[Alumni] 5 Questions with… Anne Meunier

With a central mission to maintain lasting connections among its 17,000 members, including former students and new graduates, the Association organizes a major themed evening in Paris once a year. This year, the theme of Artificial Intelligence will bring the Alumni community together on November 19 at the ‘Pavillon Wagram’.

Through an interview with Anne Meunier, General Delegate of the Alumni Association, dive into the behind-the-scenes of the Alumni Association and learn more about its actions and ambitions.

A NEW LOOK, A NEW FORMAT AND NAME FOR THE ANNUAL ALUMNI GALA, CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE EXPLORE EVENING AND THE REASONS BEHIND THIS “REVOLUTION”?

For nearly 20 years, the ESC Clermont Business School Alumni Association has organized a major annual Gala event in Paris.

Starting in 2024, we want to give this evening a new dimension and continue to unite the community (alumni, students, school staff).

The Title of this Year’s Event: EXPLORE.

We are offering our participants an event that provides knowledge and open-mindedness and that will reinforce bonds among members. Each year, the chosen theme will focus on a cutting-edge and current topic with a renowned speaker recognized in France and internationally. Our idea is to stimulate discussions with short, interactive interventions.

The gala will take place simultaneously in Paris, in the ESC Clermont BS multiplex a, as well as in some major French or foreign cities, and of course online so that as many people as possible can participate.

LUC JULIA WILL BE YOUR GUEST OF HONOR. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS SPEAKER?

For this first edition, the theme of Artificial Intelligence was a certainty for us. We are all, regardless of our roles or ages, affected by AI daily. It is revolutionizing and will continue to revolutionize our professional and personal lives.

Luc Julia’s name was immediately an obvious choice due to his internationally recognized expertise in the field.

WILL AI BE AT THE HEART OF THE CONFERENCE HOSTED BY LUC JULIA? IS THIS AN IMPORTANT THEME FOR OUR STUDENTS AND GRADUATES?

Indeed, we are all concerned by this [r]evolution. It is an integral part of our daily lives. Our jobs will evolve, some more than others. It is up to us to anticipate, support, and ensure that these changes become opportunities for us, our society, and our future.

THE ‘EXPLORE’ EVENT IS NOT THE ONLY TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN SCHOOL ALUMNI CAN MEET. WHAT ARE THE KEY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES OFFERED BY THE ASSOCIATION?

Throughout the year, events are offered to alumni and students to meet, exchange, and discover the power of the network. It’s a way to keep the community alive, create bonds, and share memorable moments.

Besides the Annual Explore Evening, in September/October we offer “Welcom’In”. Anne, Clara, Pauline (permanent members of the association) and some members of the School’s Management Committee meet with members in major French and international cities (Barcelona, Geneva, Luxembourg).

The main aim is to welcome newcomers (both alumni and students) in a city or region, but also those who have never had the opportunity to attend one of our meetings and those who participate regularly in our events. It’s a time for welcome, discovery, networking, and sharing advice and tips. In 2023, nearly 200 alumni and students participated, and we hope to see even more at the next events.

We also have “Happy Tuesdays,” meetings held on the first Tuesday of every month in Clermont (a different job theme each month with testimonials from alumni and final-year Master’s apprentices), Paris (Happy Hour), and online for the Americas. Meetings, conferences, workshops, and visits also take place in Clermont, Paris, and occasionally in other French cities and internationally. Each year, several exchanges are offered to highlight international careers through testimonials from expatriates, VIE graduates, or those who have completed a VIE. They simply share their discoveries, advice, and tips for a successful experience!

WITH A COMMUNITY OF NEARLY 15,000 GRADUATES IN 2024, HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN THE VALUES OF SHARING AND SUPPORT THAT ARE SO DEAR TO ESC CLERMONT BS?

As soon as a student joins the School, they automatically become part of our ESC Clermont Alumni community. We help them discover and implement the network approach. It is important that exchanges and bonds are created between students and graduates, that they are aware of the network’s strength, the graduates’ support, and their pleasure in guiding them.

We highlight graduates’ careers with our “1 minute / 1 graduate” series, events, promotion anniversaries, mentoring, offers for internships/alternance/jobs/VIE, in-person and online meetings, as well as career support in group or individual workshops, coaching, an alumni directory, and networking…