Geneva Focuses On Human Resources

Placing eighth overall in the 2014 rankings compiled by Mercer, Geneva is one of the best cities in the world for quality of life. It is also a city where BAA has around 280 alumni, organized by a team that is currently led by Maria Pia Cappiello. She graduated with a degree in Business Economics in 1999 and has been "part of the group since day one," she says, remembering the beginning in 2005, when the chapter was not yet official. There are three directives that activities revolve around: "The career area, with activities regarding personal development; business relations in the area, and not only with Swiss companies; and networking, social and cultural activities."

During recent years, the first aspect in particular has been of interest to alumni in Geneva, which is why, in addition to holding a BAA Career Advice seminar, the group has organized workshops and activities for its members with Dana Walden, a coach specialized in HR. "And an event with three figures from corporate human relations has been scheduled for 20 October: Elia Congiu (MSC Crociere), Guido Gianasso (Sicpa) and Philippe Rudolf (Tag Heuer).

In addition, since we started a mentorship program, the first meeting between selected mentors and mentees will be held before the end of the year." There are also lots of activities in the second and third areas: one event has been organized along with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland, with the Managing Director of Maserati Suisse, Piergiorgio Cecco. But, apart from the activities, there's yet another aspect that Cappiello says is important: "It's a solid and motivated group with good planning skills. These are the key elements that allow everything to work."
areaginevra@alumnibocconi.it