Ever wonder why some people seem to have all the luck? They just happen to be at the right place, at the right time, and, with the right people? These serendipitous encounters that seem to happen so seamlessly – is it manipulation, or is it magic manifested via meaningful contacts?

Well, a recent watch on Netflix, “Emily in Paris”, was a good reminder of that. It’s a story about a Marketing Professional moving from Chicago to Paris, and her journey of making things happen. Now I understand that we can’t base our networking lessons on scripted romcoms and dramadies (only) – but seriously, work with me here for a tad bit longer!

You see, as an ambivert, networking doesn’t come naturally to me. In fact, for the longest time, I prided myself with this pseudo sense of superiority that I don’t do small talk. I had rigid perceptions about networking being just a transactional exchange, and therefore disingenuous, and therefore, not something ideal for me. That changed (quite a bit actually), after I enrolled in the course ‘Strategic Networks for Innovation & Change’ at Imperial College Business School. Dr. Anne ter Wal, our Professor for the course, gave us insightful networking nuggets throughout the curriculum that challenged the way I perceived networking.

The world has lived with a whole year of COVID, and it’s taught us that our need for staying connected is critical.

Not long after, COVID-19 hit, and so did my quarantine routine. As an avid Netflixer, I watched Emily in Paris not once, but twice. First time because, well, I had to, I mean how could I miss seeing Chef Gabriel? And the second time, because I was interested in how the writers scripted the behaviours that enable serendipity. So, I took a good look at my class notes and picked a few gems that flawlessly flowed with this romcom and ended-up making it an interesting guide to effective networking!

Disclaimer: Major spoilers ahead

Here we go:

• Effective networking is founded in a genuine interest in others: Throughout the series, one thing that Emily is truly consistent with, is her genuine interest in others. So, when crisis hits, whether it’s getting a plumbing problem fixed in her apartment, or arranging a last minute gourmet meal for her standoffish boss, she has allies who have her back!
• Existing connections are a powerful source for referrals to future connections: At one point Emily accepts an invite to visit a gallery launch. Now many would argue that she had nothing better to do. But come to think of it, how many times do we decline invites because “we don’t do social events without our mains/squad” approach. Well, it’s via this event that Emily meets a contact who later becomes critical in creating a key client collaboration. So remember to think about the possibilities a new opportunity might afford you before you say no!
• Power and influence can be established by investing time and energy, and balancing strategic intent and openness to serendipity: Despite the fact that Emily’s first encounter with the Fashion icon Pierre Cadault is far from perfect, she invests time, energy, even takes a few innocuous risks, to build her credibility. Eventually, Emily is able to influence and perhaps even inspire Pierre to re-do his new collection and re-establish himself as the Fashion Guru.

Now I realise that real life is definitely different from reel life, and if not for the lessons, you may want watch this show as a feel-good series. But come to think of it, networking now is even more important than it’s ever been before. The world has lived with a whole year of COVID, and it’s taught us that our need for staying connected is critical. Meaningful connections become our super-power that help us better navigate life (even if most of seems virtual these days), that doesn’t come with a ready manual.

I read somewhere that when the universe wants to help someone, she sends people. Well, the goal for me now is to approach small talk as a segue to meaningful exchanges and perhaps even unravel the secret to seamless serendipities.

Just four years after graduating Kyriakos Eleftheriou and Raouf Yousfi (MSc Management 2017) have been named in the Forbes 30 under 30 Technology category in Europe, taken part in the one of the most renowned startup accelerators around and raised $2.8m in funding with investment of some of the most prestigious investors in the world. It’s hard not be impressed by the drive and success already achieved by these two alumni as they challenge the possibilities of health apps with their startup Terra. Kyriakos tells us more.

Tell us about Terra                                                        

Our Application Programming Interface (API) allows developers to tap into fitness and health data generated by software and hardware. Think wearables from manufacturers such as Fitbit, Garmin and Apple, which generate health data. Currently that data is inaccessible to developers. Terra makes it easy for developers to access that information through a single source.

How does this help the wearer? Imagine if Spotify could access your heart rate to create better song recommendations, or if Netflix could respond to your stress levels and create relevant movie suggestions. Terra will enable users to connect their health data to apps for enhanced user experience.

How it all began

The question I was always trying to answer was how I can create value on scale.  About 10 years ago, I was serving in the special forces. During my service there, I needed to perform at an exceptional level, at the worst conditions. For that reason, I was looking for things that could give me an edge in understanding my physiology, and hence I started using a heart rate monitor. The data I was getting from it were so useful, that made me buy every wearable out there. However, I could see that my data were constantly held inside of these wearables, and they were inaccessible by other apps.  At the same time, my cofounder Raouf, was a competitive swimmer, and one day while discussing, we realised that we needed to do something about it. That’s how Terra started.

Over the last 5 months we’ve been through the best startup accelerator in the world, Y-Combinator, where we had the support from some of the best founders in the world, such as the founders of Twitch, Yahoo and Scribd. We then raised $2.8m from General Catalyst, Samsung Next, Next Ventures and Lance Armstrong, and football players such as Kieran Gibbs, Ilkay Gundogan and Dele Ali.

It’s difficult to articulate how pivotal Imperial was in preparing me for the business world. For a start it is where we as co-founders met and started this journey.

The whole journey has been a big learning curve. During our fundraising cycle so many things needed to be done right, but there were so many things to learn.  First of all, speed of execution in our product was critical, to follow the user growth. Then optimising the user experience to ensure that we are building a solution that users wanted. Because of the great early user acquisition, it really helped us create a compelling vision to the investors. There are so many negotiations with elite investors and we needed to learn how to plan, and act at the same time.

Achieving goals

Graduating from Imperial was a huge moment for me. And I remember discussing with my co-founder Raouf on the day, that the next goal was being on the list of Forbes 30 under 30 – something we have pursued since. So after being lucky enough to be named as such, it’s a great sense of accomplishment, and an honour to be listed.

Advice to other entrepreneurs

Learn how to learn fast, and persevere through the struggle. Building a business is extremely difficult.  It has so many segments, from marketing, to strategy, to sales, to product, so it’s inevitable to have many unknown unknowns.  Making mistakes is the default. So getting it right requires you to go through the struggle of mistakes, learn from them the fastest way possible, and persevere until things work out.

How did the Business School prepare you for setting up your own business?

It’s difficult to articulate how pivotal Imperial was in preparing me for the business world. For a start it is where we as co-founders met and started this journey.

During my time at Imperial I learned both theoretical and practical knowledge, including cutting-edge technologies and innovations. Many distinguished CEOs and professors that spent their careers leading companies in technology, consulting and finance end up teaching at the School.

I was privileged enough to study and learn from the best students worldwide, while connecting with a global network of experts who I contact on a daily basis. I consult with my fellow alumni for financial, strategic and entrepreneurial advice, plus insights into the multiple markets.

The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, sometimes referred to as Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) is an industry that has survived well during the pandemic. Unlike automobiles, heavy manufacturing, and energy, FMCG does not struggle every time the economy starts to dip. You may put off buying a car, but you don't put off eating, drinking and washing. This means that FMCG has a level of job security compare to other industries – it is also incredibly innovative.

FMCG is a popular choice as it offers an opportunity to express creativity through developing new ideas for products, packaging, branding, and advertising. In order to compete, the industry constantly needs to innovate in all of these areas and communicate their brands. Working with the FMCG industry gives you the opportunity to be a part of global success stories as well as have a significant influence on the way customers buy their household products.

Independent of the pandemic, McKinsey in their report “trends that will shape the consumer goods industry” identified the following as major trends in the industry:

• A billion new consumers
• Consumers ‘going green’
• Shifting demographics
• Rise of digital consumers
• Health and wellness concerns
• Modernization and concentration of trade 
• Rise of the value segment

In our recent conversations with alumni within the industry, they passed on their advice on how to pick up on trends, and how to adapt to them, develop yourself and demonstrate the skills needed. Here are five key areas that you can work on now to make you stand out now:

Company selection

Understand which companies are performing and what skills they need. Know their values - for example, Kraft Heinz and Unilever have different outlooks. Look at your plan B and C!

Commercial awareness

How do businesses act and perform in times of crisis; it will have an impact for some time. The Grocer is one of the main industry websites and contains all sorts of news, articles and links.

Innovation

Successful companies are adapting quickly and proactively by launching New Product Development. As well as The Grocer keep abreast of what is happening in your local supermarket, and try seeing different shops and platforms, so you are not just seeing an echo chamber.

Tech skills

Everyone has moved online, but not everyone has digital skills. Upskill!! They need digital knowledge and experience.

eCommerce

Start your own eCommerce platform and show recruiters that you have the skills!!

If you are interested in finding out more, and you are an incoming Imperial College Business School student, check out our FMCG online module (found in the Career Resources module on the Hub) and attend our Spotlight on Careers in FMCG workshop and panel in September.

Toby Emmerson, Employer Relations Manager

The APAC Team

We are dedicated to supporting you seeking employment across the APAC region, whether that be back in your home country or elsewhere.

APAC Events

APAC events including employer presentations, industry talks, and alumni panels take place throughout the year.

Our flagship event APAC Super Saturdays runs between February and March. Professionals across the region offer new perspectives covering a wide range of topics. Last year, a team from Google Singapore talked about the Digital Economy in Southeast Asia; Executive Director from CICC Hong Kong shared his Observation and Thoughts on Financial Institutions, and a Sr Product Manager from ByteDance hosted a talk on The Product Manager of Today.

Key Team Messages

Some things to think about if you are considering to work in APAC:

Highlight Language Skills

Knowing more than one language can make you hugely attractive to employers. Although most international business will be conducted in English, company might require some level of the local language as many interactions internally and externally require to use it. If you speak multiple languages, this is a critical skill that many employers look for. When writing your CV, make sure to highlight the languages you speak and the level of fluency you have with each.

Be Aware of Visa Requirements

There is nothing worse than spending days applying for jobs and turning out you are not qualified to acquire a visa sponsorship from employers in the country you are applying to. When applying for jobs abroad, make sure you have checked the work visa requirements though online or your contacts in specific countries - sometimes employers would specify that you must have a prior work visa to be considered in their job listings.

Look Out for Our Next Blog

In our following APAC blogs, we have put together a number of useful resources in specific countries that will make your job search across APAC a little easier.

In the meantime, please check out our other sector posts and stay tuned for more!

Tara Linyi He, Head of Employer Relations (APAC)

Europe: welcome!

Before I used to think of Europe in terms of its different countries, languages, and cultures. But last year I fell under the spell of the presentation proposed by the Mckinsey Global Institute in their study “Future of work in Europe”.

It presents Europe as a patchwork of highly variated local labour markets: forty-eight dynamic cities, including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London, Berlin, Madrid, Munich, and Paris.

They are home to 20% of Europe’s population, generated 43% of Europe’s GDP growth, 35% of its net job growth, and 40% of its population growth over the last decade.

Ok, since the 31st of January 2021, London and the UK are not part of the European Union. But this means that there are still forty-six dynamic cities in Europe where job growth, economic activity and innovation are expanding.

And as these cities are located all around Europe, this also leaves several cultures, languages, and job opportunities to discover.

Europe is full of possibilities for a career start :

• from boiling start-ups in Berlin and Paris (such as unicorns : BlaBlaCar, Zalando, Rocket Internet, Backmarket or Believe)
• to industrial giants such as Schneider Electric, Bayer, Volkswagen or Airbus
• and refined global luxury brands (which all have their headquarters in Europe) : LVMH, Richemont, Chanel, Kering
• without forgetting the aspirational consulting firms: Europe is the 2nd largest consulting market in the world and all the major actors of the sector are present & investment banks: with Brexit, all the bulge brackets have opened European headquarters in Francfort and Paris

Since 2021 the IB careers team has started a new project that focuses on employer engagement in the European region. The objective is to develop long term relation with main employers in Europe in order to enrich the number of opportunities for our students and increase our Alumni network.

During the next weeks, several posts will present the reality of the job market in Europe and its differences in terms of timeline and recruitment processes.

Alina Servillat, Employer Relations Consultant, Europe

Future-proofing for sustainable business

We believe there's never been a more important time than now for companies to take action. And that wherever a company is on its journey, it is possible to achieve sustainability goals. Our mission at Ecofye is to support companies with this and help drive a long-term competitive advantage.

We recently launched the Ecofye + platform, with the aim of making sustainability accessible and affordable for all SMEs.  It allows you to measure your sustainability performance for free via the platform and receive your sustainability score based on circular economy, emissions and social impact. You can also set sustainable target for your company, set a target road map, track your emission reduction and offset with real, trackable and certified carbon credits.

What's next for Ecofye

Although we are a young company we were delighted to be nominated as a top sustainability company in London 2021. Best Startup UK highlights small and medium enterprises from the UK to help them be recognised internationally. We can now look forward to offering environmentally impactful solutions to companies from all over the world.

Ecofye are currently being supported by Imperial’s Enterprise Lab, inspiring the next generation of student innovators and entrepreneurs.

What have been the key lessons learned from the whole process?

It is vital to find the right people. Building a great team has been our biggest challenge. But I believe we have an amazing team now.

I also learned that sometimes an unexpected event (like COVID-19) may happen and may destroy your business, so be prepared. Finally; it takes time, really long time, so better be prepared mentally and financially.

And the biggest challenge?

One of the current challenges is that the DOOH advertising industry operates very inefficiently, through old-fashioned ways. The industry relies on a single data point, and that data point is provided by the seller of the service with big delays. 

Our challenge is to fix this inefficiency and change the culture by educating our market. This is a big challenge, but we’ll do it - we’ll never give up.

What has been the highlight so far?

Once the pandemic started, we had to stop our business - for many months. I thought we were finished. And now we’re back with an amazing international team, operating in 20 countries. How did that happen?

My advice to budding entrepreneurs is to never give up. Find a solution, whatever the problem is. That is why our business is still growing from strength to strength today.

How did your time at the Business School prepare you for setting up your own business?

I learned great things at the Business School. But to be honest, nothing is a substitute for real life. For me I’ve found building things in real-life is the real learning curve. My education supported me in helping me make informed and more effective decisions, but I’ve found that life doesn’t always do what the theory says!

Where do you see yourself and the business in 5 years’ time?

We’ll heal our industry, we’ll make it much better and more efficient. I think this will help us to become a unicorn in 5 years, and I’ll be a grateful person to be part of this story. 

How to make a good impression to Consulting Firms at Careers Fairs

Career fairs…virtual or face-to-face, they are a great opportunity to get in front of employers, make a memorable impression and find out about application processes. If you would like to begin or continue a career in Consulting, how can you (amongst potentially hundreds of other students), make a good impression?

Here are 3 top tips:

1. Dress smartly and engage.

There is no doubt that first impressions count, so make the most of this opportunity.  If it is a face-to-face career fair, dress smartly. Show the company representatives at the stand that you are serious about working for them by being appropriately dressed. Jeans and a t-shirt can translate to a blasé or laid-back attitude in this situation. Most Consulting firms have a smart dress code so reflect that in what you wear.

If it is a virtual career fair, you need to work extra hard to be actively engaging. It is often said that around 80% of communication is non-verbal, so even on a virtual platform, ensure you smile, actively listen (e.g., nodding along to what is being said) and respond with thoughtful questions and comments.  Show that you have (hopefully!) researched the company beforehand.

2. Do not ask the same question as the person in front of you…

Picture the scene, you are at a face-to-face career fair, queuing to speak to an employee representative at a well know management consultancy firm. You overhear the person in front of you ask, ‘please can you tell me about the progression routes after Consultant level?’ That was your question! That is ok (you think to yourself); you will just ask the same question again…. please do not do this!

It is important to have pre-prepared, insightful and company specific questions. Being generic or repeating a question that someone else has asked, demonstrates a lack of attention to detail and unoriginality. As Consulting is all about forming relationships with clients, candidates that come prepared and ready to start a meaningful conversation impress company representatives.

3. Connect afterwards.

Following up is important – do not underestimate this. If you have had a meaningful conversation with a recruiter or employer representative, follow up with them. Do not wait for them to initiate this, you should do it first!  For example, you could reach out to them on LinkedIn, thanking them for your conversation (reminding them who you are, and when and where you met). Who knows, this could lead to the role you are looking for.

Hopefully, these tips will help you be successful at the next career fair you attend.

Bosede Ogunleye, Employer Relations Manager - Consulting Sector

An Introduction to the Social Impact and Sustainability Careers Team

It’s no longer business as usual. Not only is the world changing fast occasioned by digital transformation and the COVID 19 Pandemic, but products, business models, and organisational structures of businesses are also changing in response to the yearnings and demands of stakeholders for a more sustainable world. The current realities has been aptly summarised thus: ‘big companies are becoming green and green companies are becoming big’.

The Social Impact and Sustainability Careers team is very keen to support you in your quest for career transition into of advancement in the Sustainability and Social Impact space. This short blog is an opportunity to share with you who we are and what you can expect from us.

Who we are

Our sector team is comprised of two Career Consultants (Rachel Tonner and myself, Ayo Adegbiji) who work directly with you, and an Employer Relations colleague (Toby Emmerson) who is the main contact with employers. 

Our team offers tailored advice to students intending to start their careers in the sector or those who have years of experience in another sector and now looking to transition into the sustainability and social impact space.

How we support you

The support we provide is varied and combines one-to-one, Group Sessions and self-paced online learning leveraging the available content on the hub.

Our support takes the form of Career Coaching or Consultations. We provide information, advice and guidance for students interested in finding more about the sector, applying to the sector (CV and Cover Letter reviews) or those who have reached the interview stage and require a Mock Interview session. 

Additionally, we also support students indirectly or in conjunction with the Social Impact and Responsible Business Club.

Being part of our student-run club is a fantastic way for you to build your, gain industry insights and take on additional responsibility which can be a usual addition to your resume and thus strengthen your personal brand.

Ayo Adegbiji

MBA Careers Consultant, Lead - Sustainability & Social Impact