Policy and Research Analyst UW system, Wisconsin, United States
Session Abstract: To demonstrate its value as an engine for Wisconsin's economy, this study quantifies the University of Wisconsin System's contribution to the state workforce. Framed as a "brain drain" versus "brain gain" analysis, the research answers the critical question of whether the university successfully retains the skilled talent its state needs to thrive. Leveraging the 2024 National Alumni Career Mobility (NACM) Survey data, this research conducts a geo-demographic analysis to determine the percentage of recent graduates who work in-state versus out-of-state. The analysis creates distinct profiles of these two groups, comparing them across key variables such as academic major, industry, and salary to identify the drivers of talent retention and mobility. The findings will provide a powerful, evidence-based narrative of the university's return on public investment and its role as an engine for Wisconsin's economy.
Keywords: NACM 2024, Alumni Mobility, Workforce Migration, UW System
