Beyond Graduation: The Next Chapter

With graduation on the horizon, final-year students gathered for Beyond Graduation, an event designed to smooth the transition from student life into IE’s global alumni community.

Following the success of last year’s Beyond Graduation events, IE Global Alumni Relations decided to expand its offering and introduce this new event format to engage graduating students with opportunities that await them beyond student life. More than 500 students responded to the event invitation, registering across two locations: María de Molina and the IE Tower, and coming together for an evening of insights and networking.

The event opened with Sara Lindgren, Head of Global Alumni Relations and IE alumna, who set the tone by addressing the significance of this pivotal moment. As students prepare to take their next steps, she provided both clarity and reassurance about what comes next.

According to the main organizer, Hollyn Galban, Engagement Officer for IE Global Alumni Relations, one of the main objectives was to give graduates a feeling of peace and security in a moment marked by uncertainty.

“You're an alumni much longer than you are a student. We really wanted them to feel this kind of safety net after graduation, and to understand that their path doesn't end once they graduate. Rather, an exciting new chapter begins,” said Galban.

Janet Esclamado, International Alumni Clubs & Benefits Manager, introduced students to the wide range of benefits available to them as future alumni, from Alumni Clubs, exclusive resources, and professional connections that extend far beyond graduation.

A highlight of the event was the alumni panel, which brought three accomplished IE graduates back to campus to share their journeys: Jaime Trainor Goiria, CEO & Founder of Futuro Perfecto; Marcello D’Avino, Senior Product Manager Tech at Amazon; and Yolanda Ocampo Escobar, Senior Project Manager at Microsoft. The conversation was moderated by Elizabeth Stallard, Director of Alumni Integration and Engagement, who is also an IE alumna.

Each speaker offered a unique perspective shaped by their individual paths, yet common threads quickly emerged: the enduring strength of the IE network, the value of staying actively engaged, and the importance of giving back. The panel reflected the diversity of alumni involvement, from recruitment and club leadership to mentorship and community engagement.

The speakers shared how the IE network continued to shape their personal and professional lives long after graduation. For many, the connections built during their time at IE evolved into global relationships and career opportunities.

“I met a lot of fantastic people in my own classroom but also outside of class thanks to IE clubs and the events that I joined. I definitely value the connections I made there that opened up a lot of doors for my career in the years after,” said Marcello D’Avino, a graduate of the Executive MBA program. 

The event concluded with a structured networking session and cocktail reception, where students connected across industries including finance, real estate, insurance, marketing, global impact, and law, among other options. These conversations not only fostered new relationships among peers, but also provided a first look into the collaborative essence of the alumni community.

For many attendees, the experience offered both perspective and possibility. 

“It has allowed me to know a bit more about the IE graduate experience, the networks available, and I think the most important part has opened up the doors for us to do a little bit of networking with both graduated and current students we might not usually interact with,” said Luna Salia, a graduating student and event attendee from the Master in Technology and Global Affairs.

Students applauded the initiative that reminded them that leaving campus does not mean leaving the IE community. Instead, it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with connections, opportunities, and growth.