BUSINESS
Surrey Business School launches social impact club University of Surrey’s Centre for Social Innovation Management (CSIM) has recently combined forces with Surrey Business School’s MBA programme to launch a “Social Impact Club”. The club’s mission is to provide Surrey MBA students with wide-ranging opportunities to connect with industry practitioners making a social impact in their sectors. Dr Yanfei Hu, Co-Director of CSIM and SBS faculty member teaching in the MBA program, has worked closely with Club Co-Presidents (student volunteers) Michael Alexander, Philip Aikinomioria and Omar Aljarbawi to launch the club. She commented, “This is a student-driven initiative and we are very thankful for the co-presidents to volunteer their time; Their efforts will expose their peers with state-of-the-art of industry initiatives that are impacting UK’s net-zero transitions and other grand challenges”. Dr Stelvia Matos, founding Co-Director of CSIM, further suggests: “CSIM, as a leading research centre, is thrilled to
During her talk, she engaged in dynamic discussions with the attendees on how finance can act as a catalyst for addressing climate challenges. She encouraged students to think deeply about how finance practitioners can do their part to deliver a sustainable future to the world.
The club’s mission is to provide ❛❛ Surrey MBA students with wideranging opportunities to connect with industry practitioners. ❜❜ mobilise our networks and expertise to empower these future business leaders to make a difference in the world”.
The inaugural speaker session on Sustainable Finance was held on February 19th at SBS. It was delivered by MBA alumna Diana George, who brought over 25 years of international experience in business and finance, having held roles as a trader and research analyst with top-tier investment banks, asset managers, and hedge funds in New York and London. Diana is now pursuing a PhD at the University of Surrey in collaboration with Aviva Investors.
MBA students reported that the discussions added value beyond the classroom and they were glad to connect with industry experts and discuss burning social issues that are keeping them awake at night. The event finished with enthusiasm as Diana awarded prizes to the winners of the debates regarding challenging
dilemmas faced by finance practitioners. Michael, one of the student Co-Presidents, sincerely thanked Diana, and he reflected, “We all left with lots to digest and think about… it is greatly appreciated”. Mr. Deji Sotunde, Director of SBS MBA Programmes, endorsed the prominent themes the club is working on (such as sustainable finance and sustainable food systems transition). He commented, “The themes provide a platform for practicality discussions. They also can translate into a potential consultancy project or a business plan for MBA students”. The club will pursue more sustainability/net-zero-related themes as the students’ interests expand.
Interested in learning more about our MBA programme? Contact Deji Sotunde at a.sotunde@surrey.ac.uk to explore your opportunities today!
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