All graduation ceremonies reflected on the history of RSM since it started as a business initiative in 1970, followed by a praise and diploma presentation by RSM Dean of Education Michel Lander in which he spoke about the academic journey of the graduates to this point.
The present: it’s graduation time!
On Thursday, the BSc Bedrijfskunde/Business Administration (BA) graduation was split in two: the morning session celebrated 153 graduates and the afternoon session cheered on 274 graduates. In the morning, graduate speakers Amira Aaliouli and Fatima Jai spoke about their BA experiences. Amira is now enrolled in the double degree for law and business at RSM and Erasmus School of Law. Fatima is now a master student in RSM’s MSc Medical Business & Innovation programme.
In the afternoon, Lilian Paardekooper and Timo Zandvliet shared their farewell words with their classmates and the audience. Lilian is now thriving in RSM’s MSc International Management/CEMS programme with an exchange at Stockholm School of Economics, and Timo is commercial relations manager at RSM’s study association STAR.
There were 401 graduates at Friday’s ceremony for the BSc International Business Administration. IBA graduands Ata Engin and Pauline De Bruyne spoke on behalf of their classmates. Ata now works as project co-ordinator at the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, and Pauline continued her higher education at RSM in the MSc International Management/CEMS with an exchange semester at the University of St. Gallen. Former executive director of the IBA programme, Adri Meijdam, also joined the celebrations to congratulate the graduands.
Looking ahead: RSM alumni
The BSc graduates were welcomed to RSM’s extensive alumni network of more than 50,000 alumni by Meta Mikec, associate director of alumni relations, and Sue Martin, director of alumni relations. They said alumni now do great things as they are a force for positive change in industries, leading teams, and inspiring people on a professional and personal level. Being a member of the RSM community brings opportunities for lifelong learning, professional development and social connections. Alumni stay connected to each other and to RSM’s academics and students through global events, local chapters, continued education opportunities, Think.Do. magazine and many other ways.
RSM graduates are in high demand in the international business world. The MSc Employment Report from last year’s MSc graduates shows that over 90 per cent of them was employed within 6 months after graduation, or even during their studies.