An Inspiring Journey: MBA London Careers Safari 2023
The MBA London Careers Safari 2023, organised by Sheffield University Management School, was an exhilarating and insightful experience. This blog provides a glimpse into the event's schedule and highlights the key speakers and venues that made this trip a truly memorable one.
From June 12th to June 14th, a group of enthusiastic MBA students embarked on a journey of networking, knowledge sharing, and personal growth in the vibrant city of London.
Day 1: Monday, June 12th
The day began with great anticipation as we gathered in front of the M&S Food outlet at Sheffield train station. The group's energy was contagious, and we eagerly boarded the train to London. Upon arrival at St Pancras, we made our way to the Travelodge London City, where we checked in and dropped off our luggage. After a brief period of free time, we reconvened in the hotel's reception area and embarked on a short walk to The Ivy Restaurant at Tower Bridge. The evening was filled with stimulating conversations, delectable food, and refreshing drinks as we soaked in the ambiance of this renowned establishment.
Day 2: Tuesday, June 13th
Our second day began with a meeting in the hotel reception, where we travelled as a group to the UCL School of Management. The morning session kicked off with tea and coffee, fostering a conducive environment for networking. We were privileged to hear from esteemed speakers, Clive and Rowena Humby, the advisors and Co-Founder and CEO of Starcount, respectively. It is remarkable how Clive simplifies sophisticated data analytics concepts into manageable chunks. The 39 life/success measures he shared were equally mind-boggling. Each phase is meaningful and applicable, making it simple for anyone to implement in their daily lives. Three significant steps that stood out to me were:
- Aiming low will result in a low score.
- The business world is a marathon, not a sprint.
- Better to bet on people than ideas.
Their insights into the world of data and analytics left us inspired and encouraged us to embrace innovation in our future endeavours. During the break, we had another opportunity to network while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. The day continued with engaging talks from Simon Feeney, Vice President of Procurement & ESG at Collinson Group, and Chiles Cartwright, the Owner of Liquid Roofing Systems Ltd. These accomplished individuals shared their experiences and wisdom, leaving us with valuable insights into their respective fields.
In the evening, we attended the London Alumni Networking event at DLA Piper. The event provided a platform for alumni from the Management School, Economics, and Law departments to reconnect and network. A panel discussion on sustainability in business, featuring Shankar Venkateswaran, Ambreen Waheed, and Teresa Hitchcock, captivated our attention and shed light on the importance of responsible business practices. The evening concluded with fruitful conversations and new connections forged.
Day 3: Wednesday, June 14th
Our final day started with a meet-up at the hotel reception, where we gathered for tea and coffee before heading back to the UCL School of Management. Marian Derbyshire, a career and employability consultant, led a session that was the day's highlight. Through an interactive and enjoyable session, she guided us in maximizing our learning from the Personal, Professional and Career Development module (PPCD) and encouraged reflection to shape our future plans effectively. The day continued with an enlightening talk by Elitsa Georgieva and Freya Burns, people consultants at KPMG, who shared insights into the infrastructure, government, healthcare, and corporate sectors.
After a networking lunch and bidding farewell to our hosts, we departed for St Pancras International station. As the train journeyed back to Sheffield, we reflected on the incredible experiences and knowledge gained during this transformative event.
Key takeaways:
- The Power of Networking: The MBA London Careers Safari provided an exceptional platform for networking with professionals, fellow students, and alumni. Building meaningful connections can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
- Embracing Innovation: The insights from industry leaders emphasized the importance of leveraging data, embracing innovation, and thinking creatively to stay ahead in the business world.
- Responsible Business Practices: The discussions on sustainability and responsible business practices underscored the need for organizations to prioritize ethical considerations, leading to long-term success and positive societal impact.
- Self-Reflection and Personal Growth: The session on maximizing learning encouraged introspection and self-assessment, enabling me to align my career aspirations with my values, interests, and skills.
Conclusion
The MBA London Careers Safari 2023 at Sheffield University Management School was an enriching and captivating adventure. From engaging speakers and thought-provoking discussions to valuable networking opportunities, this trip allowed us to expand our horizons and explore the world of business management in a vibrant city like London. The sessions featuring Simon Feeney and Chiles Cartwright provided unique perspectives from the worlds of procurement and entrepreneurship. Their stories and experiences inspired me to think outside the box and explore diverse opportunities in my future career. The memories and connections made during this journey will undoubtedly influence our future career paths. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sheffield University Management School for organizing such an inspiring and well-executed event, and we eagerly look forward to future opportunities to continue our personal and professional growth.
Written by Sameer Zama Khan, September 2023.