On April 29, 2023, the students of the joint programs of the Graduate School of Management of Saint-Petersburg University (GSOM SPbU) and Skillbox "MBA - Leaders of Change", as well as GSOM SPbU and GSB AlmaU "Executive MBA - Strategic Management and Leadership" received their diplomas for the qualification "Master of Business Administration".

In the front hall of the GSOM SPbU campus on Volkhovskiy Lane, the allumni heard "Gaudeamus" performed by the SPbU student choir and parting words from the professors and heads of the Business School.

The ceremony began with Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of GSOM SPbU, congratulating the graduates and encouraging them to maintain their connection with their alma mater in the future.

According to Yury Fedotov, the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies will enable the graduates to successfully develop their businesses, make their organizations better and stronger, and contribute to positive changes in the world. He also emphasized that although their formal education has ended, their journey as part of the GSOM SPbU alumni community is just beginning.

The joint program "Executive MBA - Strategic Management and Leadership," conducted in collaboration with Almaty Management University (AlmaU) and the Graduate School of Management SPbU, saw 17 individuals graduate. Their final projects received high evaluations from the state accreditation commissions of both Russia and Kazakhstan.

Elena Skalon, the Academic Director of the program and Deputy Director of the Continuing Professional Education Directorate of the GSOM SPbU, addressed the graduates and mentioned that international educational organizations' research indicates that significant professional and personal changes can occur in graduates within five years of completing the program. She encouraged the graduates to expect significant transformations, including career advancements, business scaling, and a deeper understanding of the importance of socially responsible business practices.

Similarly, the joint program "MBA - Leaders of Change," offered in collaboration with Skillbox and the GSOM SPbU, celebrated the graduation of 15 individuals who are business owners, middle managers, and executives. Many of them reported positive changes in their careers and lives as a result of the program.

Maxim Arzumanyan, the Academic Director of the joint program, emphasized that the goal was to enable the participants to gain fresh perspectives on their businesses, work processes, and teams. The program aimed to foster a mindset shift, encouraging the graduates to take responsibility, understand the surrounding dynamics, and act as leaders.

Upon completion of MBA/EMBA programs, graduates typically experience not only professional and personal growth but also significant increases in income. According to a recent survey conducted for the QS World University Rankings, the salaries of 2021 graduates increased by 40%.

The graduates shared their experiences and expressed how the programs had influenced their thinking and opened up new possibilities. They spoke about their deepened understanding of the world, increased self-confidence, and positive changes in their careers and businesses.

Overall, the joint graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of the MBA and Executive MBA graduates, acknowledging their commitment to professional development, leadership, and strategic management.