The New Generation of Sensemakers: Alumni Discussion

On Friday, November 14th, from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a hybrid discussion titled VMU Alumni – The New Generation of Sensemakers will be held online (via MS Teams) and on-site at VMU Senate Hall (28 S. Daukanto g., Kaunas). The discussion will take place on Vytautas Magnus University’s traditional Alumni Day, hosted as part of the VMU Connections Event. Registration is required.

This event brings together international alumni, current students, and the entire VMU community to explore the core question: What’s the point of it all? The discussion will delve into finding meaning and purpose – in studies, internships, career uncertainty, and life after graduation. International alumni from countries including Ukraine, Nigeria, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Mongolia will share authentic stories about the challenges and successes they faced while building their paths.

For current students, this is a fantastic opportunity to network, meet alumni working and studying in diverse fields in Lithuania and globally, and gain direct insights into today’s job market. There are many different paths after graduation, and this event is a chance to explore them with people who have walked them.

For International Alumni, this is a chance not only to return to the university, but also to share their journey, be heard, and stay connected with the VMU community that supported them.

The preliminary lineup of speakers for “VMU Alumni – The New Generation of Sensemakers” includes inspiring individuals navigating unique career trajectories.

Yesui Bayar from Mongolia, who graduated with a BA in International Politics and Development Studies in 2023, is now a Coordinator of Training Operations at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Geneva. Her topic, presented online, is “Sensemaking Through Action: From VMU to International Geneva.”

Oleksii Minenko from Ukraine, an alumnus of MA in Diplomacy and International Relations (2019), is currently a Dispute Administrator at Phoenix and a freelance career consultant. On-site, he will share “Inner Balance as Sensemaking: Aikido, Crisis, and the Quiet Return to Self,” reflecting on how Aikido principles and inner balance helped him overcome career burnout.

Tamta Kakauridze from Georgia, who holds an MA in International Economics (2017) and manages the Economics Olympiad in Georgia, will speak online on “From Ideas to Impact: Making Sense of Change through Purposeful Action,” focusing on purpose, curiosity, and resilience.

Gulkhanim Dunyamaliyeva from Azerbaijan, an MA in Applied English Linguistics (2022) alumna currently pursuing a second Master’s in Business Logistics, will be on-site to discuss “From Linguistics to Logistics: Sensemaking Through Change and New Beginnings,” exploring adaptability and growth through career changes.

Olumide Felix Owajoba from Nigeria, who holds an MA in Social Anthropology (2023) and is a Programme Support Officer at the Lithuanian Samaritan Association, will present online on “Beyond ‘You Can’: Building the Strategy that Unlocks Your Future.”

Mostapha Alahiane from Morocco, who is graduating with an MA in Educational Management (2025) and is now an English teacher in Kaunas, will be on-site to share “From Campus to Career: How Being an Active Student Shapes Your Future,” offering practical advice on leveraging student involvement for professional success.

Finally, Azzam Ahmad, a Jordanian–Bahraini lawyer and PhD candidate, will join online from his diplomatic mission in South Africa to explore “Building a Career Between Systems and Realities,” discussing the realities of navigating diverse international legal systems.

Let’s meet for a meaningful discussion.

The event is part of the VMU Connections Day. Check out the full programme here.