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Arnas Laurynas (Class of 2006), Managing Director at iVC Consulting, a London-based tax consultancy founded by SSE Riga graduates reflects: “It wasn’t just the knowledge or skills I acquired at SSE Riga; it was the relationships I built with friends, colleagues, and mentors that have shaped my career”. For instance, Arnas secured his first position through the support of graduate Nerijus Nedzinskas (Class of 2002). 

Today, he is joined by an incredible team of SSE Rigians - including Yelyzaveta Verkhovodova (Class of 2023), Krisjanis Krakops (Class of 2024), and Santa Usenko (Class of 2020). Arnas shares a snapshot of their recent get-together: “Pic of us having drinks on workation, I guess some things never change...” 

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Quite a few SSE Riga alumni across various graduating classes work at EY, forming a strong SSE Riga community there.

Guntars Krols (Class of 1997), Partner at EY, reflects on the unique bond SSE Riga alumni share in the professional world: “It’s always rewarding to find oneself in meetings where so many attendees are SSE Riga alumni representing various organizations. Together, we tackle strategic and financial questions, building on shared values and approaches.” For Guntars, this network goes beyond formal connections, forming a foundation of trust and collaboration across the Baltic business landscape.

Dace Negulinere (Class of 1998), EY Partner in Assurance Services, describes the alumni bond as an everyday asset. “Daily, I work with SSE Riga alumni, whether they’re in my team or at client firms. Our shared educational background makes it easy to pick up the phone and discuss questions or solve problems,” she says. This connection, which she calls “friendship, professional networking, and a sense of belonging,” extends beyond work. In fact, Dace and her SSE Riga friends still keep an annual tradition of a boat trip that has now reached its 27th year.

For Pavels Karcevs (Class of 2013), Manager in Strategy and Transactions, the alumni network offers both mentorship and camaraderie. “I have numerous colleagues who are SSE Riga alumni, from juniors on my projects to our partner, Guntars. We often catch up over lunch to discuss career development or ways I can support them,” he shares. This supportive environment spans generations, helping Pavels bridge communication and collaboration with alumni who graduated both a decade before and just a few years after him.

Laura Ozolina (Class of 2016), Manager in Assurance Services, finds pride and motivation in her connection to her alma mater. “At EY, I’m surrounded by SSE Riga alumni from different generations. The shared background motivates our collaboration and ensures we uphold a high standard.” Laura continues to engage with the SSE Riga community by attending career days and staying connected with friends from her class, appreciating the lifelong pride that comes from being part of the SSE Riga family.

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Julijus Grigaliūnas (Class of 2000), Managing Partner at Porta Finance, emphasizes the strength of the SSE Riga alumni network as a pan-Baltic community. 

“We thrive to hire, retain, and nurture top talent in the financial industry in the Baltic States, and it so happens that most of our team are SSE Riga graduates of different generations. We share common values,” says Julijus, in the picture with fellow alumni and colleagues Adomas Navickas (Class of 2000) and Dmitrijs Timofejevs (Class of 2011).