During a 3 hour presentation, Laurent Renard covered the main points of his book, presenting and explaining daily important questions in networking such as: What are the advantages of being part of alumni clubs, Rotary, Free Masons, business think tanks, sporting clubs, minority clubs, or political groups? Which networks will bring you the most value? Which are the most influential? How do you get in? What are the codes of conduct? When should you join? What will it cost?

Students were able to understand the importance of networks and more specifically for their career search. The EDHEC alumni network remains one of the most strategic tools for EDHEC students. In fact the Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked EDHEC 2nd in the world in the 2007 worldwide ranking of full-time MBA programmes in the category "Potential to Network". (The Economist, 29th September 2007).  All EDHEC's Masters Graduates have access to this network, present in over 100 countries with over 18,000 members.

Previously the CEO of the influential HEC Executive MBA Alumni network with more than 8,000 Executives, Mr. Renard is the author of « Le guide des clubs, cercles et réseaux d'influence » - (A Guide to Circles and Networks of Influence) - published by Pearson-Les Echos in June 2007. This book, presents a full description and evaluation of more than 300 clubs and networks according to specific criteria: power of the network, selectivity, quality of the link between members and conditions of access. We can also find new information such as tariffs charged by the network in terms of entrance fees and annual dues.

This presentation underlined the essential tools to choose clubs or networks and develop students' relationships for a professional or personal benefit.