The encounter, part of the EMA’s “In Conversation With” series, offered a space for informal cross-generational dialogue between alumni and students on careers, life choices, and the evolving practice of human rights. Despite a general strike, around ten alumni managed to join the afternoon session at the Global Campus HQ in Venice, with others arriving later for the interactive session and evening reunion. The atmosphere was warm and reflective, as participants revisited old memories and engaged with the students who are now following in their footsteps.
The alumni represented an impressive range of paths — from NGOs, academia and government to international organisations, post-conflict field work, grassroots initiatives, research and consulting, education, social entrepreneurship and politics. Their professional journeys span the globe, from the Arab World to Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central Asia, the United States and Europe.
“EMA gave us not just the foundations, but a spirit and common values,” one alumna reflected. “It became part of who we are — Masteroni (the nickname of EMA alumni) once and forever.”
Discussions covered the practical and emotional dimensions of working in human rights — from UN negotiations on global standards to field missions, asylum investigations and conflict prevention. Alumni shared lessons about resilience, self-awareness and the importance of staying true to one’s own values, especially when working in challenging contexts.
Among the key takeaways:
- Treasure transversal skills such as communication, analytical thinking and stakeholder management — they remain valuable across sectors.
- Use your network as a source of support and collaboration after graduation.
- Be persistent and visible: publish, join projects, and “don’t get tired of knocking on doors.”
- Follow your passion but stay open-minded — every experience teaches something.
- Accept stress, cherish small achievements and enjoy this study year without constant pressure about what comes next.
Many alumni also spoke candidly about the different life stages that shape a professional journey, acknowledging the need to pause, reassess, and even change direction over time. The students, eager and curious, asked thoughtful questions — from how to handle inner pressure and work-life balance, to whether the alumni felt accomplished after two decades. Their honest response: “We’ll never feel fully accomplished — we keep learning every day.”
The session concluded with a final interactive exercise that included the question: Are human rights better protected now than 25 years ago? While most alumni leaned toward “no,” citing persistent violations, over a third of the students stood in the “yes” group, pointing to growing awareness, stronger case law and greater public visibility of abuses — a hopeful sign of generational optimism.
The meeting ended on a reflective and inspiring note, with both cohorts agreeing that in human rights work, every impact matters — however small it may seem.
A heartfelt thank you to all 2000 Alumni who visited us and engaged with our students: Anders Folmer Buhelt, Angela Melchiorre, Despina Saraliotou, Eoin Lawlor, Irene Milleiro, Julia Savage, Katarina Mansson, Katja Schemmann, Kirsten Saxinger, Marianne Dons Tychsen, Nel Ruigrok, Niamh Walsh, Sandra Conway, Ana Sofia Chieira, Susie O’Brien, Trine Stjernø, Veronique Joosten