As another generation of business school students conclude their studies we ask them to reflect on Graduation Day and the lifelong impact of their studies…
- Name: Laura Marie Pieper
- Position: Pursue a master’s degree while gaining practical experience through internships
- Institution: Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
- Graduation date: June 2026
- Degree: Bachelor in Business Administration
How does participating in a graduation ceremony help you emotionally mark the end of your student journey and prepare for what’s next?
My graduation ceremony made everything feel real in a way that it had not before. It was the moment when I fully realised what I had actually accomplished over the course of my studies and how much growth, discipline, and perseverance that journey had required. It was also a day to feel genuinely proud, not only of the academic achievement itself, but of the friendships I built and the experiences that shaped me along the way.
“This period of life is truly unique.”
-Laura Marie Pieper
The ceremony was a meaningful and dignified way to close this chapter. At the same time, it reminded me how much can be achieved when you invest time, energy, and commitment into something that truly matters to you, which gave me a lot of confidence and motivation for what comes next.
What do you remember most about the ceremony?
What I remember most is sharing that special moment with my closest friends and celebrating everything we had experienced together. There was something very meaningful about reaching the finish line not alone, but alongside people who had been part of the same journey.
Another moment that will stay with me for a long time was receiving my certificate from the President, because it made the significance of the day feel very tangible. On a personal level, one of the most defining and honouring parts of the ceremony was being given the opportunity to deliver the speech for my entire bachelor graduating class. That was a truly memorable experience for me, and it made the day feel even more special and deeply meaningful.
What does it mean to you to be recognised publicly for your learning and accomplishment – and who do you feel you’re representing as you cross the stage?
Being recognised publicly for my learning and accomplishment makes the entire journey feel more real and complete. It turns years of effort, challenges, and personal development into a visible milestone, and it creates a moment to truly pause and appreciate that achievement.
As I crossed the stage, I felt that I was not only marking the end of one important chapter, but also stepping into a new one for the first time as an alumna. In that moment, I felt I was representing not only myself, but also the people who supported me throughout the journey, especially my family, my friends, and everyone who believed in me along the way.
I felt I was representing the values and experiences I gained during my time at Frankfurt School, which I will carry with me into whatever comes next.
In a world where learning never really ends, what does ‘graduating’ mean to you – and what kind of impact do you want to make with what you’ve learned?
To me, graduating is another major milestone, but certainly not the end of learning. Instead, it is a moment that helps me better identify and pursue the milestones that still lie ahead. It gives me confidence in my ability to take on new challenges and to keep growing both personally and professionally.
“I would like to use my knowledge and skills in a way that contributes to something bigger than myself”
-Laura Marie Pieper
With what I have learned, I hope to make a meaningful impact by helping people grow, improve, and create real value. In the long term, I would especially like to use my knowledge and skills in a way that contributes to something bigger than myself, ideally also within the work of an NGO.
What is the single most memorable aspect of your studies that you will remember long after graduation?
What I will remember most is the support of the friends I met during my studies. Having people around me who encouraged me, motivated me – people who shared both the challenges and the best moments – made a lasting difference to my university experience.
At the same time, I will also carry with me the way of working that I developed through the quality of teaching at my university. My studies shaped not only my academic knowledge, but also my work ethic, my discipline, and the standards I now set for myself.
That combination of strong personal support and lasting professional development is something I will value long after graduation.
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