Northwestern Athletics and Grafted Launch Career Connection Platform ‘Branch'
9/15/2021 12:00:00 PM | David G. Kabiller NU for Life Program
EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern Athletics unveiled its new comprehensive career connection app 'Branch' on Tuesday in partnership with the education technology company, Grafted.
Through its partnership with Grafted, Northwestern will leverage the company's video-first technology and detailed in-app algorithm to create and maximize opportunities for professional exploration, networking, mentorship, and career mobility.
"The commitment we make to our Wildcats is not only to support their pursuit of excellence in the classroom, the community and in competition as student-athletes, but also in preparation for professional life after graduation," said Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Dr. Derrick Gragg. "This partnership allows us to provide a new level of service to both our students and alumni in myriad industries around the world. We now have an efficient way to connect Wildcats to the information, resources and people who can help turn their career ambitions to reality."
'Branch' was designed to integrate greater and more direct access to both career exploration and job opportunities that support Northwestern's current student-athletes, alumni and employer partners.
"We pride ourselves on being the best player development staff in the country–both on and off the field–and Grafted and 'Branch' are another example of the world-class support offered to and invested in our incredible student-athletes." said Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald. "This app will help us leverage the strongest and most successful alumni network in college athletics, providing instant access and meaningful connection points to all Wildcats, no matter where they are in the world or in their careers."
Despite only launching in March of 2020, the North Carolina based tech company Grafted is quickly being adopted by forward-thinking athletic departments across the country, including those in the Big Ten, Big 12, and Conference USA. By investing in the 'Branch' app, Northwestern Athletics will leverage the power of its global alumni network to support all Wildcats in their professional journey.
Like a personalized career concierge, Grafted technology's comprehensive algorithm curates relevant career content and suggested connections for each athlete. NU staff members are also able to track student activity on the app, and can subsequently connect students with relevant opportunities.
"The 'Branch' app is truly a force multiplier for the Kabiller NU for Life team; it's a blend between TikTok and LinkedIn, allowing our students to fit career prep into their busy schedules," said Assistant A.D. for Career Enhancement & Employer Relations, Amanda Brown. "Grafted also recognizes the unique needs of our athletes, not forcing them into a one-size-fits-all career curriculum. The app constantly adapts to their evolving interests."
DOWNLOAD THE BRANCH APP
As current and former Wildcat student-athletes sign up on 'Branch', each user is invited to tell their story through several video prompts about their Northwestern experience and career journey. With each new video, the searchable database of career content grows.
Meanwhile, Kabiller NU for Life is also inviting alumni to be part of specialized broadcasts where they can field student questions and speak in-depth on their areas of career expertise. Each of their answers is then added to the app's extensive collection of career content.
Content on the 'Branch' app is automatically tagged and organized based on its subject matter, which further allows Brown and her Kabiller NU for Life team to create customized student-athlete experiences. In this way, Branch is a hub for valuable content on all professional development priorities, including:
- Career exploration and mobility
- Interview prep
- Mentorship
- Networking
- Alumni engagement
Branch's algorithm automatically recommends relevant connections, including NU employer partners, and makes it easy for users to connect with those individuals. In other words, as students learn how to build their professional network, they are empowered to leverage that network where it matters most: to obtain meaningful career opportunities.
Learn more about Kabiller NU for Life here, and find more information on Grafted's technology solutions for higher ed at getgrafted.com.
Through its partnership with Grafted, Northwestern will leverage the company's video-first technology and detailed in-app algorithm to create and maximize opportunities for professional exploration, networking, mentorship, and career mobility.
"The commitment we make to our Wildcats is not only to support their pursuit of excellence in the classroom, the community and in competition as student-athletes, but also in preparation for professional life after graduation," said Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Dr. Derrick Gragg. "This partnership allows us to provide a new level of service to both our students and alumni in myriad industries around the world. We now have an efficient way to connect Wildcats to the information, resources and people who can help turn their career ambitions to reality."
'Branch' was designed to integrate greater and more direct access to both career exploration and job opportunities that support Northwestern's current student-athletes, alumni and employer partners.
"We pride ourselves on being the best player development staff in the country–both on and off the field–and Grafted and 'Branch' are another example of the world-class support offered to and invested in our incredible student-athletes." said Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald. "This app will help us leverage the strongest and most successful alumni network in college athletics, providing instant access and meaningful connection points to all Wildcats, no matter where they are in the world or in their careers."
Despite only launching in March of 2020, the North Carolina based tech company Grafted is quickly being adopted by forward-thinking athletic departments across the country, including those in the Big Ten, Big 12, and Conference USA. By investing in the 'Branch' app, Northwestern Athletics will leverage the power of its global alumni network to support all Wildcats in their professional journey.
How 'Branch' Works:
In the 'Branch' app, Northwestern student-athletes have access to hundreds, and soon to be thousands, of on-demand videos, produced by Wildcats alums. Students can then easily move from content to connection via in-app direct messaging, offering unprecedented ease of access to a vast Wildcat alumni network that is eager to help their fellow 'Cats pursue careers.Like a personalized career concierge, Grafted technology's comprehensive algorithm curates relevant career content and suggested connections for each athlete. NU staff members are also able to track student activity on the app, and can subsequently connect students with relevant opportunities.
"The 'Branch' app is truly a force multiplier for the Kabiller NU for Life team; it's a blend between TikTok and LinkedIn, allowing our students to fit career prep into their busy schedules," said Assistant A.D. for Career Enhancement & Employer Relations, Amanda Brown. "Grafted also recognizes the unique needs of our athletes, not forcing them into a one-size-fits-all career curriculum. The app constantly adapts to their evolving interests."
DOWNLOAD THE BRANCH APP
As current and former Wildcat student-athletes sign up on 'Branch', each user is invited to tell their story through several video prompts about their Northwestern experience and career journey. With each new video, the searchable database of career content grows.
Meanwhile, Kabiller NU for Life is also inviting alumni to be part of specialized broadcasts where they can field student questions and speak in-depth on their areas of career expertise. Each of their answers is then added to the app's extensive collection of career content.
Content on the 'Branch' app is automatically tagged and organized based on its subject matter, which further allows Brown and her Kabiller NU for Life team to create customized student-athlete experiences. In this way, Branch is a hub for valuable content on all professional development priorities, including:
- Career exploration and mobility
- Interview prep
- Mentorship
- Networking
- Alumni engagement
Branch's algorithm automatically recommends relevant connections, including NU employer partners, and makes it easy for users to connect with those individuals. In other words, as students learn how to build their professional network, they are empowered to leverage that network where it matters most: to obtain meaningful career opportunities.
Learn more about Kabiller NU for Life here, and find more information on Grafted's technology solutions for higher ed at getgrafted.com.
Northwestern | Class of 2020
Friday, June 19
NU For Life Promo Video 2015
Friday, November 20
A Look Inside: NU for Life
Tuesday, June 30
