Organized by the Associative Life department, this year's New Associative Board Seminar (SNBA) took on a whole new dimension, moving into a movie theater. And the venue certainly paid off: the heads of associations at the Pôle Léonard de Vinci enjoyed two intense days of inspiring talks, powerful testimonials and rich exchanges. A truly collective scenario to mark the kick-off of new mandates and an associative year full of ambition!

Alumni stories of success, trials and learning

Committed students make committed alumni! The highlight of the seminar was when alumni took the floor to share their experiences, successes and difficulties. Their heartfelt accounts opened up in-depth discussions on resilience, mental health and the transmission of associative experience.

Lise Valmiger (IIM 2019 - De Vinci Cheer) reminded us that “successes are good, but the memories we create together are even better!”. 

Thomas Deveze (ESILV 2024 - De Vinci Partners) shared a striking example of resilience after failure in a competition, emphasizing that setbacks can be a source of personal and collective growth.

For her part, Agathe Delas (ESILV/EMLV 2021 - DeVinci FabLab) gave a moving account of a difficult year in which she had to manage her association on her own after the majority of her board was made redundant. Still active in the associative world today, she drew three essential pieces of advice from this experience:

• Remember why you're involved
• Learn to say no and refocus on what's essential
• Take care of each other, both within your association and between associations.

Successful handover and start-up of a new mandate

Handover remains a key issue in associative continuity. Louise Jousselin (ESILV 2024 - LeoLearning) and Léa Le Breton (EMLV 2024 - LeoLearning) shared three pragmatic tips:

• Understand your responsibilities as soon as you take up your position, including administrative obligations
• Capitalize on the successes and mistakes of previous teams
• Gain clear, early access to management tools, particularly accounts.

Thomas (ESILV 2024 - De Vinci Partners) emphasized the importance of getting off to a good start right from the very first months: coaching new members, detecting their real motivation and valuing the human link through pre-applications. His motto: “Turn members into ambassadors”.

The service offering: staying true to its DNA while evolving

Student associations are built around a strong purpose or DNA. Béatrice Macé (ESILV 2022 - PoleTech) stressed the importance of evolving one's association while retaining this central identity. She emphasized

• The unique complementarity between the schools (EMLV, ESILV, IIM), a source of rich cross-disciplinary projects
• The importance of collaborating with teachers to create a sustainable dynamic
• The need not to deviate from the initial framework: "not to take the place of tutoring", but to assert its added value

The addition of an events division at PoleTech a few terms ago illustrates this ability to innovate without betraying the original mission.

Associative commitment, a springboard to professional life

No, community involvement isn't just a marketing ploy: it's a real lever for professional integration. Agathe (ESILV/EMLV 2021 - DeVinci FabLab), who now works for one association and volunteers for 8 others, highlighted the skills she has acquired: accounting management, volunteer management, event organization and conflict resolution.

These experiences are concrete assets to be highlighted on a CV or LinkedIn, right from the start. Béatrice (ESILV 2022 - PoleTech) went further, mentioning the coordination, customer relations and empowerment that this entails.

The associative network thus becomes a “network within the network”, with lasting benefits. A strong bond is maintained between former and current members, illustrating the desire to perpetuate the spirit of commitment well beyond the years of study.

Enriched by these testimonials, practical advice and collective reflection, association leaders leave better equipped to face the challenges of the year ahead - with a clear vision, a strengthened team spirit and a shared ambition: to make a positive and lasting impact on their campus.

Alumni, keep this intergenerational link alive: join or create your student association group and share your tips and best practices!