Sparking Success in Switzerland
Aleksandra Kjemhus runs her own AI company in Switzerland. “I’ve always known I wanted to pursue an international career,” she says.
At her office in Zurich, an approachable entrepreneur wearing a headset sits focused behind a large computer screen. Aleksandra Kjemhus (34) is at the helm of Black Door Technologies, a company offering consulting and strategic support in artificial intelligence. She speaks four languages fluently and has lived in seven countries. A career in Norway is not on the table. Asia is more likely.
CEMS in a capsule:
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A program in international management taken in addition to a master’s degree.
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Can be combined with all NHH’s master’s profiles.
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Includes exchange and an international internship.
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Comprises 33 schools across 6 continents.
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Has over 70 corporate partners.
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Founded in 1988.
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NHH became a member in 1992.
"I’ve always dreamed of an international career. There are so many exciting opportunities and knowledge to explore around the world," she says. Kjemhus holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from NHH, as well as a CEMS Master in International Management (CEMS MIM).
A Unique Combination
Each year, NHH offers 50 spots in the highly competitive CEMS program. Taken alongside a regular master’s degree, CEMS provides a prestigious credential that demonstrates specialization in international management, languages, and cross-cultural collaboration.
"Through CEMS, we work closely with some of the best business schools in the world, offering students a unique blend of academic depth, international networking, and hands-on experience," says Stig Tenold, program director for CEMS at NHH.
Apply for CEMS: Deadline Nov. 1
"Pushing Us to Think Outside the Box"
Kjemhus was no stranger to multicultural environments when she joined CEMS. Born in Poland and moving to Norway at age five, she grew up in Minde in Bergen with a Norwegian father and a Polish mother. From an early age, she switched between languages and navigated cultural differences.
"I was fascinated early on by the idea that there are different ways of doing things and living life, without one being inherently better than the other," she says.
As a CEMS student, Kjemhus went on exchange to Budapest and completed an internship at Nordea in Copenhagen, working on change management and digital transformation. She collaborated with an international team of colleagues from eight different countries.
"Coming from different countries with different perspectives makes us far more creative together. New perspectives push us to think outside the box," she explains.
Opening Doors to the World
Since its founding in 1988, the CEMS alliance has graduated over 20,000 students worldwide. 83 percent have worked an average of five years outside their home country, and 49 percent currently work internationally.
"Students gain a unique springboard to build experience and networks in the global workplace," says Tenold.
Kjemhus agrees. For her, CEMS was a catalyst for shaping the career she had always dreamed of.
"CEMS opened doors I didn’t even know existed. I’ve made friends and colleagues all over the world," she says.
– "What would you say to today’s NHH students considering CEMS?"
“If you’re curious about the world beyond Norway, this is for you. The academic level is high, and they also host some of the best parties,” Kjemhus concludes with a warm smile.
Learn more about CEMS and explore opportunities with the program. Applications close November 1.