The number of SIBE students and alumni continues to rise rapidly. As past students climb the middle and senior management ranks in Germany, the name Steinbeis University Berlin is becoming a quality endorsement in itself. Which means an alumni portal can play an important role. Rather than list services, the aim of this “digital yearbook” is to allow MBA graduates to shape the platform to match their needs. The project is supported by SMAN, the SteinbeisMBA Alumni Network, that already counts many active alumni among its members. Alongside its social and entertainment value, one of the main aims of SMAN is to enhance commercial use to graduates from a variety of disciplines, areas of expertise, industries, and positions – and the forum helps members pinpoint simple solutions to everyday business problems. Other ideas being worked on include a business register to search for partners, suppliers and service providers, plus a mentoring program for new or current students. Apart from expanding services and encouraging more students to become involved, the network also organizes activities and events. Some examples: the annual university football tournament, discussion forums with leading people from business and politics, and regional evening get-togethers with other people from Steinbeis.

SMAN works on the principle of “for alumni, by alumni” – especially important given the new world of digital networks and the need to be able to trust people. Having all shared the MBA degree experience, this trust is already established – but for a variety of other initiatives to get off the ground, input is needed from alumni to design the website and put it to good use. To support this process and emphasize the exclusivity of the network, a leaf has been taken out of the American book and soon there will be a membership fee. All graduates and students currently studying for a master’s degree are eligible to join the network, after registering at www.steinbeisalumni.de.