| Imperial College Business School

How to drive a number 1 beauty brand during COVID-19

Carolyne Denzler, L'ORÉAL GERMANY (MSc Strategic Marketing 2013) on how to drive a number 1 feminine beauty brand within the cosmetics industry in the light of COVID-19.

Carolyne spoke to an online audience of alumni and guests exploring the challenges L'Oreal has faced during the pandemic and how they have adapted to overcome these. The event was organised by the Imperial Marketing Professional Interest Network.

Lessons learned

“COVID-19 has been a massive accelerator of e-commerce and highlighted the importance of brands having a strong, cohesive digital presence. Brands need to go to the channels where their consumers are and content needs to be creative, interactive and to stand out. Consumers are seeking a connection with brands, they want a two-way conversation. It is important to show you are there by their side’

Carolyne explained the 3 biggest opportunities open to brands during COVID-19:

1. Consumer behaviour shifts

2. The rise of e-commerce

3. Consumer guidance

COVID-19 has been a massive accelerator of e-commerce and highlighted the importance of brands having a strong, cohesive digital presence.

The future of online marketing

Moving forward Carolyne asked ‘How can we predict the future of commerce?’ “The answer is we can’t, but we can analyze consumer behaviour to predict trends and to understand how we can add value for our consumers. Hereby, consumer guidance with beauty tech is one key lever to consider, for instance digital services that allow virtual-try ons for consumers. Also, Data & CRM are paramount in order to provide more personalized offerings for consumers."

Watch the full video here

Carolyne Denzler is a German native with an international background who spent multiple years living abroad in New York, London and Barcelona. After graduating from Imperial College Business School in 2013 with a MSc in Strategic Marketing, Carolyne gained first experiences in luxury Marketing & Communication at TOM FORD and MAC Cosmetics. In 2014, she has kick-started her career at the world leader in beauty: L’ORÉAL. Ever since, Carolyne has truly established herself as a passionate marketeer with a 24/7 innovative mindset and a track record of more than 6 years of experience in B2C/B2B Marketing, Digital Marketing and Sales, having worked for some of the world’s most renowned luxury beauty brands such as Lancôme and Giorgio Armani.

Why I chose to study MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management: creating opportunity in 2020

Laura Chavez, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management 2020-21 blog post

Shake-it off, embrace change and create your own opportunities

18 months ago I left my job at a ‘Big Four’ consulting firm in New York to pursue a business idea in London. After several exhausting months of business planning and product development, unfortunately, my product did not pass the required UK cosmetic regulations. In that moment, I felt the door of opportunity shut in my face and I regretted ever listening to my entrepreneurial hunch.

Luckily, London has a vibrant startup ecosystem with many job opportunities and I was able to land a job at a startup as a Business Development Manager. My heart was set on starting a business, but this job would have to do until the next opportunity rolled around.

Suddenly, only three months into my new job, COVID-19 happens and the entire world slips into lockdown almost overnight. The abrupt change to virtual working and socialising was bizarre and took me several weeks to adjust to. During the initial period of the lockdown, I found myself having negative thoughts that the opportunities to restart my business were long gone.

The decision to study MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management

To stave off these thoughts, I frequently went for park runs and started listening to podcasts showcasing inspirational startups blossoming amidst the health crisis. The resilience and humbleness of these founders inspired me to revisit my business idea. However, this time around I decided to first gain the entrepreneurial skills that would give me a new edge to approach my business.

Immediately, I started researching Master’s programmes and narrowed it down to the MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management programme at Imperial College Business School. Nonetheless, I couldn’t help wonder ‘will my Master’s experience and learning be impacted by the pandemic?’ To make an informed decision, I developed a pros and cons list of studying now during the pandemic, or later after the pandemic had passed.

Benefits of studying in 2020

Studying now brought pros like extra downtime to focus 100% on school, flexibility through virtual and in-person learning and entrepreneurial skills from a world-renowned Master’s programme. The negatives would be the limited in-person interactions and university experience. On the flip side, deferring my studies relying on the uncertainty of the pandemic ending was too risky. After careful consideration, I decided to not waste time and seize the opportunity in front of me at that moment.

Opportunities beyond the Business School

Reflecting back on the last three months of my Autumn semester, I can honestly say accepting the offer at Imperial College has been my best decision of 2020 thus far. Not only is my Master’s journey teaching me the entrepreneurial and business skills necessary to launch a business, but also giving me the confidence, network, and resources to do so.

I have expanded my horizons beyond Imperial College Business School through other campus activities like language courses, hackathon competitions and virtual happy hours with classmates.

My initial concerns about having a limited Master’s experience have gone. Undeniably the world has changed but it is up to you to shake-it off, embrace change and create the opportunities you want for yourself, regardless of the environment that surrounds you.

MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management 2020-21

Meet the MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) class of 2020-22

MSc Strategic Marketing online -Meet the Class 2020-21

Our first ever class of MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) students joined us in September 2020, taking full advantage of Imperial’s innovative and exciting online learning tools to study the programme from locations all over the world.

For these 52 students, the opportunity to study an online version of Imperial’s world-class MSc Strategic Marketing allows them to develop sophisticated marketing skills, while continuing to advance their careers by balancing work, study and other commitments.

MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) differentiates itself from other marketing programmes and short courses by tapping into Imperial’s position as a leading School in analytics, data, and science. In the programme, marketing fundamentals intersect with the latest thinking and tools in strategy, technology and innovation, and marketing science is blended with managerial insights and data-driven decision making.

The class of 2020-22 will be equipped with strategies, cutting edge thought leadership, and tools to develop solutions to real-world business challenges. They will learn through online lectures, live sessions, workshops, practical activities, interaction with classmates around the world, and expert talks.

Find out more about this diverse and inspiring group, and hear from them directly about what drove them to study the MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) programme at Imperial.

What does the new class look like?

Studying their programme online means these students can do so from every corner of the globe, a fact which is reflected in the diverse nature of this year’s cohort, with 29 different nationalities represented across the 52 students in the cohort.

They also bring with them a variety of different degree backgrounds, with 70% having studied either arts/humanities or business/management (35% of students each), and only 12% having studied marketing previously. The remaining students come from alternative backgrounds such as economics, science, engineering, technology, and maths, which reflects the STEM influence that runs throughout Imperial.

Meet the Class Strategic Marketing Online- Stats Image

There’s no better time to start an online postgraduate degree in strategic marketing. The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly changed the way we work and learn, and at Imperial College we have already adapted. A post COVID world will also require companies to find new ways to reconnect with their customers, to rebuild confidence, and to grow again. I believe marketers will be at the centre of this effort, as their customer centricity and analytical skills will be in high demand.

Omar Merlo, Academic Director, MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time)

Meet the MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) students

Name: Yasmine Abbas

Nationality: Lebanese

Job prior to the programme: Corporate Communications Manager, Bosch Middle East

What is your background prior to studying MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time)?

Following my bachelor's degree in business studies with a concentration in marketing, I pursued a career in Dubai. I kicked off my professional life at an international public relations agency, where I spent three years working on regional projects for global tech and corporate brands. Afterwards I took a leap into a client-side role where I currently hold the position of Corporate Communications Manager at a global firm, also based out of Dubai.

What are your future career plans and how do you think the programme will help you achieve them?

As the world is becoming more competitive, and after working for nearly six years, I decided to embark on a part-time Master's alongside my job to further enhance my knowledge in the marketing field. The future remains unknown, but as of now I wish to pursue a PhD upon completing my MSc Strategic Marketing, and I’m confident that Imperial College London will provide me with the platform needed to grow further in the best direction for my future.

Alejandro Gutierrez Torrano MSc Strategic Marketing Online 2020

Name: Alejandro Gutiérrez Torrano

Nationality: Spanish

Job prior to the programme: International Sales Representative, JamesEdition

What is your main motivation for studying MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time)?

I decided to study the online programme because it’s the perfect option to combine a world-class education with my continued professional development. Marketing is the core of any organisation and is driven by multiple factors. Being able to identify, process and take strategic decisions through information that will help companies succeed, is the reason I chose to study this programme. Here at Imperial, I’ve found people from all walks of life, with diverse interests, all based in completely different time zones; this makes the journey even more enriching and prepares us for work in a global environment.

What are you most looking forward to outside of your studies?

As a person of multiple interests, I’m always looking to discover, learn and push my limits. If I could choose to work on something continuously throughout my life, it would be to create new products, or help to improve existing ones. The complexities involved in testing, learning and developing a product mirror how I view my own personal development, and I relish the challenge of helping to produce something meaningful. I believe the MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) will help me succeed in these future endeavours by giving me a well-rounded, holistic view of both myself and projects I work on.

Chandra Nightingale Strategic Marketing Online 2020

Name: Chandra Nightingale

Nationality: British

Job prior to the programme: Marketing Manager, Gradup

What is your main motivation for studying MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time)?

My main motivation for studying this Master's is the flexibility to work and study together through the online platform, The Hub. Imperial's reputation and resources meant that I knew I would get the best experience and opportunities out of this experience, which in the future will boost my career.

What are your future career plans?

I am hoping to work in the branding at Unilever and contribute to a company that is sustainable and changing the FMCG industry! I am also currently working for a startup and am looking forward to applying the knowledge from this course to see it grow.

What lies in the year ahead?

Over the course of the next year, the MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) 2020-21 cohort will learn from and collaborate with our world-class faculty and thought-leaders to cover a multitude of subjects. Having already completed several pre-study modules in preparation, the students are now well underway with their first set of core modules in areas such as ‘Marketing Analytics’, ‘Consumer Behaviour’ and ‘Strategic Brand Management’.

Knowledge and skills developed in these core modules will cement the foundations needed to become a marketing leader. In addition, elective modules in more focused areas such as ‘Crisis Management’ and ‘Sustainable Marketing’ give candidates the opportunity to deep dive into concepts and skills that will set them apart in the marketing profession and help take their careers to the next level.

The programme culminates in a Work Based Project or Case Study and Applied Strategic Marketing Report. The Work Based Project can be done on the student’s current organisation or as a consultant for a third party. These projects are students’ opportunity to synthesise all of their learnings in an applied scenario, utilising their problem-solving skills in complex and challenging marketing situations. Whatever is chosen, these projects will showcase leadership, managerial and strategic marketing skills and are an opportunity to draw upon the knowledge and skills developed in other modules on the programme.

The MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) has been designed around and for our students. The cutting edge online learning platform that enables students to stay connected with their peers, tutors and the greater Imperial community allows us to deliver a world-class programme that is built around the exact same content as our on-campus programme, and delivered by the same experienced teaching faculty.

The flexibility of online learning means that this year’s cohort are in the best position possible to shape both their programme, and their futures, in a manner which not only fits their lives but also matches their career goals. At the end of their programme, the MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) 2020-21 cohort will have developed an extensive marketing toolkit to help them become future leaders in the field, with a well-rounded understanding of its impact in both business and wider society.

Find out more about MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time)

The APAC Team (Accenture China)

We held the IB Careers X Accenture China event on last month which attracted 200+ Student attendees. Speakers included Wayne Xu, Managing Director; Cynthia Cao, Campus Recruitment Lead; and one of our Business School Alumni who is a Consulting Analyst at Accenture China.

The event included 2 parts – one a campus recruitment talk, another was a live interview!

Four students from the Business School were selected, three of the Students received the GREEN PASS to accelerate their interview process – they will be invited to attend the Assessment Centre (final round) directly.

The three students performed brilliantly to get the GREEN PASS but lets hear what it was like from them:

How did you prepare for the live interview?

Many thanks to the Career team, candidates were able to attend interview training from professionals invited by the Careers, which was individually tailored. We learnt a lot about how to do an impressive and professional self-introduction, how to be a good story-teller, and how to stand out in the Q&A session. The training was super helpful! - Zeyang

I used STAR method to prepare my experience, which makes the story sounds more appealing and convincing - Yifan

Practice, practice and practice. Before this event I have conducted nearly 30 interviews (including group interviews and 1:1 interviews), so I always believe practice makes things perfect - Ruoning

What key skill helped you to get the GREEN PASS?

You need a good understanding of your target position and be able to demonstrate how you match with own skills. My edge stems from my cross-sectional background of Technology and Business. Therefore I focused on the Digital and Tech Consulting direction. I also think genuineness is important. Believe and trust in yourself - Zeyang

Communication and Presentation skills. Since the interview is very short and only focuses on behavioural questions, I think what made me stand out was that I made good interactions with the interviewers - Yifan

I think the most important thing is to be a good storyteller. Making your story attractive can arouse HR's interest in you - Ruoning

What is the key takeaway from this event/interview?

Be active and seek every opportunity. I noticed this event by chance and applied with zero expectation that I would get the chance to interview - Zeyang

Be familiar with your CV. Conduct research for the company and think about why you are a good fit for the company - Yifan

Being a Consultant means being Hungry, Curious and always Passionate about trying everything. That's what I learnt from the partner's career path - Ruoning

What suggestions would you give to your classmates who may receive similar opportunities like this in the future?

Contact our Careers team. Many thanks to Tara and Xiaobei, they are all super Professional and Helpful. You won't regret talking with them. Also keep a positive mindset. No matter what's the result, it's a very precious learning opportunity - Zeyang

Personal branding is a really important part that contributes to a successful interview. Be a good storyteller of yourself and practice until you feel confident - Ruoning

Tara He, Head of Employer Relations, APAC

Alumni profile: A 'Young Adviser' committed to change

Tolu Oni (MSc Economics & Strategy for Business 2017)

Government policy has had a huge impact on our lives this year from who we socialise with, to where we shop and when we leave the house. And this has been particularly true for young people, affected by interruption to schooling, impact on jobs and restrictions on movement, which has awaken them to the impact of global policies on their lives.

A Young Adviser committed to change

Tolu Oni (MSc Economics & Strategy for Business 2017) recently appointed to the newly formed The Young Adviser Programme at Chatham House , Royal Institute of International Affairs, believes this can lead to a time of change and greater engagement with young people. “This is our chance to capitalise on getting them involved in the development of policies, government and societies that affect them.”

Discussing his appointment Tolu reflects on the role that Chatham House has already played in the development of ideas, policy recommendations and resources for business and society:

“The Young Advisers is an opportunity for me to contribute, from my perspective as a front line worker, to a mission of helping government and societies build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world. It will also give me the opportunity to collaborate with other advisers to better understand the challenges faced in other parts of the world, as well as the solutions that are being implemented.”

His passion for working with young people and helping to build a better world is something Tolu has always been committed to. “I'm 25 years old so I think it is easy for me to be passionate about greater opportunities for my generation. Also, youthfulness brings a certain level of enthusiasm with it so I'm leveraging that. But looking more inwardly, I have always been driven to get involved in the change I want to see. The late Kofi Annan once said 'The future belongs to you, but it can only belong to you if you participate and take charge'.

The Young Advisers is an opportunity for me to contribute, from my perspective as a front line worker, to a mission of helping government and societies build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world.

“Centric to this, I believe, is the collaboration of both youthful and experienced (older) minds. However, in many regions, organisations and situations, the youth part of that equation is missing. This makes it important to push for more involvement of young people in decision-making processes. I champion this at the Tony Elumelu Foundation, where I mentor youth entrepreneurs and contribute to policy discussions.”

Engaging young people on key issues

During his two-year term as a Young Advisor Tolu hopes to help lay solid foundations for future cohorts, by setting a tone which is inclusive, effective, respectful and engages with the rest of the organisation.

“The programme is focused on increasing the diversity of contributions in global matters by employing the right structures, technology, collaborations and language, when engaging with a group of people who have not necessarily been part of the conversation before.

“Over the next two years, I would like to see the Institute forge the right partnerships with external organisations and individuals that enable it to bridge the gap between the next generation. I would also like to see a significant increase in contributions to global discussions from a diverse range of young people who, equipped by the Institute, have the resources and platform to have their voices heard.”

Impact of the pandemic on young people

Tolu believes the pandemic has thrown into light many significant issues for young people around education, employment, mental health and rights. The sudden change from a formal learning structure, that included physical in-class experiences, to an informal structure is affecting how they collaborate with their classmates. They are missing out on experiencing vital 'out of classroom' learnings that would come from situations like in-person social gatherings. One concerning trend is that there is a higher transition time between when young people finish school to when they take up employment roles. And for those that do take up roles, Tolu highlights that they are at a higher risk of being laid off - according to the International Labour Organisation, 1 in 6 young people have had to stop working since the start of the crisis.

“All of these developments, plus the social isolation imposed through government lockdown measures, is sure to have an impact on the mental health of young people, who are still developing biologically and shaping their character.”

And the current pandemic has also impacted young people's right of involvement: “The rights of young people and how certain changes, like a restriction of movement, has affected their involvement in public affairs and activism. During normal times, the participation of young people in the political eco-system was already challenging, owing to legal, institutional and other barriers. At a time like this, it is even more difficult as young people are having to revert to the internet to make their voices heard. However, this can only happen in part as a lack of universal internet access means that many young people are still unable to go online.”

Tolu is optimistic that there will be opportunities post-COVID: “We have been given an opportunity that not many other generations got: a responsibility to repeal traditional structures and create a blueprint for how the world will operate moving forward. We are being 'forced' to develop ideas and skills and employ technology in driving the changes we hope to see.”

Making a difference

In his professional life Tolu is experienced in the analysis and impact of data as Founder of The Thread Group, based in Nigeria. He works with governments and businesses to make effective and informed decisions, to innovate and grow.

“We are changing the way businesses typically do business (guesswork and reliance on experience) and governments engage with their citizens (patriarchal approach). We present a more effective way of doing business and governance, and reduce the cost and negative externalities in the long run.”

Tolu believes his time at Imperial played an extremely important role in his understanding of the importance of data and macros/mirco economics, as well as new emerging technologies and the future of thriving new economies.

“The Business School brought students and alumni together, and my time at the Imperial Enterprise Lab provided a platform for the kind of collaboration I spoke about earlier: young and old students from across the College supporting each other, developing comprehensive ideas that go on to add value and create impact.

“This is what I hope to achieve through my work with Chatham House, bringing people and brilliant minds together in a quest to change the world.”

Celia is responsible for all the communications to Business School alumni and this includes the monthly newsletter, alumni profiles and features, alumni blogs, event marketing, the website and social media. Please contact Celia if you have any queries regarding communications to alumni of the Business School.

Employer Relations Team - Career Clubs 2020

Career Clubs 2020

“Career clubs are an excellent opportunity for employers and businesses to connect with some of the most involved, passionate and exceptional students on campus. Whether a company is looking to grow its employer brand, establish an on-campus presence, or recruit exceptional talent, working with career clubs opens doors for companies to connect with, inspire and recruit top talent”

Carly Gerlach - President of FMCG, Luxury & Retail Club 2019

This year the Business School has fifteen student-led Career Clubs. The clubs bring together MBA and MSc students with shared aspirations and are divided into major industries, interest groups, or geographic locations. They are always keen to work with employers and alumni in their related sector or region.

All our clubs are led by students and organise or signpost events throughout the year which give opportunities to:

Meet other Business School students with similar interests
Learn from and network with alumni and other professionals
Build links with relevant employers in the sector
Learn more about roles available and the skills needed in the industry and many more.

Student members aim to gain valuable insight from employers to aid their professional development, whilst employers can use career club events to supplement their recruitment activity - raising brand awareness, showcasing company culture, providing thought leadership or direction on industry hot topics.

“Despite the challenges of 2020, our Career Clubs are still going strong albeit in different forms. They have adapted by offering a series of innovative and engaging virtual events that provide a fantastic opportunity for employers to connect and network with students, build brand awareness and identify top talent in the market.”

Gemma Robertson - Director of Employer Relations, Business School Careers

Careers Clubs — Image taken before social distancing

“The opportunity to engage with prospective employers is invaluable for both students and employers. Career Clubs are a critical source of information and provide a platform for employers to engage with some of the most active students on campus. I had the opportunity to engage with a multitude of employers … it is fantastic to see that the collaborative efforts have paid off, with students and employers finding strong, cultural fits"

David Zuo - President of the Consulting Club 2019

The Career Clubs are the student-led extension of Business School Careers – they are:

Consulting Careers Club
Energy & Sustainability Careers Club
FMCG, Luxury Goods and Retail Careers Club
Finance Careers Club (includes Fintech and PE/VC)
Healthcare Careers Club (includes Pharma)
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Club (includes Family Business)
LGBTQ+ Business Club
Social Impact & Responsible Business Club
Technology, Media and Telecoms Careers Club (includes Digital Marketing)
Sports Business Club

Regional clubs:

Africa Business Club
Asia Business Club
India Business Club
North America Business Club
Latin America Business Club

Please reach out to the Employer Relations Team to connect with relevant student career clubs!

Supporting women in leadership with Forté

At Imperial College Business School, we’re committed to encouraging talented women to consider MBA programmes and ultimately increase female leadership in business. As proud partners of Forté, we’re able to offer a range of exciting opportunities and initiatives to support women who are considering studying an MBA programme.

What is Forté?

Forté is a non-profit organisation of leading companies and top business schools working together to launch women into fulfilling, significant careers through access to business education, professional development, and a community of successful women.

Aoife Considine, 2020 Forte Fellow — Aoife Considine, 2020 Forté Fellow

Aoife Considine, Full-Time MBA class of 2020-21 and Forté Fellow

"Despite coming from an engineering background where women represent only about 12% of the UK engineering workforce, it wasn’t until I decided to pursue an MBA that I realised how underrepresented women are in business in general. For example, only 6.6% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women. Forté recognise this as a problem and are doing something proactive to address it. As a Forté Fellow, I am lucky to receive a scholarship towards my MBA fees which has made the year viable. It’s the mentorship and access to a network of likeminded women however that’s my biggest takeaway."

Find out more about Aoife on her student profile page.

How are we involved?

Throughout the year, we attend and speak at a range of Forté Forums which enable candidates to meet us and find out more about studying an MBA at Imperial. This year we’ve attended forums across North America, the UK and Latin America and while it’s been a little different attending these online, we’ve had some great conversations with fantastic candidates!

We’re also pleased to offer weekly virtual office hours to participants of the Forté MBALaunch programme as well as Forté Fellowships to students joining our Full-Time MBA programme.

Olivia Xu, 2020 Forte Fellow — Olivia Xu, 2020 Forté Fellow

Olivia Xu, Full-Time MBA class of 2020-21 and Forté Fellow

"Forté is a strong coalition of women in business, and I'm so happy to be a Forté Fellow. It was through a Forté panel that I found out about Imperial, and what urged me to apply here in the first place. In addition, it gave me resources to connect with other like-minded women; I've chatted with current, past, and prospective MBAs from all over the world through the Forté Slack channel! Additionally, having this scholarship from Forté has meant that I can fully focus on my studies, connecting with new people, and overall, just enjoying my time in London".

Find out more about Olivia on her student profile page.

The Forté Fellowship

Each year, we offer awards of up to up to £26,750 to candidates who exhibit exemplary leadership, represent diverse backgrounds, and demonstrate a commitment to advancing women in business. In addition to the financial support provided, Fellows gain access to incredible resources from Forté including participation at the annual Forté MBA Women’s Leadership conference, access to exclusive networking groups of Forté Fellows and e-introductions to Forté sponsor companies.

Morgan Mixon, Full-Time MBA class of 2020-21 and Forté Fellow

"Without Forté I wouldn't be at Imperial this year. The Forté Fellowship Award created the financial breathing room I needed to be able to pursue an MBA - and for that I'm truly grateful. Beyond the pounds and pence, Forté has linked me into a global network of driven, collaborative business leaders with invaluable insights and experience which I can tap into throughout my career. Forté's support helps me stand taller, take up more space and feel more confident in what I bring to the MBA cohort. My advice for prospective students is simple, go for it!"

Forté’s MBALaunch

This 10-month programme provides a structured road map for applying to business schools, including step-by-step application guidance and supportive peer groups. It offers live virtual events that will keep participants connected and engaged as they build their best MBA application, including tailored GMAT preparation and the support of MBA alumni advisors.

As a partner school, we offer weekly office hours, which enable participants of the programme to connect with university admissions and recruitment advisors, to help them put together a great MBA application.

How can you get involved with Forté?

Becoming a Forté member is free and once registered, members gain access to a huge range of webinars, events and articles covering hundreds of topics. If you’d like to be considered for our Forté Fellowships, please check the scholarships page of our website for the latest updates on scholarship criteria and deadlines. We also run a number of events throughout the year, focused on women and leadership so please sign up to our newsletter to receive all of the latest updates.

Find out more about our scholarships

FTMBA Careers - Careers Week 2020

Full-time MBA Careers Week is our yearly high intensity career week with a range of interesting and highly engaging workshops, events and activities (158 in total!) exclusively for our Full-time MBA's.

This exclusive week is always highly anticipated by our students and through feedback and market developments is dynamic in its offering.

The 158 Workshops, Events and Activities in this years Careers Week consisted of:

The Development Centre
Consulting case workshops
Interview practice
External 1:1 sessions
LinkedIn Drop Ins
Sector Mock Interview slots
Consulting High Pressure Market Sizing
Entrepreneurship Day hosted by Imperial College Enterprise Lab & Hackspace
Plus many more

Marie Portier - FTMBA Lead Career Consultant

The Development Centre

The most well received event this year was the Development Centre - we are particular pleased with this event, this year it consisted of a day long event that the bulk of the day included an Assessment Centre setting. Students were allocated in to groups and presented with a business case to solve via a range of individual and group exercises. This event was run by an external specialist who really put our MBA's through their paces to ensure they learn and build on these essential business skills.

Rachel Tonner & Marie Portier - FTMBA Lead Career Consultant's

My journey to Imperial College Business School: from waiting list to scholarship student

Failure is not final, neither is rejection personal. In 2019, I applied for the MSc Economics & Strategy for Business programme at Imperial College Business School. I got past the interview stage and was moved to the waiting list. I was thrilled and scared at the same time because it meant I was not rejected, but it did not mean I was accepted either. You can imagine my disappointment when, after two months on the waiting list, I received a rejection email.

In spite of my disappointment, I decided to take a step back and move on to my next best option - a return to my home country of Nigeria to take part in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. This entailed gaining a year’s work experience as well as getting involved in community service. I was lucky enough to obtain my work experience at PwC, one of the ‘big four’ accounting firms.

During the year, I applied to Imperial College Business School once again. A few weeks later, and after an initial second rejection, to my surprise and delight I received an acceptance letter from Imperial to study MSc Economics & Strategy for Business. I was ecstatic. A few months on I received even more unexpected yet incredible news - Imperial had chosen me for the Imperial Business Scholarship Award. Receiving this award was an emotional moment for me, and certainly not something I expected.

There I was, a girl with two rejections from Imperial prior, now being selected for a highly competitive scholarship award. Talk about double blessings for your former troubles! As of right now, my Imperial student gateway account still shows two applications ‘unsuccessful’ and one of them ‘unconditional firm’ a sight which still encourages me to believe miracles do happen when you work hard enough, and this was nothing short of it.

As I mentioned in the beginning, rejection is not personal, neither is failure final. I learned during this journey that my rejections meant either that it was not the right time, or that it was not the right thing for me. My advice to anyone with similar aspirations would be not to stay disheartened looking at the door that has closed. I encourage everyone to grieve if they have to, but then move on and look for the next available door. Improve yourself and your skills, then try again. There are so many opportunities that are ahead; learn from your setbacks, and do not give up on yourself!

MSc Economics & Strategy for Business 2020-21

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The LGBTQ+ community at Imperial: networks, student clubs and scholarships

Imperial 600 Avi-Chairs shaking hands with the PM and the Serbian Ambassador.

At Imperial College Business School, we are committed to providing a place where our students and staff can work hard and achieve their goals while remaining their authentic self. We believe that everyone has the right to learn and develop in an inclusive environment.

We take pride in supporting our students and staff in the LGBTQ+ community, and their allies, working closely with Imperial College London to collaborate and provide a supportive network which includes:

Imperial 600: a network that welcomes LGBTQ+ staff, postgraduate students and their allies to support the creation of an inclusive culture at Imperial through events, the development of College policies and a confidential point of contact to discuss concerns around LGBTQ+ related issues
The LGBTQ+ Business Club: led by our students, their mission is to connect Business School students with leading companies that hire inclusively

As well as supporting our current student body, we want to champion the development of future leaders in the LGBTQ+ community. The Business School offers the Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Fellowship for an outstanding student who joins the Full-Time MBA programme each year.

Q&A with Joël McConnell

Joël McConnell, Executive Director of Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions at the Business School and Imperial 600 Co-Chair, shares his insight and advice about the on-going LGBTQ+ initiatives offered in and out of the classroom.

The Imperial 600 network was formed to support LGBTQ+ staff and postgraduate students at Imperial College London. What is the aim of Imperial 600 is and what is its role within the College?

Imperial 600 was established to create a sense of community for LGBTQ+ staff, postgraduate students, and LGBTQ+ allies, but the network is also a fundamental part of Imperial College London’s broader Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy.

The Imperial 600 network also supports and informs college activity and policy around EDI, external relations activities, and helps foster a professional working environment where all staff and students can do their best work, while also learning from those who may see and do things differently to them.

Finally, the network helps Imperial 600 members advance their careers via professional developmental opportunities. The network has also played a key role in establishing the College’s reverse mentoring scheme.

How has the network been working together during a time where most members are working from home or studying remotely?

Before the first lockdown this past March, we hosted showcase events that featured senior executives from major technology companies like Google, the Global Director of Diversity and Inclusion from Bloomberg, the BBC’s Ben Hunte, and even Ana Brnabic – the Serbian Prime Minister. But under lockdown, sold out events that bring large groups of people together have not been possible, so we’ve gone digital.

Some of the more interesting programming options we’ve been able to offer over the past couple of months have included an event we hosted with both the British Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israeli Embassy in London, where the respective startup ecosystems were compared, particularly from the perspective of supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

Another great event we hosted only last month was titled “From Stonewall to Black Lives Matter: Examining the Impact of Protests”, which Imperial 600 co-hosted with Imperial As One – the College’s BAME staff network, and our counterparts from LSE. So, while we’ve had to adapt, we’ve certainly not let up on the programming.

The School has seen a number of LGBTQ+ events and initiatives take place over the past academic year, is there a specific one that comes to mind? What made it stand out?

An Imperial 600 event I would highlight was when we hosted Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic during the UK’s LGBTQ+ History Month – which was a particularly relevant one as we hosted the session at the Business School at our South Kensington Campus. Titled “Technology and Entrepreneurship: Leading for Growth”, the event focused on topics that are highly relevant and even essential to what Imperial is about. We also showcased an impactful leader, who just also happens to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

The event was a success on many fronts, but particularly from the perspective of showcasing Imperial’s commitment to EDI. Many top embassies sent their senior diplomats to the event, and the entire event was live-streamed on the College’s YouTube channel.

The ROMBA scholarship is awarded to an MBA student who has demonstrated leadership in championing LGBTQ+ representation within business education. Why is it so important that Imperial is involved with this scheme?

Not only do award recipients receive a £20,000 award to go along with their Fellowship, they also gain access to a global network of fellow LGBTQ+ professionals – and recruiters from top companies that are looking to more actively engage with and hire top MBA graduates from the LGBTQ+ community.

The recipient of the scholarship leads and represents students across the student body, encourages LGBTQ+ participation in MBA education and promotes equality both inside and out of the Business School.

By supporting ROMBA, Imperial College Business School has joined a network of elite business schools that actively support diversity and inclusion in meaningful ways. While there are only six leading schools who are currently partnering with ROMBA in Europe, all of the elite US and Canadian business schools are already active partners.

If you were to give advice to a prospective Business School candidate who wanted to apply for the ROMBA scholarship, what would it be?

If you are an LGBTQ+ professional it can feel unfair or somehow inappropriate to disclose your sexual orientation, and for some people, it certainly takes courage to apply for the ROMBA Fellowship. This is especially relevant if you are coming from a part of the world that is not particularly inclusive to LGBTQ+ people. That said, Imperial actively encourages a diverse and inclusive environment on campus and welcomes applicants not only from the LGBTQ+ community but also allies who have gone above the call of duty to help advanced the cause of LGBTQ+ inclusion.

My advice:

Firstly, if you are offered a place on the Imperial Full-Time MBA programme, do apply for the ROMBA Fellowship*
Secondly, learn all about how companies are actively supporting LGBTQ+ professionals, use your time at Imperial College Business School to engage with and take full advantage of inclusion programmes to reach your career advancement goals upon graduation. One great way to do this while you’re at the Business School is to participate in the activities of the LGBTQ+ Careers Club, which organises events and acts as a bridge to companies who want to hire top graduates
Finally, get involved in the events other leading business schools in Europe host annually, they certainly are a great way to build your network across business schools as well. Two great examples worth considering are IE Business School’s LGBTQ+ @Work Conference and London Business School’s Eurout event. Other great networking opportunities exist as well, via organisations like InterTech, a network committed to encouraging LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion in the technology sector

*The application dates for the ROMBA Fellowship will be announced soon.

The future of the LGBTQ+ community at Imperial

While we are proud of the initiatives in place for our LGBTQ+ students, staff and allies at Imperial, we stand committed to growing the community and further increasing support from allies. We hope to do this with the brilliant minds of our current and future student body.

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