Market research case study:
How understanding alumni paths informs engagement and communications

UWC – Atlantic College

The challenge

Atlantic College is the founder college of the UWC college movement. It is an international residential school based in the UK. 350 students aged 16–18 from 80 different countries benefit from a world-class International Baccalaureate educational experience. The College is committed to making education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the institution decided it would like to measure the impact of the College upon those studying there over the last five decades.

The College approached DJS Research with a view to conducting a two-part research project focusing on the life paths alumni have taken following graduation.

It was decided that a quantitative online project would be complemented with a number of follow-up depth interviews.

The approach

DJS Research conducted 50 in-depth telephone interviews and 1,687 quantitative web interviews amongst past students of the College.

Subject areas included:

  • Profile of the College's alumni.
  • Lasting impact of the College and reasons.
  • Connection with the College.
  • Views on the College communications.
  • Views on the College today.

The results

Driving the vision for the future
The research outlined the central importance of relationships with people from other countries and cultures, and the lasting impact on alumni – this had implications for the College’s marketing, admissions policy, activities programme, leisure time policy and alumni relations.

Marketing to new students
The research highlighted the lasting impact of the College on students and its distinctiveness was illustrated through case studies of alumni, data on alumni academic study or occupations and positive comments made by alumni in the data.

Engaging with alumni
The research showed that there is strong interest in increased connection and involvement amongst alumni.

How understanding alumni paths informs engagement and communications case study image 1 How understanding alumni paths informs engagement and communications case study image 2

Client testimonial: UWC – Atlantic College

Education, Quantitative, Qualitative, Market research project design & management, Market research in-depth interviews, CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing)

"I was very impressed by the work undertaken by DJS Research on behalf of Atlantic College and by the company's professionalism, efficiency and flexibility. They proved particularly helpful in working with us to further refine the project's original objectives, thus strengthening the survey's structure and questionnaire. They subsequently delivered a very comprehensive report – on time, on budget and presented in an accessible format, highlighting key findings and with useful suggestions as to how the information could be used."

How understanding alumni paths informs engagement and communications case study image 2
How understanding alumni paths informs engagement and communications case study image 1

Case study:
How understanding alumni paths informs engagement and communications

UWC – Atlantic College

The challenge

Atlantic College is the founder college of the UWC college movement. It is an international residential school based in the UK. 350 students aged 16–18 from 80 different countries benefit from a world-class International Baccalaureate educational experience. The College is committed to making education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the institution decided it would like to measure the impact of the College upon those studying there over the last five decades.

The College approached DJS Research with a view to conducting a two-part research project focusing on the life paths alumni have taken following graduation.

It was decided that a quantitative online project would be complemented with a number of follow-up depth interviews.

The approach

The numerical, measurable and objective outputs of quantitative research are critical to building robust data-driven insights. An essential research methodology for monitoring KPIs, from sales figures to satisfaction rates, we use an extensive range of quantitative techniques to deliver robust, scalable datasets for our clients to strengthen business resilience and support future growth.

From tightly structured, closed-question online surveys with thousands of participants, to highly targeted on-street questionnaires, we have the skills and resources to deliver the scale and depth of responses you need.

We craft bespoke quantitative solutions, selecting the best channels and routes of engagement to reach your audience, and often recommend a mixed-mode approach to maximise success. For example, adding targeted postal and self-completion ‘top-ups’ onto a predominantly online survey to ensure less digitally engaged cohorts, who may have limited internet access, are included in research outputs.

Our most frequently used quantitative services

Some of our most frequently used quantitative services include:

As a full-service market research agency with a dedicated Field and Data Services team, we have the scale to provide end-to-end solutions and the agility to deliver specific quantitative services to support specific business needs. For example, clients and research consultants who have their own datasets come to us for specialist support with processing, tabulation and reporting.

Whether you wish to engage a small, clearly defined group – such as 25 senior SME decision-makers in a particular field – or thousands of consumers across a single region or multiple global markets – we can deliver the insights you need.

To find out more about our quantitative research capabilities, and discuss how we could craft a tailored solution to meet the specific needs of your organisation, contact us today. 

 

The results

Driving the vision for the future
The research outlined the central importance of relationships with people from other countries and cultures, and the lasting impact on alumni – this had implications for the College’s marketing, admissions policy, activities programme, leisure time policy and alumni relations.

Marketing to new students
The research highlighted the lasting impact of the College on students and its distinctiveness was illustrated through case studies of alumni, data on alumni academic study or occupations and positive comments made by alumni in the data.

Engaging with alumni
The research showed that there is strong interest in increased connection and involvement amongst alumni.

How understanding alumni paths informs engagement and communications case study image 2

Client testimonial: UWC – Atlantic College

Education, Quantitative, Qualitative, Market research project design & management, Market research in-depth interviews, CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing)

"I was very impressed by the work undertaken by DJS Research on behalf of Atlantic College and by the company's professionalism, efficiency and flexibility. They proved particularly helpful in working with us to further refine the project's original objectives, thus strengthening the survey's structure and questionnaire. They subsequently delivered a very comprehensive report – on time, on budget and presented in an accessible format, highlighting key findings and with useful suggestions as to how the information could be used."

How understanding alumni paths informs engagement and communications case study image 2