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: Abbie Stevens
- Job title: Circular Economy Specialist at Fairrug
- Institution: Manchester Metropolitan University Business School
- Degree: BA (Hons) Business Management with Placement
How does participating in a graduation ceremony help you emotionally mark the end of your student journey and prepare for what’s next?
The graduation ceremony provides a formal moment to reflect on the academic and professional journey I’ve taken, particularly through studying a business degree focused on sustainability.
“[Graduation] marks the transition from student to a professional”
– Abbie Stevens
It marks the transition from student to a professional, which is especially meaningful as I’ve now moved into a post-graduate role as a Circular Economy Specialist through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The graduation ceremony helps to emphasise the beginning of a more active role in shaping sustainable business practices.
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 is a valuable acknowledgement of the work and commitment that went into completing my degree.
As I cross the stage, I will be thankful for the support of my academic mentors, peers, but most of all grateful to be in the privileged position of having the opportunity to complete a degree. I also see it as representing the growing importance of sustainability in business.
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?
Graduating marks the point where academic learning begins to translate into real-world impact. My studies, combined with a placement in sustainable development, helped to secure my current role as a KTP Associate, where I’m helping implement a circular economy model within a UK-based business.
“I hope to use this opportunity to demonstrate how sustainability can be embedded into commercial strategy in a way that’s both practical and scalable.”
– Abbie Stevens
I hope to use this opportunity to demonstrate how sustainability can be embedded into commercial strategy in a way that’s both practical and scalable, aligning with environmental responsibility with lucrative business value.
What is the single most memorable aspect of your studies that you will remember long after graduation?
The most memorable part of my studies was the beginning and the end, as well as my placement, which gave me the chance to apply sustainability theory in a live business environment, navigate real challenges, and see the tangible outcomes of strategic decisions.
That experience not only shaped my understanding of sustainable business but also directly influenced and solidified the direction of my career.
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