EDITOR’S LETTER
THE ENDURING POWER OF CONNECTION
EDITORIAL Head of editorial Colette Doyle c.doyle@amba-bga.com Content editor Tim Banerjee Dhoul t.dhoul@amba-bga.com
Strong alumni networks are vital for students and graduates contemplating complex career landscapes
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Art editor Sam Price Sub-editor Heather Ford
n this issue, we delve into a topic that is fundamental to the lasting strength and influence of any leading business school: its alumni network. We all know the value of connections, but what does it really take to build a thriving, engaged community of graduates that provides genuine support and opportunity? Far from being a passive database, a truly effective alumni network is a dynamic, living entity. Nurturing these powerful communities means more than just organising occasional events; it’s about fostering genuine, lasting relationships that can span decades and continents. Our feature explores how some of the world’s top business schools are meeting the unique challenges of building these vital relationships. They’re not just connecting people; they’re strategically cultivating a powerful ecosystem where seasoned experience meets fresh ambition – and collective success thrives through shared knowledge and opportunities. From innovative mentorship programmes and the use of hi-tech metrics to global chapters and specialised interest groups, alumni relations teams are implementing diverse strategies to keep their student and graduate networks vibrant and relevant in an ever-changing world. Also looking at the power of networking in this issue is Antonella Moretto from Polimi School of Business in Milan. She examines how networking is a crucial element of any master’s degree programme. Its significance extends far beyond the acquisition of academic knowledge, opening up unparalleled avenues for profound personal and strategic professional growth. While the curriculum provides foundational theories and essential skills, it is through meaningful connections that students truly expand their horizons. These interactions help create a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, developing vital soft skills such as communication and collaboration and building the confidence necessary to navigate complex career landscapes. Active networking also provides invaluable access to industry insights, potential job prospects, mentorship from experienced professionals and the chance to forge flourishing collaborations. This ultimately enriches the educational journey in ways that textbook learning alone cannot achieve and that’s why it will always be such a hugely pertinent part of the student experience.
Insight, content and PR manager Ellen Buchan e.buchan@amba-bga.com CORPORATE Membership director Victor Hedenberg v.hedenberg@amba-bga.com
Head of membership Debbie Kemp d.kemp@amba-bga.com
Commercial relations director Max Braithwaite m.braithwaite@amba-bga.com
Head of marketing and communications Leonora Clement
Senior marketing executive Edward Holmes
Head of IT and data management Jack Villanueva
Colette Doyle , Editor, Ambition
Head of events Carolyn Armsby
THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS
HR and employer relations manager Aarti Bhasin Finance and commercial director Catherine Walker
Chief executive officer Andrew Main Wilson
IRIS BOHNET
PIERRE CASSE
SIRI CHILAZI
IVÁN FIGUEROA
GAVIN JACK
MOREA JOSIAS
Executive assistant to the CEO Amy Youngs a.youngs@amba-bga.com ACCREDITATION ENQUIRIES accreditation@amba-bga.com
SARA LINDGREN
ANTONELLA MORETTO
RAMSEY SARGENT
ELENA SPASOVA
KRISTINE DE VALCK
Copyright 2025 by Association of MBAs and Business Graduates Association ISSN 2631-6382 All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. While we take care to ensure that editorial is independent, accurate, objective and relevant for our readers, AMBA accepts no responsibility for reader dissatisfaction rising from the content of this publication. The opinions expressed and advice given are the views of individual commentators and do not necessarily represent the views of AMBA. Whenever an article in this publication is placed with the financial support of an advertiser, partner or sponsor, it will be marked as such. AMBA makes every opportunity to credit photographers but we cannot guarantee every published use of an image will have the contributor’s name. If you believe we have omitted a credit for your image, please email the editor.
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Ambition • ISSUE 3 • 2025 7
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