AIESEC IN UANTWERP ANNUAL REPORT 2020 - 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Message of the president 2. AIESEC Abbreviations 3. Why, how, what 4. Sustainable Development Goals 5. 16 Exchange Standards 6. Our Exchange programs a. Global Volunteer b. Global Entrepreneur c. Global Talent 7. Year overview per track a. Incoming Exchange b. Outgoing Exchange c. Marketing d. University Relations e. Partnership Development f. Talent Management g. Finance & Legal 8. Special thanks
MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT This report serves as a summary of the term that started on February 1st 2020 and ended on January 31st 2021. This term was not at all what we expected When our term started in February 2020,
it to be, but it made us more resilient for
we had no idea what was coming towards
future road blocks and look at difficult
us.
a
situations with a more open mind to find
recruitment in February, the Covid-19
solutions. We laid down a foundation for
virus was already spreading around and we
more online activities for future Executive
thought it would never reach us. This
Boards and started new initiatives as an
changed quickly when we had to rush home
organization that broadened our reach to
in
students in Antwerp.
While
March
we
were
from
our
busy
doing
international
Conference in Turkey, since borders were closing due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Not being able to focus on our core operations, which is sending young people
We switched our daily operations as soon
abroad or welcome trainees in Antwerp,
as possible to online, where we had weekly
did not keep us from sharing more stories
online Board meetings on Zoom, weekly
about our exchanges in our new Podcast
Netflix or game nights with the whole team
series. Besides the podcast, we took our
and saw our Board of Advisors for the first
time to upgrade our internal processes and
time online in May.
work more on our University Relations. I would like to thank all our Members and Team Leaders for staying with us, for never giving up and showing that we can still be relevant as an organization during a time like this. It has been an honor to be your
president
and
to
lead
such
a
wonderful team. Thank you!
Laure-Ann Vanautryve Local Committee President
ABBREVIATIONS AI: AIESEC International AIESEC in Belgium: national AIESEC level AIESEC: Used to be the abbreviation of "Association Internationale Des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales". AIESEC is now only used as the full name. AIESECer: Someone currently/in the past involved in AIESEC APD: Approved, someone is approved for a project and the contract is signed APL: Applicant, someone applies for a project BD: Business Development BoA: Board of Advisers Compendium: Rule set (AIESEC in UAntwerp Compendium is an example of an LC ruleset) EB: Executive Board (the LCP and LCVP's) EP: Exchange Participant (someone going on an internship/volunteering project abroad) F: Finance Full Member: Member who meets the Full Membership Criteria and has voting rights GA: General Assembly IC: International Congress (largest annual conference, organized by AI) ICX: Incoming Exchange IGT: Incoming Global Talent IXP: Integrated Experience (AIESEC'er going on an exchange) JD: Job Description LC: Local Committee (an AIESEC chapter at a University) LCM: Local Committee Meeting
LCP: Local Committee President LCVP: Local Committee Vice President MC: Member Committee (National AIESEC level) MCP: Member Committee President MCVP: Member Committee VicePresident MKT: Marketing MoGX: Marketing & Outgoing Exchange OD: Organizational Development OGX: Outgoing Exchange oGT: Outgoing Global Talent, exchange product oGTa: Outgoing Global Talent, exchange product oGTe: Outoing Global Teacher, exchange product oGV: Outgoing Global Volunteer, exchange product oGE: Outgoing Global Entrepreneur, exchange product PD: Partnership Development REA: Realized, exchange is started TLP: Team Leader (Program) TM: Talent Management TN: Traineeship Nomination TN taker: Traineeship Nomination taker (company taking on AIESEC trainees) UR: University Relations XP: Experience
AIESEC was founded in 1948 by students
We believe that young people hold the key
from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
to a better future and they must learn to
the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.
adapt quickly to solve problems. By living
Our fundamentals were shaped by the
cross-cultural experiences, they will develop
social, economic and political climate of
understanding of other cultures and other
the time after the second world war.
people's perspectives better. This is why
Since then, the world has been changing
AIESEC strives to achieve peace and
faster than ever before.
fulfillment of humankind’s potential. In
today’s
context,
‘peace’
does
not
exclusively mean avoiding war. Peace can symbolize a world that does not have conficts that arise from cultural, religious or other aspects of differences in humanity. Next to that, peace can symbolize being in harmony with yourself. AIESEC strives to build a world where people can work towards their own understanding of peace, while respecting and understanding the views of others. Through
“Fulfillment
of
Humankind’s
Potential, AIESEC strives for a world where people can be the best version of themselves.
We place our confidence in youth because
AIESEC is a platform for young people to
they are the future and have the passion,
explore
dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit that
potential. After going through an AIESEC
are needed to shape the future. They have
experience,
the responsibility to improve tomorrow
prepared to make a positive impact in any
by choosing who they will be today.
sphere they choose.
and
develop young
their
people
leadership are
better
AIESEC’s unique leadership development model seeks to prepare youth to take a stand on what they care about and become capable to make a difference through their everyday actions. That is why our answer is to develop the characteristics below according to the largest world issues and trends. These characterics are fundamentals, which enable the lifelong leadership journey of young people.
AIESEC provides an opportunity for young people to work or volunteer abroad in non-familiar environments. This allows them to step outside their comfort zone and expand their world view, while contributing to the community where they are working. Living such experiences enables people to build a better understanding on how to communicate and capitalize on diversity in our increasingly connected world. Secondly, AIESEC wants to develop leadership and cross-cultural understanding in their members. AIESEC members work in teams to create and manage these cross-cultural exchange experiences. This provides an opportunity for our members to live powerful team experiences and develop their own leadership potential. AIESEC has a set of shared behaviours- the AIESEC values- that shape our organizational culture. These values bring our mission and vision to life by guiding our everyday actions and decisions.
Activating Leadership
Demonstrating Integrity We are consistent and transparent in our decisions and actions. We fulfill our commitments and conduct ourselves in a way aligned with what we envision.
We lead by example and inspire leadership through actions and results. We take responsibility
for
developing
the
leadership potential of others. Living Diversity
Acting Sustainably
We actively learn from different ways of
We act in a sustainable way for our organization and our society. Our decisions take into account the needs of future generations.
life and opinions represented in our multi cultural environment. We act inclusively, respecting and actively encouraging the contribution of every individual.
Enjoying Participation
Striving for Excellence
We create a dynamic and welcoming
We
environment
and
creativity and innovation. We strive to
enthusiastic participation of individuals. We
deliver the highest quality performance in
enjoy being involved in AIESEC.
everything we do..
through
the
active
continuously
improve
through
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations. They cover a broad range of social and economic development issues, as you can see below. The SDGs are also known as “Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” or Agenda 2030 in short. The goals were developed to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which ended in 2015. Unlike the MDGs, the SDG framework does not distinguish between “developed” and “developing” nations. Instead, the goals apply to all countries. AIESEC is one of the United Nations partners to reach these 17 goals. We promote and encourage participation in the implementation of the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. We do not only do this by creating awareness, but also by linking them to all of our Global Volunteer projects. Every young person choosing to go on a volunteering experience with AIESEC, also chooses to contribute to one of these SDG’s.
16 EXCHANGE STANDARDS
To make sure our customers have a good experience we have 16 standards to ensure quality experiences. By making sure every standard is delivered, we also want to guarantee that our exchange participants develop leadership skills during their exchange. We also find it important to get feedback from our exchange participants. Therefore, they will be able to fll in a survey after their experience. In this survey, they can inform us whether all the standards were delivered or not. When the standards are delivered during an exchange experience and the exchange participants fills in the survey positively, then this exchange experience will be called a "completed experience". This way, AIESEC tries to measure the amount of completed experiences to see how the organization can improve standards delivery.
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Volunteering experience abroad 6-12 weeks Contribute to the SDGs Impact in a project & selfdevelopment
A volunteering experience abroad, contributing to one of the Sustainable Development Goals. This product is supposed to let you have an impact on a local level. Through the project activities, you do develop yourself and put your learnings into practice. All while meeting new people from different cultures.
Earlier this year, I was looking for some volunteering opportunities and then someone told me about AIESEC. I wanted to find something that was not too far away because of COVID. I saw a project in Iceland and decided to apply since I had been in Iceland once before and I wanted to go back. The project I did was about art and sustainability with World Wide Friends. The activities changed all the time, for example setting up an exhibition about climate change, beach cleaning, planting trees, renovation work… I met some of the most amazing people that really made me feel welcome here. Now my project ended, but I am still in Iceland, and I will be staying here until June. I feel quite happy here because you meet new people all the time with similar values and mindsets, I am discovering new things every day and learning new things about myself every day. I want to thank AIESEC for making this possible despite all the COVID challenges.
Alice Poggio Exchange Participant - Iceland
Professional internship abroad 8-12 weeks Impact in a start-up Cross-cultural environment
A internship abroad impacting a start-up. Helping to develop the start-up by putting your learnings into practical experiences. Developing yourself, learning new things and new people. Using the skills you gained in your studies and using them to develop a start-up in a community. The NGO gave me the chance to develop a project concerning underprivileged kids and giving them the opportunity to do sports. Something that I’m really passionate about. Besides the professional aspect of my journey, the social aspect was also really great. I got to meet a lot of new people, like of course the people from AIESEC Sakarya, but also other people from all over the world. Besides meeting new people, I also got to learn a couple of things about myself. I’m guessing that’s just what stepping outside of your comfort zone does! Dealing with stressful, unexpected and new situations in a country that you don’t know, and in my case where you don’t even know the language, opens your eyes and makes you really inventive. Unfortunately, my experience was cut short because of the Coronavirus… 6 weeks into my stay in Turkey, the Belgian government (and my school) ordered all people who were staying abroad to return as soon as possible. It’s safe to say that this was a really hectic day for me and all I can say is that the AIESEC members, the ones in Turkey but especially the ones in Belgium, really stepped up their game for me. In a matter of a couple of
Jonas Schroé Exchange Participant - Turkey
hours, they booked my plane ticket, gave me constant updates on the situation and guided me throughout this trying time. This made it possible for me to leave on the same day. To this day, I am still really grateful for this.
First work experience of internationals abroad or in Antwerp 6-18 months Cross-cultural environment
Your first working experience in Antwerp as an international. Working for a minimum of 6 months in a local company in Antwerp or abroad. Using your previous experience and knowledge and implementing them in a business. Developing yourself, getting to know new people and cultures.
I have been part of AIESEC for four years. Sending people abroad and seeing the amazing experiences and memories they got out of it. But when my career within AIESEC ended in August 2020, I got the chance to take on another adventure with AIESEC. Developing myself even further
on
a
Global
Talent
project
in
Switzerland. After the first three weeks I got offered to stay indefinitely. My experience was really amazing, the people that I met and the responsibilities I got during this experience. It’s up to you to make your experience, but with the support from both AIESEC in Belgium and AIESEC in Switzerland I can say that it made it way easier to integrate and find my way. I'm looking forward to what is still coming and I'm very grateful for the experience that AIESEC has given me.
Yoëlle Vanderlaan Exchange Participant - Switzerland
Believe me, this is not my first or second experience, this is my third AIESEC experience and this time it is a Professional internship! It has always been an amazing and interesting experience to go with AIESEC. Each and every time it has something to teach us about us as an individual and to integrate with people from different parts of the world. Most importantly I became a world citizen with my AIESEC experiences. Even during this unprecedented time, people from both AIESEC in Belgium and AIESEC in India have helped me in getting all procedures done and were very supportive to me from the start of my internship. They also made sure that I started the internship on time remotely and also kept us engaged virtually with other interns through various funny games. This internship has been a big career changer for me since this is the kind of opportunity I was looking for to enhance my skill and career. I have always recommended AIESEC to my friends and I do recommend everyone to do one. And I can be sure that the experience will be a life changing one(from my experience). It is fun to be part of this enthusiastic organization. I really appreciate the effort put by both AIESEC in Belgium and AIESEC in India even during these tough times.
Yukesh Harinathan Trainee - Open Analytics
If I had a time machine I'd undo many decisions I took, but I'd always make sure everytime to stick with the decision of taking AIESEC programs. During both, Global Volunteer and Global Talent programs, I discovered many parts of my personality and hidden skills I didn't know I had, and grew as a better version of myself. If you're looking forward to grow some skills, meet people and make friends from all Kamal Said Trainee - iDalko
around the world, learn how to accept understand and adapt to any new situation culture or environment...
YEAR OVERVIEW PER TRACK
INCOMING EXCHANGE This past year has most definitely been a roller coaster, but I am very glad to have been in the AIESEC train during this one. Finding solutions and looking for the bright side is what AIESEC is all about. It is amazing to see how much impact we could still have
during
this
period.
My
VP
experience in iGT gives me an extra appreciation professional
of
AIESEC
a
valuable
Bringing trainees to Antwerp during
organization in which all parties can
the pandemic was a very challenging
learn,
from.
process, but our team managed to do
Seeing the value and joy iGT brought
this nonetheless. This way, trainees
to so many international trainees and
were still able to fulfill their internship
companies always brings a smile to
and COVID-19 formed only an extra
my face.
learning point to further develop their
develop
and
as
and
benefit
leadership skills. Of course, we try to deliver the best experience possible to all our trainees and as you can imagine, this was also made increasingly difficult by COVID19. But we were still able to organize multiple online events, such as a game night, get to know spaces and most
notably
an
online
pancake
cooking show where we sent all the trainees the ingredients beforehand so they could cook together with the iGT team!
Ruud Reunis Vice President Incoming Exchange
INCOMING EXCHANGE
Opens 6
Approvals 4
Realized 8
Trainee Events 4
INCOMING EXCHANGE
VALUE DELIVERY TEAM Elsbeth Wolrich Team Leader
Anne Reunis Member
Michaël Hillaert Member
CONSIDERATION TEAM Rebecca van den Broeck Team Leader
Sophie Haentjens Member
Luna van Gaever Member
After a few months in the iGT team, I can say that joining AIESEC was a great choice! Meeting awesome new people, learning useful skills and making a difference for international participants, by organizing game nights and hosting an interactive cooking event, are few of the amazing experiences in the iGT team. During this short time I have already grown as a person and become more confident in daily and professional situations.
Anne Reunis
INCOMING EXCHANGE Joining AIESEC as iGT teamleader during the COVID-19 pandemic seemed to be a great challenge. But, looking back now, all I can say is I’m so glad that I did it. The opportunity to meet so many great, likeminded people is something I could not have realized any other way. And besides that, AIESEC allows you to grow as a person and on a professional level. I have been able to improve my organizational skills, leadership skills, and creativity. I would recommend anyone who’s contemplating to join, to just go for it!
Elsbeth Wolrich
In my first semester in AIESEC, I had the opportunity to guide international trainees that come to Antwerp. In the context of the first lockdown and many insecurities, we tried to help them and assist where questions popped up and prepare them for when they finally could come to Antwerp. We tried connecting them through online trainee events not only for those already in Antwerp but also those who were going to arrive. Subsequently, I had the opportunity to become a team leader in iGT. This created possibilities to develop myself in new areas and let me develop my leadership skills, something I did not expect I had. Nevertheless, being a team leader made me more connected to the organization and its goals; it made me more aware of my own abilities and working points. And most importantly, it made me motivated to give my members a good experience and create an open team environment. In which they can learn and grow and find connections with others, especially during these difficult times where social contact is not apparent. It gives much joy to see their enthusiasm, critical thinking and commitment.
Rebecca van den Broeck
OUTGOING EXCHANGE When I started my term as Vice President Outgoing Global Volunteer, one of my main goals was to provide quality exchanges and improve our value delivery. However, soon after my term started, COVID-19 hit. While I was just getting used to my new position and the challenges that come with it, I also had to deal with many cancellations and Exchange Participants that were stuck in a foreign country. Luckily we managed to bring people home safely.
send anyone abroad until July. Another challenge came along: keeping a team engaged while not having as much work as usual. We shifted our focus from doing exchanges to preparing new materials, educational
workspaces,
and
creating new international relations. I gave my team the opportunity to meet with other AIESEC entities across the world and get to know more about their projects, culture, and how to establish international relations.
became part of my job description. Given
the
circumstances,
our
focus
shifted from Global Volunteer to Global Talent.
Therefore,
my
focus
in
the
second semester was mainly to educate
In April, it was decided that we couldn’t
doing
After the summer, Global Talent also
myself on this new product, educate my members,
and
onboard
the
new
members in the team. The past year has been particularly challenging for the Outgoing Exchange team, but I am proud to say that we still managed to achieve 11 approvals and 9 realizations. I
am
grateful
for
this
opportunity
because I didn’t only get to know many new people, I also made new friends and
developed
my
skills
of
team
management and strategic thinking. Moreover, COVID-19 provided surprises and challenges that gave me a chance to develop myself in ways I never expected. I would like to thank the entire Outgoing Exchange team and the Executive Board for supporting me throughout this year. Celina van Grinsven Vice President Outgoing Exchange
OUTGOING EXCHANGE *IXP 1 OGV 6
OGT 3
OGE 2
Approved *IXP 3 OGV 6
OGT 1
OGE 2
Realized
OUTGOING EXCHANGE
OUTGOING EXCHANGE
THE OGV TEAM Hanna Rzeczycka Team Leader
Annelore Amerlynck Member
Gin Nauwelaerts Member
THE OGT TEAMS Fredericke Decoster Team Leader
Vincent Goossens Member
June Coopmans Member
Iyor Bilan Team Leader
Guney Yalcin Member
Guney Can Yalcin Member
Kethllyn Carvalho Ferreira Member
Madou van Borre Member
OUTGOING EXCHANGE I joined AIESEC because I wanted to make a contribution to a better world, which I felt I would be able to do in the OGX team. Searching for suitable projects for EP’s, I have gained insight in different perspectives. I always feel excited browsing, because I would love to participate in the projects myself. Furthermore, I have become more familiar with the SDG’s, something I find important. I have only been with AIESEC for one semester, however, I believe that I have already grown so much. Within AIESEC everyone is tremendously helpful and encouraging. I feel I am in a safe space to make mistakes and learn from them. Moreover, your work is appreciated, which makes you feel valuable. In addition, talking with my team and solving questions during a team activity has also helped me develop on a personal level. It has brought me more knowledge and wisdom, something I am truly grateful for. Gin Nauwelaerts
OUTGOING EXCHANGE I joined AIESEC in September 2020 and I have no regrets that I did so. I am a student at the University of Antwerp and because of corona I missed the social interaction between students and I wanted to improve my skills. So joining AIESEC was the best choice to achieve my goals. The people are very friendly, helpful and I felt really comfortable from the beginning of my adventure. We had virtual game nights, Netflix nights so that everyone could relax during these difficult pandemic times. My time in the OGX team was also very fun, we helped each other with things when we got stuck. There was no pressure on us and that really helped me and my teammates to do our tasks the best we could!
Guney Yalcin
I have genuinely enjoyed my experience as a member of AIESEC so far. As a newcomer, I instantly felt part of this group of open-minded people. To me, AIESEC is a place where I can push my limits with a safety net when things go wrong. Despite COVID-19, I was able to make new connections with people, thanks to the various online activities. It feels good to be part of an organization that values not only the results but also the people. OGX was definitely a challenge for me. It does require some self-discipline and time management to properly handle your responsibilities and I really didn't have those qualities in the beginning. Now, with the help of my team, I am learning this step by step. My team leader always motivates me to bring out the best in me and shows patience and compassion when I make mistakes. Teammates turned into friends, mistakes turned into experience and self-doubt turned into self-reliance.
Annelore Amerlynck
OUTGOING EXCHANGE Looking back at the beginning of my exchange in Belgium, I have no doubts that joining AIESEC in UAntwerp was one of the best things I have done so far. As an exchange student during the global pandemic, AIESEC came in for me as a way to meet more people and also to find fulfillment in something else than just my studies. I feel happy with what I have been able to do so far, and really thankful for the support that I have received as a member. The environment is great, and I really appreciate the open communication. I have to say it surprised me just how easy it was to become friends with other members, and how much encouragement I have received throughout my term. I cannot possibly recommend joining AIESEC enough, especially if you are looking for a fun way to gain meaningful experience. With no way to hang out other than online, we have shared so many fun evenings and I definitely wouldn't have laughed as much if it weren't for the friends I've made in AIESEC. I have also learned a lot - not only in terms of hard skills, but most importantly to be more confident in my own ability and intuition. Throughout the past months, I have felt accomplished and confident, and I have learned lessons which, though they were difficult at first, are invaluable to me now. I'm really excited for the new semester, and I can't wait to pay forward the support that I have received for the new members who will join us! Hanna Rzeczycka
MARKETING This year has all been about challenges and
re-inventing
ourselves
within
the
Marketing track. Starting the term almost immediately in a national lockdown, it meant being creative with our resources. My members were wonderful at coming up with new ideas and keeping the AIESEC spirit alive. We did a survey in the first
Hereafter we had to go back to online
quarter to find out how well the students
marketing. We organized an event for
in Antwerp know our brand and what they
KdG students and a Career Workshop
think of it. We posted new materials on our
with Robert Half and VoKa. Meanwhile
Instagram page, started our own podcast
we
and did a workshop together with Robert
interviewing alumni, EP’s and trainees.
kept
working
on
our
podcast,
Half.
This After
the
summer,
some
structural
year
was
truly
about
thinking
outside the box, not only in my team
changes occurred. Marketing gained a new
but
Events team which was responsible for the
successfully
internal and external events of our LC.
members
active
Although we only had a short period of
proud
my
physical classes, we managed to organize a
leaders for not giving up and making
corona
this an exciting experience despite the
proof
event
in
our
biggest
auditorium on campus. This was the first
for
the
of
entire
LC.
managed and
think
we
keep
the
engaged.
I’m
to
members
I
and
team
challenges.
time we ever achieved 100 registrations for our info event!
I’m very thankful for my term as a Vice President.
I
learned
more
in
this
position than I imagined, and I feel as if I’ve truly grown as a person. Not despite, but because of these crazy times we’re living.
Marinela Chete Vice President Marketing
MARKETING
Ad campaigns 3
SU 244
Events 5
Fairs 2
APL 150
MARKETING
OPERATIONS TEAM Pakita van Puyenbroeck Team Leader
Andrey Razumovskiy Member
Fabienne Schmidt Member
Stijn Vandewiele Member
Stephanie Kersbergen Member
MARKETING
EVENTS TEAM Sarah Vertommen Team Leader
Laura Ceurvels Member
Megan Lenaerts Member
In October 2020, I transferred to AIESEC in UAntwerp where I joined the Marketing Events team. During these past few months, I have met some wonderful people at AIESEC who already taught me so many valuable lessons and skills which will be of great help in my future career. I have learned that the AIESEC in UAntwerp team is a diverse and open-minded group and will try to engage with all its members even in times of a pandemic, I felt right at home. Every once in a while we, as the marketing events team, organized small team building activities such as an online bingo-movie night, an Among Us game, a virtual escape room, etc. just to make sure that we would regularly keep in touch with each other. For me personally, AIESEC provides the perfect platform to develop my professional skills and learn to deal with responsibilities in a safe environment while still enjoying myself and meeting really great people. I am looking forward to seeing where my AIESEC journey takes me.
Megan Lenaerts
MARKETING I joined the marketing team of AIESEC in October. I was looking for a student club that was about more than just going to parties. In AIESEC you can combine having fun with developing your skills. It was my closest contact with the professional world. You learn a lot from and in your teams. Except from the growth that I experienced, there was also a warm group of people that welcomed me. AIESEC was definitely a point of light in this lockdown for me. You see your team weekly and the meetings become more fun every time. Joining AIESEC was a great opportunity and I recommend everyone to do the same!
Laura Ceurvels
I have experienced AIESEC with and without COVID-19 and thus many changes, but one thing is for sure: I have learned a lot! Including how to work together in a team and how you can grow personally. At first, I was a member and at the beginning, I didn't really know what I had to do. But the oldies help you in all the ways they can and eventually I felt confident enough to take the next step and that is why I became a team leader. I'm really glad I made that step because you see other perspectives of AIESEC and learn new things like managing your team. There are many opportunities to grow and the board is very supportive. Another important aspect is that I have had a lot of fun with the AIESEC members. The people I got to know at AIESEC will definitely stay with me forever. So, don't be afraid to take the step and join AIESEC, because it will be an unforgettable adventure with lots of memories you won't forget! Sarah Vertommen
UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Our University Relations are still very strong but most definitely took a blow due to COVID-19. This term we started strong by creating an updated University Relations market research that covered more universities and university colleges such as KdG, Artesis Plantijn, Thomas More, KUL, Antwerp Management School and more. Our partnership with KdG has been our strongest partnership in recent years regarding internships for credits. However, like most universities when the pandemic began, most internships were temporarily cancelled and the road to fully reopening international internships is still not fully clear due to the many changes regarding COVID-19. At the very start of the pandemic we had to act quickly to make sure that two UR students were able to return home before the boarders closed. We successfully were able to do this. In one case, one of the two students was even able to continue his internship from home and thus able to finish his internship for credits. We would like to thank both the University of Antwerp for their guidance throughout these difficult times and giving us the opportunity to stay relevant on campus or online, as well KdG for their help with reaching their students that are looking for internships abroad.
UR Events 1
Applied 13
Realized 1
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT My
focus
for
GT
was
refining
the
processes to increase overall conversion rates.
Improved
education
and
the
rigorous implementation of the new CRM were a large part of this. Being part of TM until the beginning of September led to only having the second part of the term to work on this. The effort however paid off, as the conversion rate of first contact
At this fair we also had the opportunity to reconnect with VoKa, a past partner that
we
lost
due
to
inefficient
communication on our part. This has already proved its value, as one of their employees gave a workshop to students
to meeting went up by almost 20%.
on
Furthermore, I will be carrying these
with
our
behalf
in
November.
The
knowledge they are willing to share
standards into the new term and passing
students
in
return
for
some
interaction with said students will be
them on to my new members.
useful for upcoming events.
I attended an online job fair that allowed
Another focus during this term has
me to speak with 5 different companies over the span of 2 hours. Thus far these companies
have
shown
interest
but
haven’t had the need to open a position with us yet.
been processing our list of alumni, in hopes of reaching out to those whose current place of work would benefit from the GT program. Overall, this past year, and for me especially these past months, have been an
incredibly
wild
ride
and
an
invaluable learning experience. I feel extremely lucky to have been able to be a part of this year’s Executive Board, and am looking forward to taking what I’ve learnt from them to next term. Lia Ameloot Vice President Partnership Deveopment
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Planned 168
Planned 23 Achieved 166
New contacts
Planned 27.16%
Achieved 27
Meetings
Planned 7 Achieved 39.67%
Conversion rate new contacts - meetings
Achieved 2
New opens
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Olivia Ponsioen Member
In just 4 months of being an AIESEC member I have learned and developed more than I could have ever imagined. AIESEC gives you challenges and responsibilities in a growing environment which leads to huge personal and professional development. Besides developing these skills AIESEC gave me the confidence to incorporate them in my daily professional and personal life. And a great bonus in this experience; I met amazing open-minded people with the same interests as me who motivate me to reach my goals and support my ambitions.
Olivia Ponsioen
TALENT MANAGEMENT In the term of 20.21 we set out with the goal to optimize our HR processes & information management, improve the retention rate & leadership pipeline in our LC, and provide a qualitative & enriching experience to our members (LC culture). It is safe to say that the year of 2020 did not go as planned due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, but thanks
to
the
adaptability
and
determination within our EB team we still managed to reach (most of) our goals. Firstly,
TM
went
through
a
bit
of
restructuring. Events is no longer a part of the TM job description and is now a part of the Marketing track within a separate events team. This enabled me to fully focus on the HR aspects of my function and work more efficiently. One of my main focuses was to adjust our Personal Development Plan template so our members were able to set clear & achievable goals and team leaders were able to keep a clear overview and guide said members in their endeavors accordingly. It is safe to say that we achieved
this
goal
as
90%
of
our
members achieved their goals by the end of our term.
TALENT MANAGEMENT Furthermore, we improved upon our information
management
and
started tracking our TM metrics more diligently. Our retention rate improved slightly compared to last year
despite
the
challenging
environment (81% vs. 79%) and our team standards delivery advanced greatly (91% vs. 79% last year). It is in part the delivery of these standards that helped us to upkeep a routine in the LC and engage our members consistently
even
when
physical
meetings were out of the question.
Leadership pipeline remains a bit of a hassle despite the effort. There is still a lot of room for improvement and adjustments along the way and after sitting down with my successor, I am sure that she will succeed in bridging the gaps that are still present in Talent Management. Finally, and maybe most impressively, I would like to thank my amazing EB team
and
upkeeping
all our
team LC
leaders culture
in and
engaging members in group activities during these hard times. The ongoing pandemic
really
limited
our
capabilities regarding team building activities
and
bonding,
but
we
persevered and tried our best to keep everyone engaged while following the
government
guidelines.
From
online study calls and endless Google Meets to quiz nights, Netflix parties, and Among Us games.
Nazanin Kashefi Vice President Talent Management
TALENT MANAGEMENT
Planned 80%
Planned 80% Achieved 81%
Retention Rate
Planned 90%
Achieved 85%
Members Achieving Their Goals (MATG)
Planned 48 Achieved 91%
Team Standards Delivery
Achieved 37
# Members
FINANCE & LEGAL In any organization, finance serves as the backbone for operations. Without it, an organization would not be able to run at its full potential. 2020 has been a financially challenging year. In the beginning of our term we had set high goals. Unfortunately the corona pandemic came. As we all know our products are our main incomes. So when all the borders are closed and non-essential travel was forbidden, it was very challenging to think out of the box for revenue diversification. We didn't perform that good as other years but proudly I can say that we as AIESEC in UAntwerp positive.
ended our year
Looking at our financial health and sustainability AIESEC
in
we
can
UAntwerp
say is
that
still
a
healthy organization. Through this very
special
year
we
tried
to
educate more our members so that they become more aware of what financial & legal is. For the first time in years, Finance gained a new member. The visa switch from iGT to F&L created a big workload so to do these things with two people is always more fun and efficient. I had the luck to gain a very motivated member and I can proudly say that she will be a great successor for me.
Dorien Christiaen Vice President Finance & Legal
FINANCE & LEGAL
FINANCE & LEGAL Evelien Vandecraen
Member
I joined AIESEC in February of last year, right before the pandemic started. Little did we know what was headed our way. Luckily, I had just joined a group with some of the most open minded, friendly people who truly supported you and helped bring out the best in yourself. The lockdowns were tough on all of us, but we managed to make each other just that little bit less lonely and we learned a lot along the way. After my first semester with AIESEC I decided to apply for a VP position, something I never imagined I would do. I'm really grateful that I got the chance to step outside of my comfort zone. For me, 2020 was just the start of my AIESEC journey, but it's an experience that will stay with me forever. Evelien Vandecraen
SPECIAL THANKS Member Committee of AIESEC in Belgium '19-'20 Jaideep Sidhu Elisabetta Castaldo Julian Thery Radimhan Yandiev Fadia Frangie Vasiliki Koraki Fernanda Vergara Karina Korniets Yoëlle van der Laan
Chair of the Board of Advisors (BoA) Filip Roeckens
Members of the Strategic BoA '20-'21 Henri Groenweghe Nicolas Van Spilbeeck Quinten de Witte Stijn Cornelis Quirine Peeters Yoëlle Vanderlaan Liesbeth Ollieuz Member Committee of AIESEC in Belgium '20-'21 Michiel Valee Elisabetta Castaldo Olivier De Pooter Maarten Hermans Yanni Vissers Vlad Idita Evelien Nauwelaerts Lefteris Lentarakis Elisabetta Castaldo Dhruvrajsinh Padheriya Pauline Van Ostaeyen Charlotte Opsomer Caroline Ibrahim Members of the Financial BoA '20-'21 Henri Groenweghe Rector of the University of Antwerp Nicolas Van Spilbeeck Herman van Goethem Quinten de Witte Stijn Cornelis Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics Quirine Peeters Dr. Koen Vandenbempt Yoëlle Vanderlaan Peter Neefs Maxim Buyle
Special thanks