At DSEA, alumnae and alumni are regarded as lifelong members of the Department’s academic community rather than simply former students.

Their engagement is an integral part of the Department’s educational mission, its connections with practice and its contribution to society. Graduates bring professional experience, knowledge and perspectives that enrich the student experience, strengthen relationships across generations and connect DSEA with professional, institutional and international communities.

The Chapter Alumni Economia provides the institutional framework through which graduates can remain connected with the Department, participate in its activities and contribute to its continuing development.

DSEA’s alumni strategy is based on the principle that engagement should begin before graduation and evolve into a lasting relationship throughout professional life.

Building a Lifelong Relationship

A strong alumnae and alumni community is built progressively. During their academic journey, students are encouraged to develop a sense of belonging to DSEA and to recognise themselves as part of a community that extends beyond the completion of their studies. After graduation, this relationship can continue through networking, mentoring, professional development, knowledge exchange and participation in the Department’s educational and societal activities. The Chapter Alumni Economia is dedicated to DSEA graduates. Selected activities may also involve current students, particularly when interaction with alumnae and alumni supports career orientation, mentoring and the transition into professional life.

A Structured Institutional Framework

The Chapter Alumni Economia was established in 2024 through a formal Collaboration Agreement between DSEA and the Alumni Association of the University of Padua.

It was the first pilot Chapter created within the University Alumni Association and provides a dedicated organisational framework for graduates of the Bachelor’s, Master’s, postgraduate and PhD programmes offered by the Department.

Through the Chapter, DSEA and the Alumni Association jointly promote networking, professional development, knowledge exchange, career support, community-building and Third Mission activities.

Formal membership is obtained through free registration with the Alumni Association of the University of Padua. DSEA nevertheless follows an engagement-first approach: the objective is not simply to increase registration figures, but to create meaningful opportunities that encourage graduates to participate actively in the life of the community.

Join the Chapter Alumni Economia

DSEA Alumnae and Alumni in Action

Alumnae and alumni contribute to the Department by sharing their experience, expertise and professional networks. Their engagement mainly takes five forms:

• Supporting students and recent graduates through career guidance, mentoring and employability initiatives.
• Contributing to learning through guest lectures, testimonials and practice-oriented activities.
• Sharing knowledge and experience through conferences, professional discussions and Third Mission initiatives.
• Strengthening the DSEA community through networking and opportunities for graduates at different career stages to connect.
• Advising and connecting by helping DSEA identify emerging professional and organisational needs and acting as a bridge between the Department and wider professional communities.

Alumnae and Alumni Engagement in Practice

The following initiatives illustrate how graduates contribute to student development, community-building, professional exchange and DSEA’s wider engagement with society.

Growing Together – La Community di Economia tra passato e futuro

Held in March 2025, Growing Together was the first large-scale community-building event organised within the framework of the Chapter Alumni Economia. The initiative brought together students, recent graduates, senior alumnae and alumni, members of the teaching staff and representatives of professional communities to discuss career development, networking and the evolving expectations of employers.

The event demonstrated how alumni engagement can simultaneously strengthen community, student orientation, employability and a lasting sense of belonging.

 Alumnae and Alumni engaged in events

Graduates contribute to initiatives that connect the Department with wider society, including public events, professional dissemination activities and the UrbanX series. Their participation expands the range of perspectives represented in public discussion and strengthens the relationship between academic knowledge, professional practice and local communities. Have a look at the most recent events here: https://www.economia.unipd.it/en/third-mission-and-social-impact/third-m...

Meet Your Future

A career-oriented initiative since 2016 in which alumnae and alumni working in Italy and abroad share their professional experiences, discuss developments in their sectors and offer practical guidance to students approaching the labour market. The initiative connects academic preparation with real professional trajectories and helps students better understand roles, competence requirements and career opportunities.

Meet Your Future - eighth edition (2025)	Meet Your Future - seventh edition (2024)
Meet Your Future - sixth edition (2022)	Meet Your Future - fifth edition (2021)

Stay Connected

By joining the Chapter Alumni Economia, alumnae and alumni can remain connected with the Department, meet graduates from different generations and professional backgrounds, and take part in events, networking opportunities, mentoring activities and initiatives dedicated to the DSEA community.

Membership is free!

Joining the Chapter also allows graduates to receive updates on opportunities promoted by the Department and to contribute, over time, as speakers, mentors, ambassadors and partners. Stay connected with DSEA and continue to be part of a community that extends well beyond graduation.