Each year, the University nominates an Alumni Volunteer of the Year. We are grateful to hundreds of alumni who bring their knowledge, expertise and insight to the Management School community, so we thought this would be a perfect time to reflect on just a few of this year's contributions...
We kicked the year off with the London Career Safari, when the MBA cohort was introduced to a wide range of businesses and roles. Our students met with alumnus Chiles Cartwright (2008), who inspired students with his entrepreneurial background as owner and Director of numerous successful businesses and spoke about values, ethics and sustainability.
Our MBAs were also introduced to alumna Stephanie Taviner (2020), Global ESG Manager for Reporting and Engagement at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Stephanie gave an insight into the world of ESG standards in global hospitality.
Across the globe
It wasn’t long before we travelled around the world to meet some of our alumni in Hong Kong. Attendees were treated to a spectacular alumni reunion event at The China Club, which was a success with the fantastic support of alumna Susanna Chiu (1982), Founder of the University of Sheffield Hong Kong Alumni Group and previous recipient of the University’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
In the Strategic Management module here on campus we were honoured to welcome Dr Jonathan Bailey (1987), a doctoral research alumnus and now Ryanair’s Head of UK Public Affairs. Dr Bailey delivered an interesting and engaging guest lecture as part of a case study about Ryanair for our postgraduate students.
Students becoming graduates
Meanwhile, when the student committee of the School’s Management Society (MSoc) wanted to host a graduate careers webinar for their members, our recent alumni were happy to help.
In a live online session, current students heard about the graduate careers of Zarmeen Fatima (2022), Learning and Development Coordinator at Sweco, Bronnie Wong (2023), Technology Consultant Associate at PwC, and Danone National Account Executive, Harry Daniels (2022). At the end of the talks, students also had the opportunity to ask questions of our alumni about their career routes so far.
New adventures in business
In April, we were extremely proud to welcome back business owner and alumna Ailis Topley (2014), who kindly shared her business journey with our undergraduate students on the New Venture Creation module.
After graduating, Ailis succeeded in the operations management sector and then worked in Australia, before returning to the UK to start her company Pott Candles. Ailis has been a true rising star, being listed in the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 for retail and ecommerce, and securing contracts to supply her sustainable candles to John Lewis and Selfridges.
It was really engaging and gave great insight into starting a business
SUMS undergraduate student
New Venture Creation module - guest lecture by Ailis Topley, 2024
Entering the business world
Our MSc Occupational Psychology cohort had a fantastic experience this year with alumnus Professor Binna Kandola OBE (1981), Senior Partner and his team at Pearn Kandola. Professor Kandola hosted a company visit with a full day of activities, including a speed networking session and an interactive business challenge.
MBA students benefited from working with Pearn Kandola during their Internationalisation Challenge module. The groups were invited to visit the company offices, where they presented their proposed solutions in person. Professor Kandola has also provided multiple student-company projects over the years, giving masters students an opportunity to apply their theoretical learning in a real business setting.
I had such a wonderful time when I studied at Sheffield that I am always looking to find ways of showing my appreciation in a very practical way
Professor Binna Kandola, OBE
MSc Occupational Psychology 1981
Promoting inclusivity
In 2013, the University launched the #WeAreInternational campaign, which shares important messages about the value that international students bring to our economy and culture.
We are really proud that in 2024 our doctoral alumna, University of Lincoln Lecturer Dr Loice Natakunda (2016) supported the cause by sharing her insights in a video for the #WeAreInternational campaign. Dr Natakunda kindly returned to campus once again to take part in a panel discussion for our fourth annual Doctoral Conference, sharing her career journey with our postgraduate research students.
Watch the 2024 #WeAreInternational video
We are very privileged to be supported by so many of our wonderful alumni (too many to mention here!) in countless different ways, and we highly appreciate all of the amazing contributions you have made to the School over the past year. Thank you, Management alumni!