MBA graduates ambassadors of Rotterdam

Over 220 MBA and Executive MBA students will graduate from the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) this Friday, the 22nd of March. In addition to their diploma, they will also receive an official certificate making them global ambassadors of the city of Rotterdam.

The ambassador program is a collaboration between the municipality of Rotterdam and RSM. The idea was initiated two years ago because the city of Rotterdam wanted to enhance its profile as a truly global city holding many international headquarters of renowned corporations. In addition, the city of Rotterdam wants to emphasize that they are an attractive and welcoming city to international students.

Students best ambassadors

Throughout their studies, the MBA and EMBA students get to know Rotterdam very well. The idea is that this image that the students create of Rotterdam can be further advocated globally through their ambassadorship. “A student who has lived in Rotterdam and had a great experience is the best ambassador”, explains Irene Broekman-Versluis, Manager MBA Alumni Relations at RSM, “by creating a global network of ambassadors the brand of Rotterdam is extended by providing for instance, new networking opportunities.”

Rotterdam goes global

The MBA and EMBA programs are extremely international resulting in around 95 percent of foreign students. Many of these students go back to their home country after graduation, or move to other countries. “We combine the traveling schedule of the mayor as much as possible as the ambassador activities of the MBA and EMBA graduates as well as the promotion activities of RSM in general”, explains Broekman-Versluis, “in this way, a synergy of activities outside of Rotterdam regarding the city Rotterdam is created.”

Graduation ceremony

The graduation ceremony will take place in the Town Hall of the WTC on the 22nd of March where, amongst others, mayor Aboutaleb will speak and congratulate the students on their academic achievements and their ambassador positions.  Around 700 guests will attend the event, including RSM staff, alumni, students and relatives as well as members of the local and international community and multinational company sponsors. NdB