RSM - MScBA Accounting & Financial Management

Summary

This transcript captures a heartfelt graduation ceremony at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, where graduates, families, and staff reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the past year. Despite the disruptions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, students demonstrated resilience and perseverance. The ceremony includes speeches by professors and alumni, honoring the hard work and accomplishments of the graduating class. A special tribute is given to the school’s 50-year history, highlighting its growth, innovation, and impact. Graduates are encouraged to embrace their new opportunities and make a positive change in the world, as they join the global RSM alumni network.

Takeaways

• 😀 The global COVID-19 pandemic drastically impacted education, transitioning from in-person to remote learning.
• 😀 Despite the challenges of online study, graduates demonstrated resilience and perseverance to achieve their degrees.
• 😀 The value of the degree earned by graduates remains unchanged, highlighting their hard work and accomplishments.
• 😀 Graduates are encouraged to embrace new opportunities and make choices that contribute to positive change in the world.
• 😀 The graduation ceremony serves as a recognition of the academic journey and the graduates' personal and professional growth.
• 😀 RSM has a proud history, spanning 50 years, with a strong legacy of excellence in business education and leadership.
• 😀 The transition from in-person to online education demanded high levels of motivation, discipline, and adaptability from students.
• 😀 The Class of 2020 faced uncertainty but showed great persistence, overcoming emotional challenges such as loneliness and stress.
• 😀 Graduates are now part of a global alumni network that offers opportunities for connection, mentorship, and continued growth.
• 😀 The importance of adaptability and critical thinking is emphasized, especially in a world filled with uncertainty and change.
• 😀 The ceremony reflects RSM's mission to create leaders who drive positive societal change through their careers and actions.

Q & A

What has changed in the way education was provided to graduates due to the global COVID-19 pandemic?

Due to the pandemic, lectures were shifted to remote learning, making it necessary for students to adapt quickly. They had to study in isolation, often in small rooms or shared apartments, which required a high level of motivation and discipline.

How did the graduates demonstrate resilience during these challenging times?

Despite the disruptions, the graduates showed persistence, assertiveness, and resilience by continuing to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in their field, even in the face of uncertainty and emotional challenges such as loneliness and stress.

What does the speaker emphasize about the value of the graduates' degree?

The speaker emphasizes that, despite the difficult circumstances, the value of the graduates' degree remains unchanged. Their hard work and achievements are a testament to their perseverance and capability.

What role do choices and opportunities play in shaping the future of the graduates?

The choices graduates make and the opportunities they pursue are key in determining their path forward. These decisions are what make them and others forces for positive change in the world.

How does Stefan Karma view the graduates' future in accounting and financial management?

Stefan Karma expresses confidence in the graduates' future success. He highlights that they have acquired the expertise to continue being a force for positive change, emphasizing their resilience and achievements during challenging times.

What message does the speaker convey about the importance of leadership?

The speaker underscores that leadership should be driven by a vision for sustainable change, not self-interest. This vision, along with shared values and a sense of community, is essential to overcome global challenges.

What specific characteristic of RSM students does the speaker highlight?

The speaker highlights the adaptability and critical thinking that RSM students develop. These traits allow them to navigate external disruptions, such as the pandemic, and emerge as future leaders capable of driving positive change.

What does Marlene Imov suggest about the role of planning in a fast-changing world?

Marlene Imov points out that, while planning is important, life is full of unexpected changes. She reflects on the tendency to plan everything meticulously, but acknowledges that flexibility and adaptability are crucial, especially in a fast-changing world.

What is the significance of the 50-year historical timeline presented at RSM?

The 50-year historical timeline serves to showcase the evolution of RSM, highlighting key milestones, achievements, and the growth of the institution. It instills a sense of pride in the university's history while inspiring future generations.

How does the speaker envision the graduates contributing to the future of RSM and beyond?

The speaker believes that the graduates, as part of the global RSM alumni network, will contribute to positive change by embracing their education, developing critical thinking, and adapting to challenges in both their personal and professional lives.