts continued to be very worthwhile in obtaining work, references, advice, collaboration and personal support to

help achieve their goals.

“I made friends through the program who I have kept in contact with permanently and have continued to add a

holistic understanding of my degree.”

“Social networking and friendship building was a major highlight for myself during the NCP program. You make

connections from across the globe, and not just with the people in the host country.”

“It has opened several academic and professional doors. The program influenced my choice to do honours, the region

of study (Indonesia) and the connection with my supervisor, which has subsequently lead to more professional work.”

“I formed professional relationships with key people at the organisation in Hong Kong, who act as referees on my CV,

offered advice, and assisted me to secure a great job in Australia.”

Many NCP Alumni also found obtaining a global perspective, getting a wider or different view of the world, seeing other

ways of doing things (35%) a valuable element of their program. It also provided practical skills and real world

experience (23%)

“My NCP experience opened my eyes to a world beyond the books. It provided me with firsthand experience of the

business world closest to home yet the culture was so distinct. You develop personally as much as you develop in your

professional skills.”

“Meeting new people from different schools of thought. Challenging thinking…”

“The NCP experience was valuable as it exposed to another cultural reality, and to another nation's way of doing

things … I thought that the Australian way of doing things was close to the best way doing things… This was the most

important element of the program for me, to learn that people in the Indo-Pacific and further abroad had different

ways of doing just about anything, that we could learn from.”

What were the most valuable elements of your program? % Total

mentions

(n=95)

Building networks/business contacts that proved helpful/academics/fellow students/new lifelong friends/teachers/colleagues

46

Gaining an understanding of the host country(ies) culture/regional culture/cultural activities

44

Obtained a global perspective/wider view/more open minded/accepting of other points of view/other ways of doing things/opened my eyes

35

Gained work/practical/skills in industry area/how business runs in host country compared to Australia/real world experience

23

Improving host country language skills/immersion/Travelling through the Indo-Pacific region/host country(ies)

20

Inspired me to work/want to work in the Indo-Pacific region/host country/seek opportunities abroad

17

Helped focus/define/future career goals/helped self-reflection and reassessment 16

Built confidence/independence/feel more relaxed/in control/able to step out of comfort zone/pursue my field/confirmed mu career or study direction

16


What were the most valuable elements of your program? % Total

mentions (n=95)

Improving social skills/learning how to approach people differently/interacting culturally/professionally

15

Inspired/prepared me for future study in my chosen field/career 15

Contributed to my degree/thesis/study area/expanded my knowledge in field of study

12

Improving academic skills/adapting to different learning environments/different

teaching styles/study practices 9

The program helped me get employment/more professional work/gave me an edge 7

I could not have had the experience without NCP funding/maximised exchange 4

Enhanced research skills/fieldwork skills/opened academic doors 4

Other 5

Promoting NCP

NCP Alumni respondents demonstrate their positive attitude towards and sense of value of the NCP program by

recommending and actively promoting the NCP program to Australian Students and organisations in the Indo-Pacific

region. Refer to the chart below.

The vast majority (87%) of respondents recommend the program to Australian students frequently (47%) or

occasionally (40%). Nearly three quarters (73%) actively promote the program frequently (32%) or occasionally

(41%) and one third (33%) recommend the program to organisations in the Indo-Pacific region frequently (15%) or

occasionally (18%).

67

27

13

18

41

40

15

32

47

0 20 40 60 80

I recommended the program to organisations in the IndoPacific region

I actively promote the NCP program

I recommend the program to Australian students

Frequency and type of promotion of the NCP program% respondents n=172

Yes, frequently Yes, occasionally Do not do this


Just over half (52%) of all NCP Alumni respondents indicated they were willing to speak at schools, universities,

conferences and events to promote the NCP program. Mentoring is a preference for under half (49%) of respondents

and 41% are willing to help with pre-departure briefings. Refer to the chart below.

52

49

41

37

36

31

19

29

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Speaking at schools, universities, conferences, events

Mentoring NCP students

Helping with pre-departure briefings

Writing an article or blog

Media opportunities

I do not wish to participate in promotional activities atthis time

Establishing an NCP or indo-pacific alumni chapter or clubat your university or state

Other promotional activities

What activities would you be willing to participate in to promote the NCP program?% respondents n=166


Observations/recommendations

Overall, the results of the NCP Alumni survey were very positive. Alumni appear to have been well engaged in the

program and are willing to promote the benefits of participating to students, organisations and to other people in

general. They are also happy to continue to provide help and support to future NCP Students and Scholars.

The program was reported to be a life changing, ‘eye opening’, mind expanding, maturing, growth and confidence

building experience for the majority of participants – in effect an experience many will never forget; a right of

passage. In many cases their experience has validated or guided the alumni in their chosen career or study path and

at the very least provided an opportunity for self-reflection and reassessment of what their study or career path should

be.

The social aspect (networking/mentoring) of the program has had an enormous impact on alumni learning and career

outcomes, evidenced by its ranking as the number one most valuable aspect of the program and consistent top

ranking as one of the main benefits.

For the majority of alumni, their NCP experience was very worthwhile and has/will have a lasting impact on personal,

professional and academic aspects of their lives.

The following sections outline some observations and recommendations.

Alumni interests in program content – live events and online

The program was viewed as highly valuable overall by the majority of NCP Alumni and as a highly motivated group

they are interested in further opportunities in:

Networking (including learning how to effectively)

Learning and training (especially in leadership and management, and communication skills)

Professional/career development (mentors); and

Employment

Alumni appear to take advantage of live events provided by the program, however very few have participated in online

events or webinars. Further communication about these benefits may be required.

Overall there is a strong indication that NCP Alumni will participate in future events. These activities should continue to

be planned and developed.

Online resources

Although the alumni program offers resources online and via other global networks, many Alumni were unaware of

what these online resources had to offer – or that they even existed.

Further communication of these benefits may help to raise awareness. One opportune way to achieve this may be as

part of a presentation/demonstration at networking events on what is on offer and where to access/how to use the

websites – a site tour.

These online resources may also prove a valuable resource for organisations wanting to be involved in the NCP

program allowing them to access with NCP Alumni.

Links

Maintaining personal and professional links with people they have met has proven a very useful and supportive

element of the program. These aspects should be encouraged and facilitated as much as possible as it appears to be a

crucial part of personal development and guidance (mentoring) for NCP Alumni in their study and careers.

Communications channels

Email is by far the most preferred communications channel to communicate with NCP alumni. This is all the more

reason to ensure the dispatch of the alumni survey is before the end of year exam study period. The vast majority of

non-responding alumni in this survey round had student email addresses that appeared valid in that they did not

‘bounce’. However, those addresses appeared to be unattended due to the end of the study year. It is recommended

that alumni survey should occur before study period for end of year exams; no later than September of any given

year.


Also, it is advised that a personal non-university email addresses be collected from NCP Mobility students and Scholars

at registration, if possible, or as soon as possible via Scholar and Mobility student feedback surveys as well as the

alumni survey.

Promotion

A large proportion of NCP Alumni are willing to participate in activities to promote the NCP program. Their details

should be maintained and classified into their preferences for participation such as mentoring, speaking etc as well as

field of study/expertise. These details should also be periodically updated or maintained as intended via future alumni

surveys.

DFAT New Colombo Plan Alumni Survey Y1 Report of...

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