Haileybury’s alumni: a global network for life

Across Australia and the world, Haileybury alumni are building companies and scaling start-ups, playing elite sport and producing award-winning films and music. They are shaping policy, leading classrooms, driving frontline healthcare, launching media platforms and more. They have a kaleidoscope of skills and experience.

From first year graduates to senior leaders and decision makers, they carry the same advantage: being part of a network that endures long after school is finished.

Every year, another 700 graduates join the Old Haileyburians Association (OHA), growing a community of around 22,000 members, which is one of the largest and most connected school alumni networks in Australia.

“Once a Haileyburian, always a Haileyburian,” says Russell Davidson, Director of Development and Alumni Relations. “Throughout their time at our school, students are reminded that they will always be part of the Haileybury network, and that is also what parents are choosing to invest in when they send their children to our school.”

OHA Ignite: growing founders and funding new ideas

In line with Haileybury’s enterprise and entrepreneurship pillar, the Old Haileyburians Association have launched OHA Ignite. This new program connects emerging business founders with experienced entrepreneurs who offer mentoring and a valuable sounding board for new ideas and ventures.

“Our alumni often want to connect with others in the same or similar industries and roles, so we match them with the right person, whether that’s an expert in engineering or investment banking or many other industries. That mentorship might last two or three sessions, become an ongoing relationship, or result in a job opportunity. The connections with our alumni are highly valued,” says Russell.

OHA Ignite also aims to provide seed funding to young alumni to help them kickstart their businesses to success.

Relocation bursaries and internship programs

There is also a relocation bursary program for graduates in their first year post-Haileybury who are moving to regional Victoria or heading interstate or overseas to study, as well as an internship program that connects former students to alumni-owned businesses for work experience.

“Additionally, current students benefit from finding work experience positions through members of the alumni organisation,” says Russell.

“Everyone understands the value of the friendships and the alumni network. If you are willing to engage, support and invest in the network, then the network invests in you.”

Connections and support all year round

Across the year, alumni connect through business events such as industry meet-ups, young professionals networking events and Sursum Corda, a forum for CEOs, founders, GMs and executive leaders to connect on strategy, deals and influence.

The year-long calendar of activities is a valuable touchpoint for former classmates from campuses across Melbourne, Haileybury Rendall School, Haileybury Tianjin, and the online school, Haileybury Pangea.

“We run industry and business events where people come together organically and develop new contacts. Our young professionals’ event encourages those who are starting their career to meet more experienced industry professionals,” says Russell.

“Our Sursum Corda event is for C-suite executives such as CEOs, general managers and business owners who can meet, connect on that higher level and develop business ideas with each other.”

Exclusive rewards

An exclusive rewards program for Old Haileyburians offers discounted services within the alumni community, and gives alumni business owners a platform to showcase their products and services and gain valuable exposure.

Even years or decades after their last class, the Haileybury connection runs deep. Alumni regularly return to speak at school careers events, providing a glimpse into their careers and the steps they took to get where they are today.

“Our alumni are on the School Council, OHA Council, they are sports coaches, support our drama productions and support scholarships through the Haileybury Foundation,” explains Russell.

“Whenever our alumni get together there are always plenty of stories. They talk about how things were in their day and the changes they see around them in the school. They are very proud of the fact they went to Haileybury and many send their children and grandchildren to Haileybury. We have second, third and fourth generation students here today.

“Our alumni are always part of the Haileybury family, and that network will always be an important part of their lives.”