In spring 2021, University of Helsinki alum Roberto D’Abrosca noticed an email inviting alumni to join in spurring on students in the middle of the pandemic. D’Abrosca, who had recently trained as a business coach, became interested and registered as a contributor for a small group discussion at an alumni event.
– Alumni activities are an international environment. I thrive in such situations, and I thought now was a good time to give something back to my alma mater. It was a really nice evening.
D’Abrosca explained the idea of ‘ikigai’ to students. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to finding a sense of purpose in life.
– Having the opportunity to do something for others, without any other agenda, is part of my personal ikigai. I had completed studies in the field and had the ability to help.
At the same time, D’Abrosca, who had up to then carved out a career in managerial duties in the private sector, was given the chance to put his new profession into practice.
Alumni have the opportunity learn with people from different backgrounds
Roberto D’Abrosca has also contributed to alumni activities, for example, by offering students individual training pro bono. In addition, he has given a webinar on coaching leadership for supervisors in various fields at a Think & Lead event aimed at sharing leadership experiences and lessons among members of the alumni network.
For D’Abrosca, being part of a multiprofessional expert community has been the best part of alumni activities.
He believes that sharing skills and knowledge can trigger a domino effect. Someone may come up with a new idea that they can then share with others. This way, the effects can spread far and wide.
D’Abrosca has gained tangible benefits from the alumni network also in terms of updating his own skills.
–The pitching webinar was right up my alley. For me, having a speaker who had studied at the University and progressed in their career was a sign of quality. There is so much content available, as we know, which is why quality matters.
D’Abrosca recommends alumni activities to anyone who considers continuous learning and inclusivity important. He admits that learning independently is an option too, but in groups you get to discuss and take a deeper plunge into topics.
– While the University’s alumni have a common starting point, each individual’s journey has taken them to a completely unique direction. It allows you to learn with entirely different types of people. That means a lot to me.