​Three Cities, Three Homes for Bocconi Alumni

THE BOCCONIANS WORKING IN EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS IN BRUSSELS, FRANKFURT AND LUXEMBOURG HAVE A POINT OF REFERENCE ALSO IN THE LOCAL CHAPTERS OF THE BOCCONI ALUMNI COMMUNITY. A WORD FROM THE THREE LEADERS

Talking about alumnae and alumni working in European institutions, be it the Commission in Brussels, the ECB in Frankfurt or the EIB in Luxembourg, it is impossible not to mention the activities of the Bocconi Alumni Community on the territory: the three local chapters, in fact, carry out an important activity in involving Bocconians. Here are their activities recounted directly by the chapter leaders:

Brussels Chapter  
More than 300 active alumni and, as one can imagine, significant emphasis on European institutions and policies: this is the BAC Brussels Chapter. Founded in the 1990s, since 2021 it has been led by Marco La Marca, Member of the Cabinet of European Commission Vice-President, Dubravka Šuica, Head of Demography and Democracy. "Our events often focus on what we here call the 'European bubble,' that is, all the institution members, lobbyists and journalists who orbit the EU institutions." Over the years, the chapter has hosted European Commissioners, Commission DGs, and members of the EIB. "In addition to entrepreneurs such as Pietro Salini, after the completion of the new Morandi Bridge, and Massimo Moratti, after Inter's treble." 
 
Frankfurt Chapter
A community of 450 alumni and catchment area ranging from the European Central Bank (ECB), to sectors that might seem less associated with a city like Frankfurt – namely pharmaceuticals, chemicals and automotive. Francesco Cometa, Principal Banking Supervisor at the ECB and BAC Frankfurt Chapter Leader, describes the group he leads and with which he focuses on networking, career advice and mentorship events. "Frankfurt has a strong international outlook. In addition to the ECB, there are also the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) and numerous international banks. Turnover is fast and the city is often among the top destinations in one’s career." 

Luxembourg Chapter
About 200 alumni, including residents and Bocconians just 'passing through' are involved in the Luxembourg Chapter’s activities. This BAC chapter was founded in 2006, and has been led since 2022 by Managing Director of AMC Renta4, Guido Chimienti. The chapter’s members mainly come from four areas in particular. "They hail from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the big 4 auditing and consulting firms (Deloitte, PWC, KPMG, E&Y), Ferrero and – in recent years – Amazon," explains Chimienti. In 2021 the chapter won the award for hosting the highest number of events during the year. What type of events? "Dinner speeches, networking meetings, company visits and at least one career event per year," shares the alumnus. “We also all try to fundraise." 

 

by Andrea Celauro