CEMS at NHH: A Global Passport to Leadership and Opportunity
“I wanted to combine my studies with international experiences. It was an easy choice,” said Martin Løkse Sand.
A gathering of talent in Bergen
NHH recently welcomed students and corporate representatives from across Europe to the annual CEMS Nordic Forum.
This year’s forum, hosted in Bergen under the theme "Competing in a Changing Environment", brought together CEMS Master’s in International Management students from the Nordic CEMS schools, alongside representatives from top international companies.
Learning through practice
With meaningful insights, new opportunities, and lasting memories, the 2025 CEMS Nordic Forum 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, and Societe Generale. These sessions explored how companies are navigating technological, political, and environmental shifts, and how students can prepare to thrive in an evolving job market.
cems nordic forum
- Rotates between the Nordic CEMS schools:
Aalto University
Copenhagen Business School
Stockholm School of Economics
NHH - An opportunity for students and companies to connect, learn, and explore future collaborations
“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 alum now at Monitor Deloitte in Germany, was happy. “It was an immense success to represent Deloitte together with our Norwegian member firm. We identified several students with high interest and fitting profiles.”
From Grieghallen to the world: CEMS students ready for the next chapter
“Today we are gathered to celebrate a milestone. This moment marks the end of your studies and the start of your life tomorrow.”
Building connections beyond the classroom
Outside the seminars, participants enjoyed a vibrant social program. Gold and Silver sponsors Gartner and Equinor helped make networking dinners and a festive gala evening possible, giving students time to bond, share experiences, and build connections across countries and cultures.
“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.”
Participants also enjoyed a curated social program that showcased the best of Bergen, with unexpectedly sunny weather adding to the experience.
A showcase of collaboration
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, participants left Bergen with new skills, professional connections, and memories of a vibrant and inspiring few days, reinforcing the strength of the global CEMS community.