Any student pursuing an MBA quickly learns that the process of earning the degree is so much more than just what happens in the classroom. From internships to competitions to networking events, what happens outside of the classroom can be crucial to an individual’s development in business.
Fortunately, most business schools offer a number of student organizations with a focus in business. Providing an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and further one’s classroom experience, these student groups can be an integral part of earning an MBA.
If you are planning on or are pursuing your degree in the London metro, here are just a few of the coolest student groups available.
Imperial College Business School—Imperial College London
Sustainability in Business Club: The Sustainability in Business Club at Imperial College Business School aims to provide a platform for students to gather together around an interest and issues in business and sustainability. Students in the club have a range of interests within sustainable business, such as environmental and social sustainability, green energy and clean technology, legislation for sustainable business and/or mobilizing businesses for climate change. The club gives students the opportunity to learn the latest trends within the industry, draw connections from the business school curriculum to real-world questions of sustainability and showcase research from Imperial Business School students. The club pursues these goals through the use of on-campus events, excursions and even webinars to encourage dialogue and collaboration between club members and the broader business community.
Cass Business School—City University London
Cass Toastmasters: The Toastmasters club at Cass Business School is by no means new to the scene. Established in 1924, Toastmasters International has long been dedicated to helping students become better leaders through hands-on practice. Through the Toastmasters training, students will develop skills in listening and in offering constructive criticism, effective management and presentations, among others. Students practicing their leadership skills will benefit from immediate feedback and the chance to use that feedback to keep refining their abilities.
Cass Women in Business: Being a woman in the business world can be a unique experience, and groups like Cass Women in Business provide a space for women in the field to support each other along the way. The group aims to bring attention to gender differences within the business world, inviting both men and women together to discuss these issues and work toward building better and more effective teams. Cass Women in Business uses seminars, presentations, workshops and networking events to ignite dialogue and support talented women in the field.
London Business School
Business and Government Club: The Business and Government Club at London Business School aims to strengthen the link between business and government by supporting the professional development of each member and by staying up to date on trends and issues within the industry. The club also hopes to give students a chance to network both with club members and industry professionals. Club events include professional speakers, discussion nights and, this year, even a trip overseas to Washington D.C.
Emerging Markets Club: The Emerging Markets Club holds the goal of raising awareness for topics within the economy, politics, society and culture of emerging economies. The club hopes to create a platform to explore job opportunities within emerging markets, collaborating with regional clubs at LBS to demonstrate the unique experience of working within such fields. The club includes networking events with both alumni and current students, professional trips and speaker events.
Henley Business School—University of Reading
Henley Marketing Special Interest Group (SIG): The Henley Marketing SIG aims to provide a network for professionals within the sales and marketing field. The SIG is not just limited to current students but includes alumni and professional members of the industry, working together to create career opportunities and a space for sharing industry knowledge. The group uses presentations, workshops and networking opportunities to connect members and provides access to special discounts for professional resources.
Judge Business School—University of Cambridge
Social Innovation Club: The goal of the Social Innovation Student Interest Group at Judge Business School is to strengthen the community of social innovators at Cambridge. The group holds the belief that social innovation should be an integral aspect for all businesses, be they private, public or social.
Saïd Business School – University of Oxford
Oxford Entrepreneurs: The largest student society at Oxford University, Oxford Entrepreneurs is a massive collaboration between MBA students, alumni, undergraduates and external members. Now with more than 10,000 members globally, Oxford Entrepreneurs has become the largest free business and entrepreneurship society in the world. Supported by the Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre, the club hosts events such as the annual Oxford Inspires conference and Idea Idol.