The Association Looks Into The Distance
The gaze points to the far distance, following members along their entire professional lives with the contacts they make. But BAA's lens is bifocal as it also focuses on those who are just at the beginning of their journey as alumni or on students who have yet to start out.
In the words of Antonio Aloisi, the Association's young on-campus vice-president (he is a Law student): "Activities range from events like 'A chat with...', where students and alumni can meet entrepreneurs, to supporting younger alumni in their professional course using the Association's Career Advice service which takes over from the university's own service after the first three years with initiatives such as 'My Sweet Career' and mentoring opportunities". There are also specific events for fresh graduates like the party which new MSc graduates are offered "during which it is possible to kickstart their networking activity thanks to the presence of alumni working in different professional fields".
Because this is one of the key points of the BAA activities, and that is part of the long-term strategy of support to its members: to instill, through the network of contacts among alumni, a healthy and active collaboration: "The Association should not be seen as a service center", says Gianfranco Minutolo, BAA director and manager of alumni activities. "We provide the network, that is a number of exchange opportunities which have to be understood, nourished and developed. A key asset for people's professional advancement". And, in order to provide better support to young people who are still starting their own path, the association is considering a segmentation of its offer "to help graduates regarding the cost of BAA membership and of events staged by the Association". In the meantime, the 2013 membership campaign started in November: choosing the automatic renewal charge on your credit card or bank account, you will be entitled to a 25% discount on the annual fee for three years. Though BAA takes care of all alumni, it is members who enjoy the biggest advantages such as the possibility to take part in exclusive events and numerous partnerships.