Not just laptops and lectures: the value of industry within the School of Business and Law

The following are some of the sessions that have taken place this year that demonstrate that, while laptops and lectures have their place, the School of Business and Law is much more than that. We strongly believe in the importance of offering real-world business experience and promoting soft skills such as networking and self-confidence, which we can deliver for our students through our strong industry relationships.

Innovation in Action: Lessons from McLaren Automotive

Alumni Max Norfolk, Project Lead at McLaren Automotive, spent a morning discussing the importance of innovation and challenging the students to think differently about the traditional approaches taught in the textbook. Three key lessons to innovation; working with the best people possible, listening and trusting the experts in the room and closely working across functions to problem solve and identify ‘what if’ questions before any actions take place. Student’s also had the chance to see the innovation outcomes by getting a close look at the McLaren Artura supercar. One student quoted “An insightful day learning about McLaren and the automotive industry thanks to Max Norfolk.”

General Mills Graduate Internship successes

Two final year students recently beat 600 applicants to secure supply chain graduate internships at General Mills – the multinational manufacturer and marketer of branded processed consumer foods such as Häagen-Dazs,and Old El Paso. One of our students received feedback that they “showed leadership skills of a manager not an intern”. Brilliant for these students to secure employment before they had even completed their studies.

Waddesdon field trip – Applied Learning

As part of an Operations Management module, students attended a field trip to Waddesdon Manor to learn about their diverse business units and complex supply chains which need to be carefully managed. Speakers included Chris Campbell, CEO of Waddesdon Wines of the Rothschild family and Andy Bloomer, Head of Retail and Catering. Great to see lessons in the classroom coming to life in such historical and beautiful buildings and grounds.

Consultancy in Practice Showcase – Real Life Learning

Second year students celebrating their time working independently as consultants for real clients on real projects. Such an achievement from the year group who produced some really insightful results for their clients! One client reported “We had a fantastic time working with these students and are so pleased with what they achieved, from their research to their showcase.”

Alumni Networking Event

A selection of our Alumni came back to speak with current students in small, rotating groups, to give study advice as well speaking about their amazingly interesting career journeys so far. This was a full circle of education seeing those who have recently started their time at BNU speaking to those now graduated and in senior business positions and were also reflecting on their journeys. One of our alumni quoted “What a great way to reflect on how far I have come and how thankful I am to all my lecturers who supported, mentored and encouraged me throughout my time at BNU School of Business and Law. I loved how passionate and open some of the students were, not shying away from asking some difficult questions either!”