Companies achieve success when their contacts and relations with the University are well organized. They have a clear contact person in a leadership position, usually a campus manager, an experienced team, are knowledgeable about the institution, have developed programs with shared objectives, have a key executive assigned, and seek out beneficial strategic interactions. Effective companies have active team members who come to the University regularly, speak in classes, serve on advisory boards, fund relevant programs, and creatively explore opportunities to build a mutually beneficial relationship. Because universities and companies have multiple entry points, coordination is critical. The best and most productive partnerships begin with and build on an active and successful recruiting program that involves schools across the Grounds.
Many strong relationships revolve around active, highly placed alumni.
However, other relationships need to develop around this core for companies to achieve long-term viability and presence. Companies come to UVa most often for recruiting purposes, followed by research activities. However, many companies delegate institutional relationships to recruiting personnel, who are often in junior positions where the turnover is high. Effective companies keep the same executives assigned to university relations to ensure continuity. Effective companies value universities for the expertise they supply, and they cultivate the people who supply it as much as they do their other key suppliers of materials, components and services.