In 2019, we introduced a new funding model based on international standards, the first Austrian university to adopt such a model. Each of our approximately 55,000 alumni can now decide for themselves how much of a regular contribution they would like to make to WU.
We’re proud of our alumni and want them to stay in touch with us, so in 2019, we:
- Launched a new alumni website
- Redesigned our alumni magazine
- Introduced new event formats
- Presented the WU Alumni Recognition Award in the categories Knowledge Transfer, Networks, and Donations
WU Alumni worldwide
What do the Austrian Salzkammergut region, Milan, and Bangkok have in common? WU graduates live and work there. For this reason, new WU Alumni Hubs were established at these locations in 2019. WU alumni can now meet and network at events in more than 60 hubs in Austria and around the world. Event formats range from half-day conferences with renowned international guest speakers, company visits, and cultural events to informal get-togethers.
Career coaching for women
The final step to top management is still a major hurdle for women. A new mentoring program initiated by the rector entitled “Wise Women of WU” was launched to help aspiring alumnae advance their careers. The program’s long-term goals include improving female graduates’ professional perspectives, increasing the number of women in management positions, and introducing young women to successful peers as role models
In the program, experienced women in top management share their experiences with aspiring young managers and help them build up their own networks. The mentors and mentees enter into a one-on-one mentoring relationship to exchange experiences. The program is based on a give-and-take approach to make sure that mentors and mentees can benefit equally from the exchange of knowledge and experience involved in the relationship. The mentors support their mentees’ career development and share insights into their personal success strategies, while at the same time broadening their own horizons by entering into a dialog that bridges generational and hierarchical boundaries. Feedback from participants has been very positive.
The program’s first year was so successful that the number of mentee applications rose considerably in the second year. At a pitching event on November 11, all invited candidates delivered impressive performances, and in the end 10 WU alumnae were selected for the 2019/20 year. To kick off the program, we organized a networking evening where mentors and mentees from both the first and the second years had the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences. The event was rounded off with an inspiring talk by professional mountaineer Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner.