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 the college, 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. 

About me

My name is Aakanksha Jaiswal, I am from India, and I am studying the Full-Time MBA programme here at Imperial College Business School. I am the President of the Women Mean Business Club. Previously, I have worked with Deloitte and Genpact in consulting and analytics, respectively.

The role of the Women Mean Business Club

The Women Mean Business Club was founded to empower women to enter the world of business and take on leadership roles, paving the way for a more equal society. We aim to do this by providing a safe space to discuss the challenges that women commonly face at work and discover methods and resources to overcome them. The club connects female students with female professionals, leaders, and mentors in the world of work and develops skills and industry knowledge that allow female students to distinguish themselves from peers in their chosen line of work.

The Women Mean Business Club has been fortunate to have an extremely committed and engaged organising committee that goes above and beyond to organise excellent events. This academic year alone, the club has organised initiatives across a number of themes and formats, including:

• Sector-specific professional panel discussions with women working in Finance, Energy & Sustainability, Data & Analytics, and Consulting.
• Intimate networking events to create a community, including ‘Women Mean Networking’ and coffee chats with professionals in FMCG and Tech.
• An event connecting students with women at the highest echelons of business, featuring a Chief Experience Officer (CXO) roundtable covering topics such as leadership, imposter syndrome, resources for growth, and more.
• Alumni Mentorship Programme in collaboration with the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Club to connect students with sector-specific mentors for career development feedback.
• Skills and leadership workshops are currently being planned for the summer terms.

Additionally, I am currently organising an inter-college MBA meet. The theme will be female health literacy in the workplace, supported by a female-founded business in the space.

Inspiring inclusion through collaboration

We are conscious of the role played by the broader Business School in making this club successful and have collaborated with a number of clubs and teams to create a more inclusive community. These include the Finance Club, Energy and Sustainability Club, Consulting Club, EDI Club as well as the Employer Relations Team, Finance Suite Programme Team, the Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions Team, Alumni Relations Team, and Student Life Team.

Personal reflections on inspiring inclusion

The journey towards a more inclusive society is long and winding, but the good news is that with awareness, education, and proactive engagement, every individual can make a difference. When I took over the Presidency of the club at the beginning of the year, my Vice President, Jessica Adetu, and I came up with a strategy and decided that our main area of focus would be community building. And every community is made of individuals, which includes you. Think about times when you have felt excluded at work and imagine the difference it would have made if someone had spoken up for you. Here are some examples and practical suggestions to make a difference at an individual level:

1. Recognise everyone in the room: A highly accomplished speaker told us about a time when an individual went around a circle asking for introductions and skipped her, even though she was representing her organisation and had an invite to the event. Her male junior colleague immediately spoke up for her, even though he should not have had to. Speak up for others when you see them being excluded.

2. Lend support and mentorship: Every individual has different levels of exposure and experience. If you spot a woman with potential to succeed, support them and give them opportunities to prove themselves. Mentor them and share your learnings and life experiences. Bring up their name when they are not in the room where decisions are being made.

3. Recognise that vulnerability does not undermine contribution: Everyone faces challenges in their lives, and being mindful and respectful of an individual’s personal situation can empower them to contribute successfully. Sometimes, small adjustments such as allowing someone to come in to work a little later because they’re caring for a loved one can make a huge difference. Be mindful and kind, as you would expect if you were in their situation.

4. Engage with your community: Don’t be afraid to participate in difficult conversations and actively engage with your community at work, whether formally or informally. You might be surprised how much there is to learn from a diverse community of colleagues.

How Imperial College Business School provides opportunities for women 

Imperial College Business School has some excellent opportunities for women. As women, we are given the chance to network with other intellectual females both within the school and beyond.   

Various workshops provide help and suggestions on how to tackle the daunting challenges faced by women in the workplace. Industry specific events, such as Women in Finance, Women in Tech, and many more, are also held where we can network with industry experts and leaders, gaining key insights on breaking into the industry and navigating the numerous challenges. Exclusive access to careers events allows female students to gain key insights from graduate employers.  

Women at Imperial Week is held each year, where the Masters’ students get to have breakfast with the esteemed board, attend keynote events, leadership workshops and even masterclasses on personal issues like dealing with menopause - an issue all women face at some point in their work life.  

The support I have received as a woman 

Receiving Imperial’s Global Online MBA Women’s Scholarship Award was an immense financial aid, but also an enormous boost to my confidence to do something for the women of my firm, my community and my country. Furthermore, the Business School held a Scholarship Breakfast Event for all scholarship recipients, giving me the opportunity to network with the best of the best. It felt great to celebrate with Imperial.  

Why I attended the event

As soon as I heard about the Women in Finance event, I was instantly excited to join, and learn who the panellists would be. As a woman looking to pursue a career in finance, I was eager to hear from accomplished women who have successfully navigated and excelled in a male-dominated field. When the speakers were announced, my excitement grew even more. It felt like such a privilege to meet these powerful female leaders in finance. I was also looking forward to learning about the initiatives and changes implemented within the industry to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment. On top of that, I hoped to network with professionals and peers, expanding my understanding and connections within the finance community. 

As a woman looking to pursue a career in finance, I was eager to hear from accomplished women who have successfully navigated and excelled in a male-dominated field.

The Women in Finance panel

Dr. Lara Cathcart - Academic Director, MSc Finance Suite Programmes. Lara had a keynote on increasing female representation in finance set the tone for the discussion, highlighting the role of education in shaping the future.

Madalena Godinho Ramos - Managing Director at Blackstone Credit & Insurance. Madalena shared the importance of adaptability and exploring various roles in finance, which illustrated the diverse opportunities available in the field.

Sarah Beian - Head of Sales, DACH Sell-Side Banks at Bloomberg. Sarah shared insights on mentorship and building supportive networks, emphasising the collective effort needed to uplift women in finance.

Roya Rahnejat - Growth Execution Manager at Howden Insurance Broking. Roya discussed the evolving nature of work-life balance in finance, highlighting the industry's efforts to become more inclusive and flexible. Her perspective shed light on the changing dynamics of the finance workplace to accommodate diverse life situations.

Adriana Enna - Director, Public Policy Europe and UK at Credit Suisse. Adriana spoke about the self-imposed barriers that women often face. This was a powerful reminder about the importance of self-advocacy and not placing a 'glass ceiling' on oneself.

My key takeaways 

One piece of advice from the panellists really struck a chord with me. It was a quote from Adriana Ennab, who said, "a lot of times, you're putting that glass ceiling there yourself." This statement was a real eye-opener. It made me realise how often we, especially as women in a field like finance, can unconsciously limit ourselves. Her emphasis on self-advocacy was captured in powerful words: "If you know you're good and you know what you're doing is right, you have to ask for what you want,".

It served as a crucial reminder of the importance of self-belief and assertiveness, especially in a finance industry where women are often underrepresented.

Her words inspired me to not only recognise my value but also to actively ensure that others recognise it too. It was a powerful lesson in breaking free from self-imposed limitations and embracing the potential for success without constraints.

Networking opportunities

I had a fantastic opportunity to network with a diverse group of attendees, which was one of the highlights of the experience. I met many students from a variety of disciplines at Imperial College London, including undergraduates, postgraduates, and alumni, as well as students from other universities. This diversity really showcased how finance is an inclusive industry, open to people from all sorts of academic fields. A particularly memorable encounter was with a physics student from Imperial. She shared her journey about what attracted her to pursue a career in finance. Despite her strong background in science, she was fascinated by the analytical and problem-solving aspects of finance, which she found paralleled the complexities she enjoyed in Physics. This conversation was a revelation to me; it highlighted how the interdisciplinary nature of finance can offer exciting career paths for those with non-traditional backgrounds.

Applying learnings in my own career

From the event, I found several strategies and approaches particularly valuable for my future career in finance. Sarah Beian mentioned the importance of networking, "speak to your female network but also to your male network, because you will find allies as well from men”. This advice resonated with me as it highlighted the value of building a diverse professional network. Additionally, Madalena Godinho Ramos spoke about the necessity of adapting to change in the dynamic world of finance. She stated, "the ability to face change. You have to embrace change, because the world is ever evolving”. Her words reinforced the importance of being flexible and open to new opportunities and directions in my career. These insights from the panellists have significantly shaped my approach to building a successful career in the finance industry, reminding me of the importance of networking, adaptability, and embracing change.

The entire discussion made me see the existing gaps more clearly and the efforts being made to bridge them, motivating me to be part of creating a more inclusive finance world, where diversity is not just accepted but actually celebrated.

Building gender diversity and equality in finance

The panel discussion was an eye-opening experience for me, particularly regarding gender diversity and equality in the finance sector. Dr. Lara Cathcart's keynote on the underrepresentation of women in finance, both in industry and academia, was particularly inspiring. She noted, "a more balanced gender environment in the workplace encourages greater female participation, creating a more equitable space". This highlighted the crucial need for systemic changes in the industry.

Additionally, Madalena Godinho Ramos shared her personal journey, "for five years I was the only woman in the investment team... I need to be twice as good. I need to work twice as hard... I wish I had enjoyed the ride more because I think in some parts of my career I was so stressed and so overwhelmed". Her story outlined the challenges of being a woman in finance, while emphasising the importance of self-belief and enjoying one's successes.

Advice for students seeking a career in finance

The panellists stressed the importance of resilience, self-belief, and the willingness to face challenges.

“If everything comes easy, you will never be ready for the real world,” - Adriana Ennab

"One of the things that I'm learning from my boss is how to speak up... if we victimise ourselves then it's going to be a harder journey to overcome” - Roya Rahnejat

"Be open to global opportunities and the willingness to adapt to new environments" - Sarah Beian

These insights provide valuable guidance for students interested in finance, emphasising the necessity of resilience, adaptability, and assertiveness.

What is the LGBTQ+ & Allies Business Club?

Our club mission is to create a more diverse, equal, and inclusive university environment where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) students and our Allies can thrive professionally and personally. 

Our aim as a club is to create a more vibrant and visible LGBTQ+ presence on campus, forming a safe space for every college student to express their authentic selves. 

Here are some of the services we provide at the LGBTQ+ & Allies Business Club:

• The club connects Imperial MBA and MSc students with LGBTQ+ inclusive companies
• We organize targeted recruitment events, on/off-campus events, webinars and trips
• Potential discrimination in the workplace can affect career development. We assist and help how to deal with day-to-day issues
• We offer peer coaching on personal issues

We engage with all members of the Imperial College Business School community who are passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the business world, organising interesting initiatives around this topic. We also collaborate with Imperial College’s wider LGBTQ community to foster a more inclusive culture, giving opportunities to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to network with students from different schools. 

The EDI Mentoring programme

As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I deeply understand the power of reciprocity and the importance of leveraging our network to foster strong bonds.

At the LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club, we are committed to unlocking the potential of LGBTQ+ students. One of the ways that we can do this is through a Mentorship Programme run in conjunction with the Black in Business Club and the Women Mean Business Club.

This initiative pairs students with experienced mentors from our community, embodying our conviction that mentorship is a key driver for empowering and inspiring the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders. Our goal is to cultivate a supportive environment that not only enriches students' academic lives at Imperial College Business School but also builds a lasting mentorship network.

We see our mentorship programme as both a beacon of guidance and a powerful tool for empowerment, equipping students to thrive in their careers and advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the business sphere confidently.

Our programme transcends the conventional scope of professional development; it's a journey of transformation. We aim to offer a distinctive space where students can pursue their career goals while nurturing a profound sense of belonging to our community. Importantly, we encourage participants to proudly embrace their identities, providing them with the guidance, encouragement, and steadfast support they need to navigate the challenges of the business world and personal growth. 

As one of the initiators of the EDI Mentorship Programme 2024, my role includes structuring the programme, gauging our club members’ professional needs and preferences, and creating promotional materials. I've taken an active part in managing the programme timeline, designing a survey to capture students' preferences, and creating a mentorship flyer for distribution across the entire business school. I'm delighted to see that this year we've seen the highest registration of mentees, which is a testament to the enthusiasm of Imperial College alumni to mentor and share their insights with the next generation of leaders.

Key initiatives for LGBTQ+ History month

There are so many exciting things going on during LGBTQ+ History Month, focusing on student life, professional advancements, and EDI education. As part of the LGBTQ+ community at Imperial, we strive to cultivate an environment where every student can achieve success personally and professionally.

Specifically, from LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club, the most recent one was the visible stall to enhance visibility and build community. We aim to help everyone understand the origin, significance, and milestones of LGBT+ History Month. It is also our club’s belief that allies hold significant importance within the community. Hence, as part of the stall, we distributed pronoun badges and allies’ badges to students.

Imperial also held the LGBTQ+ Career Panel to demonstrate how to be your true self at the workplace, featuring amazing panelists. It reveals more opportunities for LGBTQ+ students to understand the diverse career paths and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. This event was particularly empowering for students, offering guidance on how to embrace their identities within their future workplaces confidently. It also highlighted the importance of finding and fostering supportive networks and environments that celebrate diversity. 

I particularly look forward to attending the film screening of The Dreamlife of Georgie Stone. This is because it provides a smaller group setting that allows for deeper and more nuanced discussions. We can share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely from watching this documentary. I think it is also a great chance to connect with others on a personal level, and even make friends who think alike!