Digital Bridges:
iSchool Engagement Platform Assessment

Based on the project's research, our goal was to increase alumni engagement in the community and create connections between alumni and current students. Through a needs assessment and stakeholder interviews, we compared two digital platforms, LinkedIn and HookedIn, to find the platform that best met the needs of all parties. Our study underwent a digital platform assessment and data analysis, and we summarize the findings in our study.

We have undergraduates at iSchool?

For students who have already graduated, iSchool Undergraduate is brand new. iSchool Undergraduate was founded in 2021, I was in the first undergraduate class, and when I did the program, most of the alumni I interviewed didn't know iSchool Undergraduate existed.

List Title

8 one-on-one interviews with senior management from iSchool to understand their claims

130

Questionnaire data from 130 graduate students to give us an idea of what our target users are asking

15 iSchools (undergrad, phd, alumni) from a variety of ages to ensure our reach

Methodology

Data collection

Gathered responses from community members, including graduate and PhD students, to assess their frequency of platform use, satisfaction levels, and openness to adopting new technologies.

Needs interview

Conducted eight interviews involving directors, alumni, and students to understand their current networking practices and preferences for platforms.

Alumni Information

Use social media to get contact information for iSchool alumni and ask if they are interested in the program.

Key Findings

Current Use and Perception of LinkedIn

Within our community, LinkedIn stands out as the predominant platform for professional networking, job hunting, and maintaining industry connections. High satisfaction with its features demonstrates that LinkedIn is well-aligned with the majority of the community's networking needs. The platform’s user base, extensive functionalities, and trustworthiness make it the preferred choice for formal networking.

Initial Reception to HookedIn

Stakeholders exhibited moderate interest in HookedIn due to its potential for enabling more tailored and informal academic interactions, which could complement LinkedIn's formal structure. However, concerns about overlapping functionalities and the added burden of managing an additional platform dampened enthusiasm. This feedback suggests that the community may favor enhancing LinkedIn rather than integrating a new platform like HookedIn.

Student Needs and Expectations

There is a noticeable demand for more career-oriented events hosted by alumni, suggesting a gap in current offerings.

Digital Bridges: iSchool Engagement Platform Assessment