Nearly 100 Alma Mater students from 30 countries gathered at the Biblioteca Renzo Renzi. The high turnout highlights the strong interest in job and career prospects within the metropolitan area.
There was a great turnout for the event “Starting a life journey in Bologna: Opportunities and procedures to pursue your career in the metropolitan area,” held on March 4th at the Biblioteca Renzo Renzi. Now in its second edition, the initiative confirms the metropolitan area's appeal to international talent. At the same time, it highlights the need for clear, precise information to help these highly qualified profiles settle in the region after completing their studies. The administration confirms its intention to replicate similar activities to facilitate the retention of young international talent, who are considered a vital component for the dynamism of local businesses and research centers.
During the meeting, students from all over the world, currently enrolled in their final years at the University of Bologna, engaged with experts, business representatives, and former students. Discussions focused on bureaucratic procedures for staying in Bologna after graduation and the professional opportunities offered by the city and the metropolitan area.
The Questura of Bologna, through its Immigration Office, explained the procedures for converting study residence permits into work permits. Thanks to the exceptional availability of the Questura representative, participants received clear answers to numerous questions. In addition to the technical overview, two ex- University of Bologna students - now professionals in local companies - shared their personal stories and career journeys in Bologna.
Città Metropolitana discussed the region’s attractiveness and ongoing transformations, while ART-ER expanded the analysis by illustrating the regional ecosystem, the most sought-after professional profiles, and available support tools for talent. Bologna Airport and Coesia also actively participated, presenting their companies and the career opportunities available for those wishing to work in the area.
The initiative was organized by Bologna for Talent - the talent attraction and retention service of BIS (Bologna Innovation Square), Città Metropolitana, and the Municipality of Bologna—together with the University of Bologna and the Almae Matris Alumni Association. The project is supported by the Emilia-Romagna Region (Regional Law n.2/2023). For years, local administrations have been committed to strengthening the region's appeal for high-specialization profiles, with the goal of creating an increasingly innovative and inclusive territorial system.