How to Find the Next Corporate Relations Rock Star
Excerpted from the October 2024 issue of TechEngage. UIDP members can view the entire issue here.
Corporate relations is an emerging and evolving activity as both companies and universities experience benefits from collaborative research endeavors. Most universities have transitioned now to having dedicated corporate engagement or corporate relations offices focused on building these research-driven partnerships.
This is a notable contrast to corporate giving, which is often funded through an adjacent philanthropic organization affiliated with a company. Indeed, corporate giving is much closer to foundation relations. These activities were historically managed by the same office by the vast majority of universities.
With the difference in focus and the growth of the corporate relations function, it is important to understand where corporate relations officers (CROs) come from. What experiences do they have before starting in this role and how can universities identify, promote, and recruit the next generation of corporate relations officers?