As former Programme Directors, Eilidh Campbell (Alumni Relations Manager) invited both myself and Rick Woodward to attend the start of the reunion weekend of the MSc International Business and Emerging Markets (IBEM) Class of 2015 in the School in early June.
One moment remains particularly vivid in my mind. Gathered together in Lecture Theatre 2, we recalled many colleagues who had contributed to the teaching, management, and development of the programme over the years.
Then, as we posed for a group photograph, everyone enthusiastically shouted ‘I–B–E–M! I–B–E–M!’ The joyful sound still echoes in my ears.
Reflecting on the 17-year journey of the MSc International Business and Emerging Markets programme, which ran from 2005 to 2022, I was reminded of both the rewarding and challenging times we shared. The programme brought together academics, professional services colleagues, and business advisers who generously volunteered their time to support our students. Although the programme itself has now come to an end, its impact continues.
What made this reunion especially meaningful was seeing how those former students have developed into today's business leaders, government officials, managers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers, working across different industries and countries. Equally impressive is that they have continued to support one another long after graduation, maintaining professional and personal networks that span the globe.
Despite their busy careers and family commitments, many made the effort to return to Edinburgh, reconnect with former classmates, and revisit the School, the University, and the city that played an important role in their lives.
For us as educators, this is perhaps the most rewarding outcome of all. The true legacy of a programme lies not only in what students learn during their studies, but in what they go on to achieve afterwards.
They are the living legacy of the programme. They are our extended community. They are a valuable source of knowledge, experience and inspiration as we face the unprecedented challenges and opportunities of the digital, data, and AI age.
Seeing them together again was a powerful reminder that while academic programmes may come to an end, the relationships, friendships and professional networks they create, continue to flourish across generations and across the world.
Xiaobai Shen is our Senior Lecturer in International and Chinese Business.