About me and why I chose Imperial

I was born on the East coast of India and went to boarding school in North India. There I was a massive debater, MUNner and quizzer. I also setup a non profit organisation to tackle period stigma by providing gamified and gender-inclusive menstrual education. While I was very scientifically inclined for the most part of school, I developed a quick and deep interest in economics in my final two years. My desire to study economics in a scientific backdrop made BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science at Imperial Business School a top choice.

Additionally, I was drawn to Imperial’s focus on teaching one how to think, rather than what to think – a skill that is crucial for navigating the growing uncertainties in job and financial markets and by extension, the world.

Take advantage of the diverse range of experiences available both at Imperial and in London, as they can enrich your time at university. Stay organised to keep on top of your workload, but also make sure to allow yourself time to relax and enjoy the overall university experience.

One thing I wish I knew before starting University

I wish I had a clearer sense of direction for my university experience and future. While it's not necessary to have everything figured out, having some general goals can be incredibly helpful. When I started at Imperial, I was trying to do everything without a clear purpose. I've since learned that even a vague notion of your aspirations helps in allocating your time and energy more effectively.

Having some idea of what you want to achieve allows you to prioritise activities and opportunities that align with your goals, whether they're academic, career-oriented, or personal. It's okay for these goals to change – university is a time of growth and self-discovery. The point isn't to lock yourself into a rigid plan, but to have an anchor point that guides your decisions.

My advice would be to spend some time reflecting on what you want out of your university experience before you arrive. What skills do you want to develop? What experiences do you want to have? Having even rough answers to these questions can make your first year feel more purposeful and less overwhelming.

Embrace the challenges and opportunities that university life offers. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and try new things—it’s all part of the experience. Remember that everyone is in the same boat, and it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Seeking help when you need it can make a big difference.

Balancing my academic and personal life

The key to adjusting to university life was identifying my priorities—what I enjoyed and what added the most value to me.

In Year 1, the course is designed in such a way that if you follow the instructions, like completing pre-readings and doing problem sets on the recommended dates, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy a thriving social life and attend society events. Where I sometimes struggled was when I missed a pre-reading and had trouble keeping up in lectures, leading me to spend far more time reviewing.

I found that doing tasks as they come, rather than letting them pile up, is a solid strategy for Year 1—though I only developed this habit through some trial and error.

Making friends with course mates also made the academic workload feel less overwhelming and more manageable. Additionally, scheduling and using a calendar to block out time for relaxation are essential. London offers endless opportunities for rejuvenation to suit everyone's tastes. If you're looking for people to share downtime with, your hallmates, course peers, and society members are great places to start.

Adjusting to the academic expectations of university compared to secondary school

To adjust well to university-level academics, I had to come to a few important realisations. First, aiming to be the best is an unrealistic and hollow goal—there will always be someone better at something, but that doesn’t diminish your own merit. It’s also perfectly okay to seek academic help; the faculty are well-equipped and willing to support you.

I found that pre-reading is key to familiarity, which in turn drives understanding—some university content may be completely new, but tackling the recommended readings beforehand, even if they’re confusing, makes lectures far more efficient. Lastly, starting group projects early and completing problem sets on the recommended dates eases a lot of the pressure around assessment time.

Building good relationships with professors and classmates

Building good relationships with professors and classmates is easier said than done, but it’s essential to let go of any reservations or fears about how you might be perceived. Taking a genuine interest in people’s lives, while respecting their time and talents, helps lay a strong foundation for meaningful connections.

Attending professors’ office hours or meeting with tutorial leaders to clarify concepts or discuss optional readings is a great way to engage with teaching staff. Additionally, being active in class discussions not only deepens your understanding but also helps facilitate natural conversations with both peers and professors.

Resources and support systems

You might not always have the energy to attend events, but on days when you do, the "What's On" page on the Imperial Union website provides a master list of activities ordered by date. One of the great things about university compared to high school is the abundance of people and freedom, which means there’s something for everyone.

Attending events in the first week helped me discover things I was naturally inclined toward, and as the year went on, I stumbled upon many more. It’s a good idea to keep your eyes and ears open for new opportunities and be willing to say yes to anything that sounds interesting. I found most of the events I enjoyed through posters around campus and by following society Instagram accounts. Additionally, there are formal systems in place to support students.

For BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science students, each has an academic adviser, a faculty member who may or may not be teaching the cohort. You can also reach out to tutorial leads and lecturers during their office hours for academic guidance. College-wide services like wellbeing and disability advisory support are available as well.

On a student level, Year reps, Departmental reps, and Union reps are there to voice both academic and wellbeing concerns. For career support, the Business School Careers team is a valuable resource. If you're staying in Halls, wardens and hall seniors are also there to help ease your transition into university life.

My advice to the incoming class

My advice would be to spend some time reflecting on what you want out of your university experience before you arrive. What skills do you want to develop? What experiences do you want to have? Having even rough answers to these questions can make your first year feel more purposeful and less overwhelming.

Embrace the challenges and opportunities that university life offers. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and try new things—it’s all part of the experience. Remember that everyone is in the same boat, and it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Seeking help when you need it can make a big difference.

Take advantage of the diverse range of experiences available both at Imperial and in London, as they can enrich your time at university. Stay organised to keep on top of your workload, but also make sure to allow yourself time to relax and enjoy the overall university experience.

The part-time MBA class at a glance 

This year 85 students have joined the Weekend MBA; the cohort (33% being female) has an average of eight years' work experience and counting. The part-time format of the programme means they will continue to work in their current roles and apply what they learn in the classroom from the outset.  

The majority of the cohort hail from Europe and the UK (33% and 29% respectively) and one third of this year’s class are from further afield, committing to the Weekend MBA from Asia/Pacific (22%), Africa & the Middle East (9%), and the Americas (7%).  

The diversity continues to trickle down into the industries that our students have built they careers in. While the three most common industries are IT/tech/telecoms (24%), banking/finance (17%) and consulting (14%), the remaining 45% have experience in a vast range of areas like engineering, pharma/biotech/healthcare and energy. This diverse range of experience is bound to bring unique takes in every class and discussion! 

What lies in the years ahead?  

After establishing a foundational knowledge through their pre-study modules, the students kicked off the start of their programme with an induction week on campus. This consisted of a variety of introductory lectures, meeting faculty and socialising with fellow students.  

The programme then begins with core modules that focus on key management theory. Each module provides an in-depth foundation of business theory and practice, with opportunities to test understanding through case studies and simulations throughout.  

Once the foundations have been laid, the students will choose six electives. This freedom to tailor their programme means they can specialise in the following areas:  

• Analytics and Operations  

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation  

• Finance   

• Leadership and Organisation  

• Marketing   

• Strategy   

Developing an international outlook is crucial for students who want to become future leaders. Therefore, exploring global markets is a core element of the programme. The Global Experience Week is an opportunity for Weekend MBA students to discover a new business market, learn from innovative businesses and explore a different culture. Past Global Experience Weeks have included the Nordics, Brazil, and Kenya, where students explored how businesses can be transformed to tackle climate action. 

An individual final project at the end of the second year marks the end of the programme. Students can put what they’ve learned into practice and create real strategic value for their employers.   

By the end of the programme, the cohort will have transformed personally and professionally, armed with an extensive toolkit that will allow them to enact impactful change throughout their careers. 

Last month, our Full-Time MBA cohort took part in the highly anticipated Imperial Innovation Challenge.  

This intensive week-long project focuses on deep tech acceleration, offering students a chance to exercise innovation in a practical learning environment. The Innovation Challenge helps students deepen their understanding of the business-technology relationship and is a core component of our Full-Time MBA curriculum. 

Working in groups, students had the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members from across Imperial, including professors from engineering and medicine. Working with promising technologies still under development, they were challenged to apply their business knowledge to help drive these projects toward commercial application. 

At the end of the week, each team took part in a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style pitch, presenting their business proposals to a panel of judges, with the winning team receiving a prize. 

This year, two teams emerged as winners and we recently caught up with George Dear and Bogosi Shashane, whose team developed an innovative sepsis test kit, as well as Sophie Anzarouth, whose team worked on a technology for skin cancer detection. 

“The Imperial Innovation Challenge has been invaluable for my career development, reinforcing my ability to blend analytical rigor with strategic thinking.” - Bogosi Shashane

What deep technology did you work on during the Imperial Innovation Challenge? 

Sophie: In my team, our project leveraged cutting-edge advancements in laser technology and artificial intelligence to revolutionise skin cancer detection. We utilised an Alexandrite-based laser system, which enabled precise and non-invasive tissue analysis. And the AI platform analysed the results to deliver accurate preliminary diagnoses up to 110 times faster than traditional methods.  

These innovations combined to create a powerful tool that not only improved diagnostic speed and accuracy but also addressed critical healthcare challenges by easing the burden on dermatologists and enhancing patient outcomes.  

George: Myself and Bogosi were in a team together; we worked on a rapid and portable sepsis test kit that leverages advanced nanotechnology. Sepsis is one of the leading causes of global deaths, and the key issue is that the current method of diagnosis takes 6 days, which is far too long 

This is a groundbreaking application for the technology that will dramatically shorten the time taken to diagnose sepsis infections, leading to reduced mortality rate from sepsis. 

How was your experience collaborating with Imperial scientists? 

Bogosi: Collaboration has been fundamental to our project's success. Our team brought together expertise from Imperial London’s Department of Chemistry and Faculty of Medicine. 

This interdisciplinary approach has helped us understand both the technical challenges and clinical needs of the project, leading to a more robust and practical solution. Within the space of the week, we felt empowered by this wealth of knowledge to enable us to present our solution. 

What challenges did you face and overcome during the challenge? 

Sophie: One of the biggest challenges my team faced was overcoming the barrier of technology readiness. The goal was not to invent a new technology but to develop completely innovative applications by leveraging existing advancements. This required us to carefully assess the maturity of each component and identify the necessary steps to bring the solution to life—such as building a prototype, conducting tests, and iterating until it’s ready for medical trials. 

George: For me, understanding the technology well enough to confidently pitch the product and field questions from the Venture Capitalists was certainly the biggest challenge. None of the team had a science background so this aspect of the challenge was quite daunting! 

Bogosi: I’d also add that a challenge was developing a solution that could meet multiple crucial requirements simultaneously, including speed, cost-effectiveness, high sensitivity and specificity, multiplexed detection capabilities and minimal sample processing. 

Sophie: We tackled these challenges by fully embracing the deep tech framework and trusting the process. This framework provided a structured template to navigate this uncertainty, helping us break down complex ideas into manageable parts, allowing us to focus on each component. 

George: The engagement of the Imperial science team was essential for the success of our Innovation Challenge. They have been developing this sepsis diagnosis product for some time, and they were very supportive in explaining the technology and application to us. We had a meeting with them before the challenge commenced to provide us with some context around the product and the tech that underpins it. 

Bogosi: Also leveraging our combined expertise across multiple disciplines was vital in carrying out a detailed analysis of the technology and navigating the array of uncertainties. For instance, we found that the interaction between technical and non-technical backgrounds in our team worked well when ideating and producing a pitch. 

What was your highlight from the Imperial Innovation Challenge? 

Sophie: The biggest highlight of the week was the incredible teamwork experience. Working alongside such talented teammates, I encountered a dynamic unlike any I’ve experienced before — serene, trusting, and calm. We approached each step of the process without feeling overwhelmed, fully embracing the framework and trusting each other’s abilities. 

Bogosi: This entire experience posed an immense learning curve, one which gave us the chance to lean on one another’s comprehension to achieve the final objective. 

George: It is always amazing to see how members of the cohort draw on their expertise developed during their careers in these types of projects. This really highlights the diversity of the cohort and demonstrates how this diversity leads to unique and creative ideas. 

How did the pitch go at the end of the week? 

George: I am glad to say that the pitch went well. Over the course of the week our team had really bought in to the potential of the sepsis diagnosis product – having looked at the impact that sepsis has, it was clear that the product could save millions of lives in the future. This made the pitch an exciting prospect as we wanted to share our enthusiasm and belief in the potential of the product. 

Sophie: One of our teammates, who excels in public speaking, took the lead in delivering the presentation. We focused on crafting a pitch that was easy to follow, particularly by translating complex technical terminology into layman’s terms—a crucial step in ensuring that the panel could fully grasp our project proposal. As a result, our Pitch was clear, concise, and well-received by the judges, which made for a satisfying conclusion to a full week of effort. 

George: The feedback that we received from the industry judges was positive and a testament to the hard work that the team had put in during the week, and the years of research that had gone into the technology up to that point. 

Why is the Imperial Innovation Challenge such a good practical learning experience and how will you take it forward in your future careers? 

George: In the first instance, the Innovation Challenge is a brilliant product development simulation that promotes innovative thinking. 

Sophie: The deep tech framework provided a structure to problem-solving in business, which will be a source of inspiration as I navigate complex projects in the future. 

This week also underscored the importance of trust within a team—the ability to rely on each other and let everyone contribute their unique strengths to achieve the best outcomes. It is a lesson I will carry forward, not only in my daily collaborations but also when building and leading my own teams. 

Bogosi: For me, personally, I am an actuary using my MBA to transition into consulting. So, this experience has been invaluable for my career development, reinforcing my ability to blend analytical rigor with strategic thinking. 

George: On another level, the Innovation Challenge has inspired me to focus on the big issues of today. Working on a project that could save millions of lives was amazingly fulfilling. I hope to continue to tackle the big issues that the world faces throughout my career. 

Global experiences are an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in business settings, facilitating both personal and professional growth. They’re an invaluable part of the learning experience, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and mindset needed to succeed as a business leader in this interconnected world. 

Elisabeth Zlatkin, a MSc Management (now re-purposed as MSc in Management (MiM)) student from Germany shares her experience undertaking both a Global Immersion and Global Exchange during her time at Imperial Business School. 

“When applying to Imperial Business School, I carefully considered all of the international opportunities available to me. The international cohort and global network at Imperial is invaluable, and the immersion and exchange modules offer practical, hands-on experiences and the chance to study in different international contexts, enhancing my learning and broadening my global perspective.” 

Global Immersion: Singapore

Our Global Immersion modules are week-long international experience trips that includes visits to companies representing a diverse range of sectors. They provide an opportunity for students to travel across the world and gain a unique perspective on global business practices.  

This year, our MSc Management cohort explored Singapore as a Smart City, looking at how local innovations make it unique. Below, Elisabeth tells us a little more about the week. 

We had the opportunity to speak to many exciting professionals; one of them was Chris de Lavigne, a partner at Deloitte, who revealed how Singapore evolved from a fishing village to a global energy hub, emphasising sustainability through district cooling systems, solar panels, and underground infrastructure. We also met many start-up founders and innovation hubs and understood the infrastructure for emerging start-ups.  

The experience broadened my understanding of global industry trends and the importance of public-private partnerships in innovative city initiatives. I built a strong network with industry leaders and peers, which has been instrumental in my professional growth.  

Exposure to Singapore’s dynamic business environment honed my leadership and strategic thinking skills, preparing me for any future challenges I may face in my career. 

Global Exchange: Paris and Switzerland

Over a one-month period, Elisabeth undertook a Global Exchange at both HEC France and EHL Switzerland, focusing on Luxury Hospitality Management.  

New challenges

There were over 200 international students from around the world participating in various programmes at HEC. Studying abroad meant that I was navigating a new environment outside of my comfort zone. 

Being immersed in a new and international environment, meeting new professionals, and learning new things resulted in a steep learning curve and prepared me well for the future steps in my career. 

The small class size on my exchange helped foster a close-knit community. I learned so much from my peers, gaining international insights into luxury hospitality management from like-minded individuals. 

My personal highlights

The Global Exchange has made me more open-minded. I had the opportunity to meet so many incredible people. It reinforced that networking is one of the most essential skills in the world of business. The connections I made and the insights I gained during this experience are invaluable. 

A highlight was all the interesting conversations I had during my time in Paris and Lousanne. Meeting professionals from different fields sheds a different light on the same topic, making it much more interesting to discuss.  

Learning about both the operational and financial aspects of the hotel industry was incredibly insightful. It gave me a deeper understanding of the different international practices and the complexities involved in managing luxury properties. 

Embracing opportunities outside of my learning

This was my first time living in a dorm, and the EHL dorms exceeded all of my expectations with their amazing amenities and facilities. The first days are the ones where you create those long-lasting friendships through all the incredible experiences you get to have together. I was the only German on my course, and our class was wonderfully diverse, with no nationality repeated. 

Social events were planned by both course management and the students themselves that enriched the overall experience. Every night, we had an activity ranging from BBQs at the lake to wine tasting sessions. 

Choosing Imperial Business School

Before applying to Imperial Business School, I spent a lot of time browsing through the modules, electives, societies, career services and international exposures offered to students.  

This was when I decided that should I get accepted, I would apply to the Global Immersion trip and the Global Exchange module, as I knew these would be once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Having been accepted to both, I cherish these experiences the most.

While London is my favourite city, I wanted to gain international exposure during my master’s programme. These experiences are invaluable—they not only lead to new friendships but also broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of specific topics. 

Growth happens outside your comfort zone. These global learning opportunities have been an unforgettable part of my learning, fuelling significant personal and professional growth.  

Working with local Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs)

Learning from NGOs in Kenya was incredibly rewarding. It taught me the importance of adaptability and cultural sensitivity in implementing business solutions. I learned about the unique challenges faced by non-profits in resource-limited settings and the innovative strategies they employ to overcome these obstacles. This experience underscored the significance of social impact and sustainability in business practices.

Understanding sustainability in business

Engaging with local enterprises that prioritise sustainable practices demonstrated how businesses can thrive while contributing to environmental and social well-being. A key takeaway was learning that sustainability doesn't have to come at a premium. These enterprises showed that integrating sustainable practices can lead to innovative solutions and long-term success without necessarily incurring higher costs. This experience reinforced the idea that sustainability is not just a corporate responsibility but also a strategic driver for innovation and competitiveness in the global market. 

A personal highlight was visiting local startups like Arc Ride and BasiGo. Witnessing firsthand their innovative approaches to solving local transportation and sustainability challenges was truly inspiring. 

Interacting with the passionate entrepreneurs behind these ventures and seeing their dedication to making a positive impact reaffirmed my commitment to leveraging business for social good and highlighted the immense potential of innovation in driving sustainable development. 

Understanding business in Africa

Business in Africa is incredibly diverse and dynamic and the experience has shifted my perspective, highlighting the importance of understanding local contexts and the need for tailored approaches in global business strategies. It has also strengthened my leadership skills and my ability to think strategically about global business challenges and opportunities.

Tackling inequality in business

From the trip, I learnt that businesses can address inequality by fostering inclusive growth, investing in local talent, and supporting community-driven initiatives.  

It is crucial for businesses to create opportunities for marginalized groups and to implement practices that promote social and economic equity. By partnering with local organisations and focusing on sustainable development, businesses can play a pivotal role in reducing inequality. 

Exploring Nairobi

Beyond the academic aspect, I gained a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Kenya and the resilience of its people. Immersing myself in the local culture involved engaging with community members, participating in traditional events, and exploring the local cuisine and customs. 

The experience broadened my worldview, improved my cross-cultural communication skills, and provided a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to contribute positively to global business practices. 

Key takeaways

The trip to Kenya provided several key takeaways that have profoundly impacted my understanding of global business. Firstly, I learned that cultural sensitivity is crucial for effective business operations in diverse environments. The trip underscored the vast potential of emerging markets, particularly in Africa, and also highlighted the power of collaboration. Working alongside local NGOs and businesses showed how joint efforts can lead to impactful solutions for social and environmental issues.  

Overall, the trip emphasised that innovation, sustainability, and collaboration are key drivers of long-term business success in a global context. 

Advice to other MBA students

Approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Embrace the cultural differences, actively participate in all activities, and take the time to reflect on your learnings.  

Additionally, take advantage of the opportunity to bond with your cohort, including students from the Full-Time, Weekend, and Global Online MBA programmes. Building relationships with local partners and fellow students can enhance the overall experience and create a strong network of support and collaboration. Finally, remember that this is a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons and gain insights that will be valuable in your future career. 

Studying online with Imperial Business School eliminates geographical barriers, providing access to a high-quality and supportive educational experience, whilst giving you the flexibility to work anytime and from anywhere around the globe.  

Katarina Milović, a MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) student, highlights how online learning has been instrumental in balancing her studies with other commitments, provided opportunities to connect with peers on a global level, and empowered her to pursue her career goals. 

Online learning has not only made university an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience but has also propelled me towards personal growth and self-discovery in ways I hadn't imagined possible.

About me 

I'm driven by the passion to create positive change through social entrepreneurship and marketing. From spearheading the development of a government communications service in Serbia, to embarking on the journey of co-founding two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and nurturing my own startup venture, I thrive on the challenge of bringing innovative ideas to life and making a difference in the world. 

Why I chose to study online with Imperial Business School 

My decision to enrol on MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) at Imperial Business School stemmed from a unique blend of factors tailored to my portfolio career objectives: 

Flexibility 

Opting for an online programme provides me with the flexibility necessary to seize diverse opportunities. I’m currently immersed in the BOLD Fellowship of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development in New York, US, where I'm co-founding an initiative aimed at empowering aspiring female entrepreneurs and leaders, while refining my startup idea through an intense 12-week programme. 

Networking 

The programme's remarkable online nature makes it ideally suited for individuals at various stages of their careers, and I've had the privilege of connecting with professionals from diverse backgrounds. 

Dynamic marketing principals  

Imperial’s MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) is tailored to provide a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles and strategies, preparing us to navigate the complexities of today's business landscape with confidence. My fascination with human behaviour and my desire to pursue a business-focused path post-bachelor's makes the programme the perfect blend of psychology and business for me. 

Opting for an online programme at such a prestigious university has been instrumental in my personal and professional development journey. The opportunity to learn from esteemed faculty and collaborate with ambitious peers has enriched my experience. 

Managing full-time work and part-time online study 

Navigating the demands of full-time work alongside part-time online study certainly presents its challenges, especially when faced with significant transitions such as changing jobs and managing multiple projects across various locations. However, I've found that the key to overcoming these hurdles lies in recognising that I don't have to tackle them alone. 

The programme’s cohort serves as an exceptional support system, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendship despite the geographical distances between us. I'm deeply grateful for the bonds formed within this community, as they have enriched my learning experience and provided unwavering support along my journey. 

The Programmes team has exceptional dedication to student success. They consistently prioritise our needs, offering additional tutorials for challenging subjects and arranging extra career workshops on campus, which is especially beneficial for students based in London.

My highlights from the programme so far 

One rewarding moment that stands out is the privilege of representing Imperial Business School at the Web Summit in Portugal as a Women in Tech participant. During this renowned tech conference, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the latest innovations, attend insightful talks and panel discussions, and network with industry leaders and fellow attendees from around the globe. Additionally, attendees were invited to participate in the Startup Guide Summit, providing further insights into entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Another rewarding highlight was our strategic market management assignment which provided an opportunity to unleash our creativity. Collaborating closely, my team developed a new product and formulated a comprehensive launch strategy, drawing upon insights gleaned from our coursework. It was immensely gratifying to see our ideas come to fruition and to witness the impact of our strategic decisions. 

There are also plenty of social and professional events, such as the Winter Party, where I got the opportunity to meet up with students from my online cohort in January.

What does the new class look like? 

The Executive MBA programme at the Business School has long thrived on its diversity, fostering vibrant class discussions and facilitating the establishment of a global network. This year's cohort of 45 students upholds this tradition, with 31% of the group being female and representing 20 different nationalities. 

The consulting project 

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Cape Town, South Africa as part of a Leadership in Action module, where my classmates and I were immersed in a real-world consultancy project. My team’s client, a company specialising in leather jackets and goods with a 40-year legacy, had recently faced challenges. Declining sales and adherence to conventional business methods have put them in a difficult position. We came up with several strategies and implemented a number of them. From building the brand, to setting up databases for future clients, developing an automated invoicing tool and improving their website. The on-ground research helped us learn about the business landscape and culture of South Africa.

Gaining real-world experience  

Such first-hand consulting experience is something we cannot usually get in the early stages of our careers. This opportunity allowed us to explore every critical aspect of business management, from marketing and finance to branding, distribution, and workforce management, expanding our learning curve greatly.  

During this experience, I was able to develop cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence. While navigating a diverse team and interacting with local stakeholders, this proved essential to fostering a collaborative work environment. This also reinforced my ability to effectively communicate, resolve conflicts, and reach consensus across cultural and professional boundaries.  

The experience helped me improve my project management skills, such as developing timelines, allocating resources, tracking results, and meeting strict deadlines. I improved my knowledge of data management and information systems by learning how to use digital tools to automate invoices and set up databases. At the very least, I've become more proficient at organising, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. 

My experience in Cape Town also showed me how important teamwork is and how much we can achieve in a short amount of time when we communicate well, work together, and understand each other.  

These skills are the foundation of effective business management, and my hands-on experience in Cape Town confirmed my ability to apply them in a way that directly impacts business growth and operational efficiency. This will help me perform well in corporate and business settings in the future.

Cultural activities 

This was my first time visiting South Africa and I loved it. Cape Town was so beautiful, warm, and sunny that we all had a great time exploring the city. We spent time at various beaches, visited the Cape of Good Hope, and had the pleasure of seeing penguins too. One of the best experiences was the Food Jam organised by Imperial, where we cooked food with our team while grooving and dancing to music. 

The highlight of the trip for me was the ‘White Party’. It was straight out of a movie, we were all dressed in white, having loads of fun that night with our professors, South African team members and mentors.  

This was truly a memorable week, full of learning, new experiences, and hands-on consulting. I had so much fun and made so many memories, I still can't get over how amazing that week was. The programme has been truly life changing.