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Gianluca Negro


MSc Management, 2014


Why do you volunteer as an Alumni Fellow?
Nottingham Trent University and Nottingham Business School have given me all the tools I needed to enter the world of work, and they have contributed significantly to my growth as a professional and as an individual. The networking opportunities they offered me were second to none, and they really supported my growth. Volunteering is a way for me to give back to the University. In addition, it helps me be in touch with the university and understand what the latest thinking is, what subjects are now being taught, and keeps me up to date with developments.


What volunteering activities have you been involved with as an Alumni Fellow (e.g. mentoring, guest lectures)?
I have mentored eight students so far, and I hope to undertake guest lectures in the future.


What do you enjoy and find most rewarding most about being an Alumni Fellow?
I like being paired with students from all over the world, because mentoring them gives me an insight into how different individuals think. Also, it is rewarding to know that I am contributing to someone else's development. I am a big believer in personal development, and I am motivated by going to bed as a better person than the one who woke up in the morning. These improvements can come from anything - reading an article about something interesting, to meeting or speaking to someone who can help me see things differently. In turn, I enjoy being that person for other students.


Do you have any advice for someone thinking about volunteering as an Alumni Fellow?
It is quite rewarding, and it can also be fun. I do not live in Nottingham anymore, so all my mentoring sessions happen remotely. If you are worried about this taking too much of your time, it really doesn't. You can really plan this around your working hours with ease, and it can also be a good way of winding down and relaxing.


What do you do when you’re not volunteering?
I am a project manager and I live in Bratislava, Slovakia. I manage projects across four countries, so I spend a lot of time travelling, which I really enjoy and do a lot in my spare time too.