Imperial students outside 10 Downing Street

Published

Blog type

Last month, Harvard Business School faculty and Imperial MBA students took a deep dive into their "London, Entrepreneurship in the UK and Europe" Immersive Field Course. An important stop on their journey was hosted by Imperial College Business School in London, where both schools received a special invitation from Number 10 Downing Street for a networking reception. 

The UK government's commitment to positioning the country as an innovation and technology was evident at the event. Andrew Griffith, the Minister of State for the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, discussed the role of business schools in shaping future leaders in technology. Imperial's Interim Dean, Franklin Allen, also attended.   

Noelle Robbins, Full-Time MBA student shares her experience attending Number 10 Downing Street with her fellow MBA peers. 

Walking into 10 Downing Street 

Walking into 10 Downing Street was a surreal experience. The walls in the stairwell were lined with portraits of prominent British historical figures (Winston Churchill and Earl Grey, to name a few), serving as a reminder of the historical significance of the building. Being in the heart of British political power was both humbling and exciting.  

Attending this event was one of many invaluable networking opportunities I’ve had while at Imperial College Business School. I always appreciate meeting new people and learning from them, which is one of the unique benefits of attending Imperial’s Full-Time MBA programme

Noelle at No 10 Downing Street
Noelle Robbins and Aakanksha Jaiswal at the event

Networking opportunities 

At the evening event, my fellow students and I had the privilege of meeting MBA students from Harvard Business School (HBS), faculty from both institutions, as well as investors and business leaders from across the United Kingdom. Conversations ranged from discussing current global business trends to sharing personal experiences and insights. This was a great opportunity to not only expand our professional networks but also offered valuable insights into the diverse paths one can take after completing an MBA.  

Attending this event was one of many invaluable networking opportunities I’ve had while at Imperial College Business School. I always appreciate meeting new people and learning from them, which is one of the unique benefits of attending Imperial’s Full-Time MBA programme. Being based in the heart of London, we are fortunate to be located within a global business hub, meaning there are countless chances to meet top talent and industry leaders.  

I had the pleasure of attending a panel discussion with Imperial and HBS alumni in London. The panellists were lively and engaging, ranging from entrepreneurs to CEOs in the tech space. The event was preceded by time to network with HBS students, and alumni from both schools. 

Panel of speakers at 10 Downing Street
Panel of alumni speaking at the event

The main focus of the evening was to explore the experience and accomplishments of successful HBS alumni, specifically entrepreneurs and leaders. The panel discussion centred around their career trajectories, lessons learned, and perspectives on the current business landscape. The overarching theme was to inspire and guide current MBA students by leveraging the wisdom of those who had navigated similar paths. I found it quite promising to learn from individuals who had followed their passion, taken risks and were met with great success.  

Imperial students networking at 10 Downing Street
Students networking at the event

The highlight of the day 

For me, the highlight of these experiences was the amazing connections gained as well as the memories created with classmates. The experience of visiting 10 Downing Street and the connections made during the evening panel event, underscored the significance of cultivating relationships with individuals from various backgrounds. It was a reminder that networking not only opens doors to opportunities but also provides a platform for continuous learning and collaboration. One key takeaway for me was the importance of gaining knowledge and connections beyond the classroom walls. Stepping outside the academic setting allowed us to explore various job opportunities and career paths, broadening our perspective and highlighting the importance of networking.