MAKING AN IMPACT THROUGH PURPOSE
This year’s theme encompassed impact & purpose. The CEMS Community learned and profited from hearing CEMS Alumni voices regarding our theme whether it be in their daily work, career paths or personal challenges. The Global Alumni Week (GAW) has provided excellent learning and networking opportunities for students and alumni both locally and globally. Over 1000+ CEMS Community participants, 50+ alumni speakers and 25+ CEMS Academic Member Schools and CEMS Corporate Partners took part of this yearly event. "For me, it was not only an interesting event, but also reminded me about the very special community that CEMS is and how much I miss that context," exclaimed Johanna Rastad, CEMS Alumni 2005 (SSE/ RSM). Participants had the opportunity to meet in-person and network with other CEMSies, as well as connect, exchange, and learn from one another. This year, the CEMS GAW included virtual and physical events around the globe.
“It was extremely inspirational to attend the CEMS Global Alumni Week as a student who is trying to understand what to do once studies are over. The online global events were an amazing opportunity to see how many cool people with very different life experiences and professional backgrounds are part of our network around the world, and especially to understand that we can potentially do whatever we want with our life if we find our purpose. Lovely to see how many Alumni are so down-to-earth and available to engage with current CEMSies!”
A PLETHORA OF EVENTS WERE OFFERED AROUND THE GLOBE
The GAW in 2023 involved alumni and students through three global events (two webinars and one rotational industry chat) and 25+ local events that spanned five time zones from panel discussions, rotational dinners, social events, mingles and lifelong learning opportunities. During this year’s first global event, Johanna Rastad, Erna Kindli and Kate Zhuzha, CEMS Alumni of the Year 2022 awardees, conducted a webinar titled "Intertwining Impact & Purpose: Changing the way we think and act"; where they discussed how impact gave them a clear plan for translating purpose into action within their careers. “I felt very energised and inspired during and after the conversation and reminded me too what a great community the CEMS community is and how easy it is to connect with other CEMSies around the globe,” remarked Erna Kindli, CEMS Alumni 2011 (CUB/ HEC).
Our second global event, “Finding Your Purpose through Mental Wellness”, addressed questions, such as: Why is mental health/ mindfulness indispensable today? How can work be a force of good in the world and for ourselves? And also our leaders? Jana Reuther, CEMS Alumni 2016 (USYD/ AALTO/ FGV) and mental health coach joined forces with Assoc. Prof., Constanca Monteiro Casquinho, NOVA SBE and provided participants a deep dive as to how to consider mental health within oneself and leaders of today and tomorrow.
"Having had the opportunity to attend the Global Alumni Week events gave me extremely interesting insights into the development of my future professional career and allowed me to focus on the importance of giving purpose to our actions. I really enjoyed listening to and interacting with such amazing people and, of course, this has once again given me confirmation of how amazing the CEMS network is!"
Lastly, we would like to give a round of applause to all of those who organised and provided insights as speakers for our events during the CEMS Global Alumni Week 2023: CEMS Clubs, Local Alumni Chapters, Corporate & Social Partners, Students, Academic Member Schools, and Alumni. Each and everyone of you are cherished for your time and commitment to CEMS. We look forward to seeing you next year and stay CEMSational!
Want to relive CEMS Global Alumni Week 2023? Check out our recap video below or better yet, subscribe to our channels on Vimeo and YouTube to stay in the loop.
