The First Destination Survey (FDS) is a cornerstone for higher education institutions, providing essential insights into where recent graduates land—whether they’re starting their careers, pursuing further education, or exploring other opportunities. Established by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the FDS ensures standardized reporting for federal compliance while showcasing the success of your programs.

However, compiling a comprehensive and accurate FDS can be challenging. With the submission deadline for May 2024 graduates approaching in early 2025, institutions face mounting pressure to deliver reliable data that reflects the full scope of graduate outcomes.

The Challenges of Completing the FDS

Universities frequently encounter these obstacles when compiling their FDS:

1. Low Response Rates: Reaching graduates after they leave campus is notoriously difficult, leaving knowledge rates far below ideal levels.
2. Incomplete Data: Missing critical information, such as employer names, job titles, or grad school enrollment, creates significant gaps in reporting.
3. Resource Constraints: Career services and institutional research teams often lack the bandwidth to gather and verify large datasets manually.
4. Data Accuracy Issues: Even with timely surveys, rapid changes in employment or education can render data outdated quickly.
5. Compliance Pressure: Falling short of federal requirements or producing incomplete reports can hinder credibility and opportunities for institutional improvement.

Why the FDS Matters

A robust FDS is more than a compliance task—it reflects your institution’s impact and value. A well-executed FDS allows you to:

• Showcase Program Success: Highlight the career and educational achievements of your graduates.
• Enhance Recruitment Efforts: Use strong outcomes to attract prospective students and their families.
• Strengthen Alumni Engagement: Leverage enriched data to maintain and grow alumni relationships.
• Inspire Stakeholders: Share compelling data with donors, employers, and policymakers to boost support.

How BlueRidge Data Can Help

At BlueRidge Data, we’ve helped over 100 universities overcome these challenges. Our innovative data solutions turn obstacles into opportunities, delivering comprehensive, accurate FDS reporting with ease.

Here’s what we can do for you:

• Enhance Career Data: Add verified employer information, job titles, and salary estimates to graduate records.
• Complete Contact Profiles: Append LinkedIn profiles, professional email addresses, and cell phone numbers for better outreach.
• Graduate School Insights: Include detailed enrollment information for a full picture of your graduates’ next steps.
• Streamlined Processes: Minimize the burden on your team with efficient, accurate data enrichment services.
• Boost Knowledge Rates: Identify 50-70% of graduates, significantly improving data completeness and compliance.

Ready to Elevate Your FDS?

BlueRidge Data is here to ensure your First Destination Survey is seamless, impactful, and comprehensive. By partnering with us, you’ll have the tools and insights to showcase your institution’s success and make data-driven decisions for the future.

To learn more about refreshing your Pro-data before the Giving Season, please contact us here or email Dom Hafner [email protected].