Peer2Peer Networks Made Easy

A recent article in the AGR Magazine ‘The Graduate Recruiter’ written by Tom Freeman of The Sanctuary Group discussed the issue of peer2peer networking. It works, he states, as it reaches beyond those accessed by traditional media – getting to the 90% who don’t go to careers fairs and presentations – it is ‘unthreatening’ to students, and the information circulated (this has to be clearly communicated by the employer to these network influencers) has credibility as it comes from students peers.

He goes onto say that the key to harnessing this tool is ‘campus networks’ as the success of peer2peer networking is driven by the size of the network, the extent of it’s connections, it’s talent and it’s proactivity. So the advice is – and I agree with it – develop such networks. But this will take time and be expensive so my extra advice would be, to make life easier, tap into those already in place (like Bright Futures, well I had to plug it a bit!)

Helping Graduates Successfully Navigate the Uncertainty at Work

A recent article I was sent from the Australian Press through www.hrdaily.com.au included an interview with training specialist Josh Mackenzie  who said: “Today’s graduates face different pressures to those of previous years, with business restructuring removing their ability to manage or predict their career paths – they no longer know if their job will exist in three years, or even if they’ll be offered a permanent role at the end of their program and the new challenge of working with managers who are also under pressure. ”

He suggests that to help grads and their managers through uncertain times, HR should set up focused mentoring sessions with older people in the organisation, “who have been through two or three major downturns in their working life and have come out on top”.
This strikes me as a great, simple idea, that is easy to do and shows graduates that companies can be honest with them, recognise the challenges ahead and want to help their graduates come out on top – which is good for the graduates and of course for the organisation   & a great way to retain them once the upturn comes. 
He says: “I haven’t seen a lot of that happening, but I think it’s particularly important.”  That sounds like an opportunity to me….!