Careers Club committee

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My name is Anete, I am currently studying the MSc Strategic Marketing programme at Imperial. Looking back, what primarily prompted me to study at Imperial College Business School was the emphasis placed on professional development and the facilitation of industry insights.

As such, aspiring to work for a startup and drive growth in my family business, I became head of social media of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Careers Club; a dynamic and cosmopolitan community of students from all cohorts of the Business School. In line with the forward-looking spirit of the club, we started working on the first event almost immediately – let’s have a look at how it went.

Themed 'Speaker Series: Leading Innovations & Investments', the event featured three industry leaders exploring the topics of super-connecting startups across borders, disrupting digital innovation, and the importance of entrepreneurship development and fundraising. ⠀⠀

MSc lecture

The event commenced with a speech from the founder of Supreme Factory and Co-Director of Startup Grind, Petar Savic. As a super-connector with a key interest inacceleration within emerging technology, digital media, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI)and Internet environment - bridging the gap between technical, creative and commercialrequirements, Petar’s talk focused on his programmes including think tanks, due diligence and fundraising.  

Peter Savic

Next, we welcomed Jonathan Chippindale, a digital entrepreneurwith wide experience of mentoring and advising businessandacademic institutions around the world, and the CEO of Holition, an award-winning studio with high-profile clients such as Richemont, LVMH, Farfetch and BMW. With overtwodecadesof experience in luxury goods and beauty, Jonathan reflected on his entrepreneurial journey, digital anthropology and being pro-human in the age of digital innovation, using multiple technologies such as AI and machine learning.   

Finally, we were joined by Areije Al Shakar, the Senior Vice President of Bahrain Development Bank Group. Areije talked about her process for investing in VC’s, the importance of value and steps to set-up VCs and startups, as well as mentorship and empowerment.  

Areije Al Shakar

In retrospect, in less than a month’s time since joining the club, I have not only amplified my awareness of the current affairs in entrepreneurship but have also formed beneficial connections through networking both professionally and personally. Most importantly, the club has provided me with the opportunity to shape my Master’s experience in accordance with my future goals.

Anete Merhele

About Anete Merhele

Anete is currently studying an MSc Strategic Marketing programme and Imperial. Her previous experience includes marketing internships at an airline and a retail bank. Throughout her professional and academic experience, Anete has developed a strong interest in the brand management, strategy development and event planning functions, and wishes to pursue a career in the Luxury/Retail/Tech sectors.