Dean Doug Guthrie of the School of Business encouraged graduates to begin their futures with open minds May 13 at the school’s undergraduate students celebration, saying they should be relentless in their career hunts.

“Dream big things, do great things, change the world,” he said.

The graduates gathered at the Smith Center with their families and friends to be recognized for their achievements over the past four years.

“I’m all for emotion, so anyone that wants to cheer at that level or higher feel free to do so today,” Guthrie said.

The dean said students should feel proud of their accomplishments after years of hard work, as he remembered the four years he spent in graduate school.

Keynote speaker and alumnus Louis Rosenfeld addressed the graduates with his speech. Rosenfeld, who graduated from the school in 1980 is now the managing director of currency and commodities at the Goldman Sachs Group.

Rosenfeld said the graduates will learn to grow from their experiences, and they should use that knowledge to build a successful career. He said they should never make the same mistake twice, because it is far more interesting to make new ones along the way.

“Love what you do and the future it holds for you,” Rosenfeld said. “There’s no shame in trying out an industry and realizing it’s not for you.”

Rosenfeld spoke from his own experience while offering words of advice for the new graduates. He said they should always remember that GW provided them with the tools they need to succeed in the professional world.

“I’ve always believed that the path to my successful career started right here at GW,” Rosenfeld said. “Along the way, I never lost sight of where I got my start.”

Rhea Sud, who is graduating with a degree in finance and international business with a French minor, said she is experiencing a mix of emotions about closing out her undergraduate education.

“I’m really excited for the future and what’s next, but I’ll be sad to leave GW behind,” Sud said. “It’s been everything I’ve wanted and more.”

Guthrie said the graduates have a chance not just to make a difference in this country, but all over the world.

As men and women of the business industry, the graduates have the power to truly affect a great number of people, Guthrie said.

“We live in a world where business is one of the fundamental institutions that structures the world we live in,” Guthrie said.