Case Study | Building an Alumni Network

Business Category | Professional Services
NSP Solution | Career Transition

Situation

We have been providing Career Transition services to this global professional services firm for more than a decade. The nature of this firm’s business means that there is ongoing normal attrition of good talent who decide to pursue other avenues.

The company views each former employee as a potential future client and promotor of the firm and wants to build goodwill and loyalty.

Strategy + Solution

Our comprehensive Career Transition services have helped hundreds of departing professionals from this firm make smooth transitions to new opportunities. In contrast to standard outplacement which relies on webinars and group workshops, our program gives participants extensive one-on-one coaching over the course of several months, tailored to their specific needs, desires and situation.

The Next Step Partners coach helps the departing employee to navigate any aspect of the Career Transition process—from big picture questions such as “What do I want to do with my life?” to the nuts and bolts of executing their job search, whether it’s networking or negotiation. Each engagement is unique, with the coach and participant deciding together which issues are most important to the departing employee.

The process begins with an assessment phase to clarify the departing employee's core values, competencies and objectives. Some people need help exploring new career directions; others are very clear on what kind of position they are seeking.

The Next Step Partners coach also provides tactical support as the participant executes the job search: e.g. resume review, interview preparation and compensation negotiation. In addition to scheduled appointments, the coach is available by email and phone to provide coaching and feedback on demand, which is especially essential during the negotiation process.

Our one-on-one Career Transition approach means that the firm's departing employees get both strategic and practical support which is tailored to them so that they can land better positions that are the right fit for and secure better compensation packages.

In addition to unlimited one-on-one coaching during the program, participants also receive a copy of our Career Handbook for Working Professionals.

Results Delivered

With our help, participants in the program have landed jobs at Apple, Google, Home Depot, Netflix, Procter & Gamble, Starbucks, Starwood Hotels and other top tier organizations. They have also leveraged our counsel to negotiate better compensation packages.

Goodwill toward the firm is high among departing employees who participate in the Career Transition program. In some cases, participants have actually credited it with turning around their experience with the firm.

More than 85% of participants indicate they would strongly recommend our Career Transition Services to a friend or colleague.