Enhancing the role of Alumni to develop continuing education programs.

Complexity has made learning as an important component of individuals' professional life in every organization, bringing out a strong i n t e re s t f o r C o n t i n u i n g P ro f e s s i o n a l Development (CPD). Higher education institutions (HEIs) are the privileged actors for guaranteeing people’s cognitive and emotional skills training, through CPD, which require an effective university-business dialogue. Therefore, the aim of this research is to enhance Alumni as a permanent universitybusiness liaison. Considering this, this research wanted to analyze Alumni's training needs to collect valid data for the development of CPD programs. 767 Alumni completed an ad hoc questionnaire aimed at the analysis of their professional training needs. Findings highlight the relevance of soft skills and the need for some specific training in professional areas for Alumni that CPD should take in account.