"Our former students are our best ambassadors"

The University of Bordeaux is establishing an alumni network. How did this project come about and what are its main objectives?

Laurence Geny-Denis: A leading multidisciplinary university like ours needs a community network to unite its members around the world. The launch of our alumni network is the result of a cross-disciplinary project that we have been actively working on for the past two years. We had already initiated this dynamic when the institutions merged in 2014, but today we have strengthened our ambition with dedicated resources, such as the recruitment of a project manager. The aim is clear: to create and maintain lasting links between and with all our graduates, our partners and the social and economic fabric. The network also aims to promote the talents of university graduates and facilitate their integration into the workforce, particularly through career opportunities, internships and work-study programmes offered by recruiters. The aim is not only to contribute to each individual's success, but also to strengthen our influence. Together, this connected, dynamic and supportive community will contribute to the influence and attractiveness of the University of Bordeaux.

In practical terms, how does this network work and what services does it offer?

L.G-D: We have a database listing all graduates since 2004, i.e. around 300,000 people. They will be invited to connect to the platform via the training component to which they belonged, for example, the chemistry teaching unit. They will then be able to complete their profile, indicating their post-University of Bordeaux career path, and select the type of information they would like to receive or the activities in which they are likely to be interested. There are also thematic groups such as "international students, student apprentices, student entrepreneurs", which help to create a cross-disciplinary dynamic. Those who graduated before 2004 are invited to request the creation of a profile on the platform, after which they will be affiliated to the group corresponding to their course of study. I should point out that each component manages and moderates its own groups, which makes it possible to offer targeted content and services tailored to the specific needs of members: professional opportunities, internships, work-study programmes, chat, forums, etc. In short, this platform is intended to be a space for connection and exchange for our vast community, which could have more than 500,000 members.

Following this launch, what are the next steps in developing the network in the long term?

L.G-D: Right now, we're going to prioritise communication to encourage our alumni to register and use the platform. Secondly, we will be building the framework for running the network, making sure that all stakeholders are involved. Bringing this network to life is essential if it is to be useful; capturing the attention of graduates, students, but also companies, is a priority.

In 2025, we also plan to open up the platform to current students and staff. We really want to create a dynamic and supportive community bringing together all those who have had an experience at the University of Bordeaux. Helping each other, passing on knowledge, exchanging and sharing are at the heart of this approach.