Perspectives on... Lifelong learning Business school leaders from Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia share their views on how lifelong learning mindsets can be cultivated and detail their approaches to engaging and upskilling alumni communities. Compiled by Tim Banerjee Dhoul
How does your school seek to identify and provide any future upskilling needs your alumni might have as they progress in their careers and lives? Radhika Shrivastava, president, Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB), India “We actively address alumni upskilling needs through engagement, industry collaborating with employers, we identify evolving skill gaps and our lifelong learning initiatives include executive education, short courses and digital modules.” insights and tailored learning. By tracking career trends and Claudia Ibarra Baidón, dean, Department of Economics, Administration and Marketing, ITESO Business School, Mexico “We have two strategies: one in collaboration with our alumni office and another led directly by our business school. The alumni office
conducts five annual surveys targeting specific alumni segments according to age ranges (29-39, 40-49 and 50+). Meanwhile, our business school hosts two quarterly networking and learning events – Lifelong Learning Sessions and Lunch Talks – that bring alumni, students, faculty and special guests “We conduct surveys with CEOs, recruiters, alumni and entrepreneurs to identify evolving upskilling needs” María Andrea De Villa
together, providing valuable insights into evolving upskilling needs within the business context.” María Andrea De Villa, professor of strategy, EAFIT University, Colombia “We conduct regular surveys and meetings with CEOs, entrepreneurs, recruiters, alumni and other actors to identify evolving upskilling needs. In line with their input and our analysis of the global/local dynamics and trends, our extended education unit develops programmes that go beyond specific topics to encourage lifelong learning. These take the form of both short and longer courses, conventions, seminars, study tours and summer schools, among others.” Segran Nair, director, Milpark Business School, South Africa “We have in the past sent out questionnaires to assess their interests and career needs but now plan on being more deliberate in how we engage with alumni to
22 Business Impact • ISSUE 2 • 2025
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