With statistics demonstrating a discouraging amount of UW-Madison graduates leaving the state for employment, the Wisconsin Alumni Association announced programs Thursday with the aim of improving this situation.
The WAA is working in conjunction with the College of Letters and Science and Human Ecology Career Services to coordinate a number of career fairs and several on-line services.
Between 62 and 63 percent of UW-Madison students are state residents, according to Cheryl Porior-Mayhew, vice president for marketing and communications for the WAA. That number drops to 40 percent in terms of graduates remaining in Wisconsin, she said.
According to a survey conducted by the WAA, many graduates are opting to move to cities like Chicago, the Twin Cities and New York. The reasons for leaving vary.
\For their particular career field, there aren't many opportunities in Wisconsin,"" said Karen Stauffacher, director of the UW-Madison School of Business career services.
Based on the survey, weather, higher paying jobs, big city appeal and cultural diversity are also cited as reasons for leaving.
With its new programs, representatives of the WAA said they hoped to provide a more direct connection between the current students and the alumni.
One online service, available through links on http://uwalumni.com/careers/, allows UW-Madison students to find alumni contact information, including the alumnus' degree, current industry and location.
MonsterTRAK.com is another online service for UW-Madison students. It contains listings of 6,400 job opportunities.
Ann Lloyd, director of the College of Letters and Science Career Services, said UW-Madison is partnering with other UW System institutions to develop a system in which students can access job opportunities listed on campuses other than their own.
Another question on the survey conducted by the WAA asked participants if they would like to return to Wisconsin. Fifty-eight percent said yes, citing reasons like proximity to family members, lower crime rates and a better education.
There will be four job fairs in February sponsored by the College of Letters and Science Career Services, including one Feb. 26 from 3 to 6:30 p.m., which will focus on government-agency and nonprofit opportunities. Representatives from agencies such as the Madison Police and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin will be present.
There will also be a Persons of Color Career Fair Thursday, Feb. 28, from 3 to 6:30 p.m.
Amy Maneke, Career Program and Outreach Specialist, said the ""fantastic minds"" brought up in Wisconsin should stay in the state for economic reasons.
""We are curious [as to] why [if] you come here and get an education, why would you want to leave?"" Maneke said.
UW-Madison's role in the economy of the state of Wisconsin has attracted increased attention as of late. In December, UW System President Katharine Lyall and other university officials went to Milwaukee for the Wisconsin Economic Summit, a conference addressing the future of the state's economy as well as what role the university should play in it.
