With meaningful insights, new opportunities, and lasting memories, the event left its mark on everyone who participated and once again demonstrated the strength of the global CEMS network.
At the heart of the forum were 12 skill seminars led by representatives from CEMS corporate partners including AlphaSights, BCG, Deloitte, EF Education First, Equinor, Gartner, Kearney, Mærsk Management Consulting, Societe Generale and UNICEF. These sessions explored how companies are navigating technological, political, and environmental shifts, and how students can prepare to thrive in an evolving job market.
“The skill seminars offered practical insights that felt relevant to one’s working life,” said Colin Lehman from Aalto University. “Thanks to the broad range of topics, there was something relevant for everyone.”
Students engaged in interactive exercises and group case work, applying their knowledge and presenting solutions to professionals for feedback. For companies, it was a chance to spot promising candidates in action.
Valentin Staus, a CEMS alumnus now at Monitor Deloitte in Germany, was impressed: “It was a great success to represent Deloitte together with our Norwegian member firm. We identified several students with high interest and fitting profiles.”
As well as facilitating a skill seminar Deloitte joined several other corporate partners to host coffee chats on the final afternoon. Our Gold and Silver event sponsors Gartner and Equinor were amongst the companies hosting coffee chats, and also ran interviews and one-to-one chats with interested participants. We are thankful to Gartner and Equinor, who made it possible for us to organize networking dinners and a festive gala evening, giving students time to bond, share experiences, and build connections across countries and cultures. Our social program also went a long way towards this aim. We were thrilled to show our guests the hospitality and some sights which Bergen has to offer.
“There was an infectious, positive energy throughout the whole event. You could really feel that everyone was eager to connect,” Lehman said. “It made me realize just how valuable and global the CEMS network truly is, far beyond my home university.”
The forum was organized by a student-led team at NHH, headed by fifth-year student Håkon Fjellstad, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in making the event a success.
“It has been a great pleasure to host such a bright crowd of students and enthusiastic corporate representatives,” Fjellstad said. “Events like this really show the value NHH gains from being part of the CEMS alliance. Special thanks to our sponsors and everyone who contributed,” he added.
As the event concluded, CEMSies left Bergen with new skills, professional connections, and memories of a vibrant and inspiring few days, reinforcing the strength of the global CEMS community.
