Franklin has a long history of empowering and highly skilled alumni, who constitute a vast and growing network of more than seven thousand entrepreneurs, innovation enthusiasts, researchers, policymakers, and, above all, leaders sharing a common vision of shaping the future. As individuals, their contributions are extraordinary. As a community, their impact is substantial. Our alumni took their first steps here on Franklin’s campus in Lugano, flourishing and thriving over the years, and becoming responsible and successful citizens of the globe today. They live across the world, in different time zones and different continents, and yet keep Franklin close to their hearts, proudly representing the Franklin Family. 

We caught up with some of them and asked about their accomplishments and achievements after Franklin.

Today, let's read a short update from Liliia, class of ’21.

  • Full name: Liliia Grigoreva
  • Where you are from: Rostov, Russia
  • What you majored in at Franklin: International Banking and Finance 
  • Year of graduation at Franklin: 2021
  • Your current job position and at what institution: Local Committee President at AIESEC in Lugano

"I found out about Franklin during a college fair at my high school, my attention was immediately drawn to Academic Travel (AT) and the location of the campus. Shortly after, I visited Franklin to make sure I was making the right decision, and I was! 

My experience at Franklin was absolutely spectacular. All the different classes challenged my academic abilities, stimulated life-long learning, and guided me toward the enhancement of my critical thinking skills. Not only that, but the academic travel experience helped me engage in cross-cultural communication and expanded my horizons in terms of education, future career decisions, and personal development. My Academic Travel experience to Morocco is still one of the best ones I have ever had. Being exposed to a plethora of diverse perspectives and backgrounds helped me find people with common interests and I am grateful to call these people my friends. I am still a fan of all the extracurricular activities that take place on the Franklin campus. They provide a fertile ground for the cultivation of leadership skills, teamwork, and the ability to work towards a common goal. I graduated from Franklin with all the tools necessary to navigate post-college experience. 

Two years later, I am still a frequent visitor on campus. I am completing my Master's in Finance degree at a public university in Lugano, while simultaneously working at AIESEC towards connecting Franklin students with various internship and volunteering opportunities that can help them explore and strengthen their professional potential. 

AIESEC is the biggest youth run not for profit organization, aimed at providing students with leadership development, enhancement of cross-cultural understanding and empowerment of young people towards making a social impact. AIESEC in Switzerland has local committees in a big number of cities, such as Bern, Zurich, Geneva, Fribourg, Lugano etc. AIESEC in Lugano was only working with USI, but we are now trying to provide Franklin students with opportunities too, since the pool of talent at FUS is incredible. We offer experiences in the departments of Finance and Legalities; Business Development, Marketing and Communications, Talent Management and Outgoing Exchanges. Being a member of AIESEC will provide individuals with all the skills necessary to give them a head start in professional careers."