An alumni community or alumni portal can be either an official company initiative or a grassroots effort. Some alumni groups operate independently, however more and more firms either manage their own networks or outsource or sponsor them.

Quotes on alumni management:

„Companies owe their success to their people - present and past - and should therefor be dedicated to maintaining lifelong relationships with them. The goal of workforce staffing is not only to attract and retain employees the ultimate goal is to build lifelong affiliation".

„Companies have woken up to the fact that, from the time you decide to make an offer, these are lifelong relationships."

„Our alums are friends and cohorts, but they're also our current or future clients. It just makes sense to strengthen our relationship with them".

„Companies continue to say good-bye to star performers, talented people have so many opportunities that you can't keep them forever. But even if they stop working for you, they can work with you."

„There's recognition alumni play important roles in their former employers' success. Some become clients or business referral sources. Others return to work for their old firms".

„Instead of dismissing departing talent as disloyal, firms are reaching out with a variety of programs and services--some geared to helping former employees succeed in their careers elsewhere".

„Companies that see value in organizing in-house efforts are offering Web sites, newsletters, networking events, training seminars and career placement services. Alumni share job leads and post openings".

„The Holy Grail in recruiting is finding so-called passive candidates, people who are happy and productive working for other companies. Alumni networks are a proven source for finding passive candidates."

„Smart companies will build a talent pool that they can dip into when the need arises."

„If you have the choise between 2 identical resumes one of which had come in cold and one of which had been referred by a trusted colleague, which one would you look at first."

„If you can choose between 2 identical jobs one of which comes in via a job board and one of which had been referred by a trusted friend, which one would you look at first."

„Our people will be movers and shakers wherever they land next. We're planting seeds for the future."

„Our alumni are really the face of the firm in the community, and there are business development opportunities,"

„Alumni communities are comprised of savvy people who realize the power of maintaining their contacts and building their professional networks."

„Alumni groups are worthwhile for employees and employers alike. Maintaining contact on a regular basis enables both parties to form advantageous business connections and continue building professional relationships over time. Rather than saying goodbye to valued team members when they leave your company, you will keep the door open to mutually beneficial opportunities."

„This is a networked world where our competitors are our customers, where alumni are our business partners, The company's liaison to a large and growing alumni organization. We all are connected in one way or another. There's no more cutting the cord."