The scarcity of information technology specialists has led organizations to invest in graduate programs as a strategic measure to bolster their workforce. By fostering social bonds within these programs, graduate retention and a committed talent pool can be cultivated. This study investigated the key forces that lead to the creation of social bonds in graduate programs. A single-organization case study approach was followed, involving fifty-two graduates. Data were collected through a mixed-method online survey designed around the elements of social bond theory. An augmented analysis approach was utilized, combining the automation capabilities of large language models with manual subjective analysis. The study's findings, depicted in a force diagram, show that specific elements of social bonding are critical for enhancing graduate work readiness and retention. Integrating these elements into the design of graduate programs can provide organizations with a strategic advantage in the competitive IT sector.