6 October 2018. A total of 498 graduates were handed their degree certificates in the following programmes:

• 54 in Business Innovation,
• 31 in Marketing, Service and Communication Management,
• 87 in Accounting and Finance,
• 25 in Strategy and International Management,
• 83 in Business Management,
• 15 in Management, Organization Studies and Cultural Theory,
• 75 in Banking and Finance,
• 7 in Economics,
• 20 in Quantitative Economics and Finance,
• 32 in International Affairs and Governance,
• 28 in Law,
• 36 in Law and Economics,
• 5 in International Law.

Take the time to lead and to be led
Despite new technological developments, the three-stage model has survived in professional hierarchies, President Thomas Bieger said in his speech to the Master's graduates. In the handicraft business, one has master craftsmen, journeymen and apprentices; in the university, the three stages are called full professor, assistant professor and doctoral student, and in consulting or law firms they are called partners, professionals and interns, Bieger stated. This three-stage model gives rise to different modes of conduct for each respective stage, Bieger continued. This is precisely why it is important to start engaging now with "being led" and with leading, Bieger affirmed. He concluded his speech to the graduates with the advice to take at least as much time with those leading them as they do with those they are leading, to both ask for and give feedback, and to be sure to be there in person for others, even in this age of digitalization.

Attractive supporting programme

Malcolm Green provided musical accompaniment for the occasion. HSG Alumni President Urs Landolf congratulated the graduates. He pointed out the advantages of HSG's extensive alumni network, especially for new graduates, and encouraged them to take an active part in it. In the evening, HSG invited alumni to a traditional graduation party in St.Gallen.