Life after IGS can take many different turns, and no two journeys look the same. From leading global organisations and exploring sustainability, to building creative businesses and studying overseas, our alums continue to shape their own paths with confidence and curiosity. Here, Erinch Sahan (Class of 1999), Orlando Read (Class of 2021) and Nina Pepper (Class of 2013) share where life has taken them since graduating – and the IGS experiences that helped set them on their way.
Erinch Sahan 1999
Life since IGS has been anything but planned or predictable. I graduated in 1999 and spent the next decade studying commerce and law while exploring various careers, including law, launching a start-up, and working on marketing at P&G. It was at P&G that I experienced a crisis, questioning myself: “Is this it? Will I just spend my life selling shampoo?”
In search of purpose, I travelled to Ghana to volunteer at a refugee camp, where I became captivated by international development. This passion led me to AusAID and, in 2011, to Oxford to work for Oxfam, where I met my now-wife, Kate. Seven years later, we relocated to the Netherlands for my new position as CEO of the World Fair Trade Organization.
I loved that role, but after three and a half years, we welcomed a daughter, prompting me to step back and focus on family. We returned to Oxford, and I began working on ecological economics (Doughnut Economics).
I now help business leaders in reimagining their enterprises while balancing several board roles and teaching sustainability at Cambridge on the side. None of this could have been planned or predicted, but this has enabled me to continually reflect on my purpose.
Nina Pepper 2013
After graduating from IGS, I pursued a double degree in Business and International Studies at UTS, majoring in Marketing and French. Thanks to the strong language-learning culture at IGS, I was inspired to spend a year on exchange in Lyon – an experience that deeply shaped my path.
I loved living in Europe, and a few years later, I relocated to London, where I continue my career in marketing within the financial services industry. Living here also means I get to travel frequently, which is a definite bonus!
I have very fond memories of my time at IGS and the values it instilled in me – community, authenticity and inclusivity – that continue to influence both my personal and professional life.
Orlando Read 2021
I attended IGS from preschool to Year 12 (2007-2021). After graduating, I took a gap year to work and go travelling in Europe with a bunch of my IGS friends. During my travels, I went back to Montpellier to visit my exchange family, whom I’m so glad I met through the IGS exchange program. I still keep in touch with Olivia, my exchange student, and will always be grateful that IGS introduced us.
In 2023, I began studying a Bachelor of Communication at UTS, majoring in strategic communication and media business. Last semester I went on an exchange to Toronto, Canada, then travelled the States with some friends. Looking forward to doing an internship at Buffet Digital next semester as part of my degree – a creative content studio that specialises in food, beverage and hospitality.
Besides that, I’m still running my baking business, Orlando’s Sweets, which I’ve been running since I was 13. I’m still making cakes every now and then when I have time, trying to balance it with uni and working for the IGS OSHC team. Hit me up if you ever need a cake! https://www.orlandossweets.com/.
