Alumni Business

ALUMNI

BUSINESS

CONTENTS THANK YOU Welcome

FROM THE DEAN

1

Did you Know?

2-3

Academic Excellence

4-5

Research with Impact

6-7

Sharing Talent

8

Employing the Best

9

Unrivalled Access

10-11

Global Community

12-13

Worldwide Networks

14-17

Since becoming the Dean in October 2011, I’ve been literally overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of support from Business School alumni. Our graduates have played a crucial role in our success and are involved in our work every single day.

I am very grateful to all of you who have given your time, expertise and financial support, and I am delighted that the School’s community – of students, staff and alumni – benefits from such enthusiasm and generosity.

The MBA: 25 Years of Innovation 18-19 Supporting Excellence, Innovation and Opportunity

20-21

Well Connected

22-23

Inspired?

24-25

Your support is vital to the continued success of the School. As we work to establish ourselves firmly in the global arena over the next few years, it will be more critical than ever before. You can help us to achieve our ambitions and, at the same time, derive a great deal of satisfaction from your involvement. Whilst the School’s success may be measured in headlines and league tables, it is the moments of personal inspiration and life-changing insights that underpin these: your inspiration and your insights offered to our students, academics and prospective students.

Please do continue to support the School. If you have not visited us recently or been involved in any of our alumni or student activities, then I would encourage you to get back in touch and get involved. There are plenty of examples of what alumni are already doing in the following pages.

It’s your School and, with your help, I am confident that we will build on our strong foundations to create a truly exceptional international business school – one that we can all be proud to be part of.

Professor Robin Mason Dean, University of Exeter Business School

Get involved

www.alumnibusiness.org 1

Left to right: Nigel Primmer (Economics 1977), Executive Director, Willis FINEx; Lucy-Ellen Berwick (French & Spanish 2008), HR Analyst, Blackstone; Galib virani (MSc Finance & Investment 1996), Associate Director, Afren Plc; Colin Fletcher (Economics 1966, MA Economics 1968), Fellow, SAMI Consulting; Laura Brownsell (Economics & Politics with European Study 2008) Assistant Public Relations Manager, UK Media & Relations, Fidelity Worldwide Investment

WELCOME

We are delighted to bring you Alumni Business, which celebrates the achievements of the university of exeter Business School and the valuable contribution its alumni are making to support this. Our support has been crucial to the School’s success and its continued development, through involvement in teaching, careers support for students, working with academics on research and philanthropic support.

The School has ambitious plans to build on its position as a world-leading business school, delivering outstanding and innovative education and research. Already ranked in the top 10 within the uK for all taught subject areas – one of only three uK schools to achieve this – the School is also at the forefront of programme innovation, with the unique One Planet mBA and the KPmG School leavers’ Programme, and produces outstanding research that addresses major challenges confronting business and society.

Within the next five years, the School intends to be ranked in the top 100 universitybased business schools in the world, top 20 in europe and the top 5 in the uK. This will be achieved by concentrating on academic excellence, outstanding career opportunities for students and research with world-class impact – all areas where we, as alumni, can and are contributing.

If you have not been in touch with the Business School since your graduation, now is an exciting time to get involved. We hope the next few pages will inspire you to do so.

And don’t forget that as well as giving back to our university, there are also benefits available to us, for our own careers and personal development – not least being part of a forward-thinking global network.

the Business School alumni association advisory Group

KeeP In TOuch

2 University of Exeter Business School

Did you know that 2012 was possibly the most successful year in the history of the University of Exeter? The Business School and its alumni are making a major contribution to this success story.

PART OF A TOP TEN UK UNIVERSITY DRAMATIC GROWTH IN THE PAST DECADE

50%

Now a member of the prestigious

increase in student numbers turnover has tripled research income quadrupled

which represents the leading research-intensive universities in the UK

AN ACTIVE COMMUNITY OF ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS

240 alumni volunteered at least

606 hours for the Business School in 2012

played a significant role in the

University being awarded the

CASE Circle of

Excellence

Gold Award in 2012 for its volunteering programme Get involved

www.alumnibusiness.org 3

AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL BASED IN THE UK Created in 2008 from the original School of Business and Economics

Doubled in size since 2008 AN ANNUAL TURNOVER OF £42,000,000 15,000 alumni across more than 80 countries 3,774 STUDENTS OF WHICH 36% ARE FROM THE UK 231 STAFF (155 ACADEMICS, 76 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES)

MAINTAINS A VERY STRONG NATIONAL STANDING Top 10 in all taught subjects – one of only three institutions in the UK to achieve this

1st

1st in the UK for entry qualifications – more AAB+ Accounting & Finance and Economics students choose Exeter than any other business school in the UK

Exceptionally high employment rates – 82% of undergraduate students secure a ‘graduate level’ job or go on to further study within 6 months of graduation

High levels of student satisfaction – currently top 5 in the UK National Student Survey and consistently in the top 10 ever since the survey began in 2005

GROWING INTERNATIONAL PROFILE Distinctive research strengths: • empirical asset pricing • innovation and services • leadership • risk and uncertainty • tax • tourism

In 2012, the School successfully secured major research grant income for three new research centres, totalling more than £8 million over five years

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4 University of Exeter Business School

Academic Excellence

the Heart of the Business School

Alumni regularly give their time to augment the Business School’s academic excellence. For some, this involves talking to prospective students so that the School can attract the very best. For others, it means sharing experiences with students in ways that bring the curriculum alive.

Guest Lectures Academic excellence is at the heart of the Business School’s mission. Teaching is informed by the worldclass research of academics who are themselves often pushing the envelope of their research fields. As well as ensuring that students have the best academic teachers, the School specialises in bringing theory to life by inviting business professionals into the classroom to share their expertise and give students access to the latest business ideas, theories and approaches.

During 2011/12, 66 business leaders and 165 visiting professors, including many Exeter alumni, contributed to the School’s programmes as guest speakers or specialist lecturers. They play a key role, particularly for students on the School’s flagship Masters programmes: Financial Analysis & Fund Management, International Management and the One Planet MBA.

Encouraging the next generation of students Choosing the right university is crucial for prospective students and their families. At the Business School, prospective students who have been offered a place in September are subsequently invited to visit the School with their families. These “offer holder visit days” are held every week in February and March and are enriched by the presence of alumni who talk about the careers they are enjoying as a result of studying at Exeter.

Alumni also help with student recruitment overseas, joining Exeter staff at recruitment fairs, British Council events and briefings for students about to depart for Exeter for the first time.

In March 2013, two alumni at Deloitte LLP, James Morant (Assistant Manager, Tax Management Consulting) and Fergus Daisley (Assistant Manager, Transfer Pricing and Business Model Optimisation), came to an offer holder visit day to share their experiences with prospective students and their parents. James (MEng Engineering & Management 2009) and Fergus (Economics & Finance with European Studies 2009) spoke about their academic study, their experiences during work placements and their progression from University into employment.

Get involved

www.alumnibusiness.org 5

“ I have been visiting Exeter for many years as a guest speaker on the masters programmes in Finance, sharing my everyday experience of using the financial instruments and investment strategies that they are studying.

I hope to give the students an idea of how these tools are used in practice and what it is like to work in the investment world.

It is a thoroughly stimulating experience. The students are always full of challenging questions and interesting insights. In fact, I probably learn more from them than they do from me.�

Tony Broccardo (MA Finance & Investment 1987) Chief Investment Officer Barclays Bank UK Retirement Fund

Keep in touch

6

University of Exeter Business School

“ I conduct joint research with several former students who now work in industry. This helps to ensure that our research is industry relevant, addressing the real issues faced by investors and fund managers today and in the future. Alumni have also opened doors for me within the companies they work for, resulting in consultancy and companysponsored PhD research.”

PrOfeSSOr rIchArD hArrIS (PhD ecOnOmIcS 1997) PrOfeSSOr Of fInAnce AnD DIrecTOr Of xfI, unIverSITY Of exeTer BuSIneSS SchOOl

“ Working with Professor Harris at the Business School gives me access to some of the best thinking on portfolio management currently available. We have developed state-of-the-art proprietary models that differentiate our firm in a highly competitive marketplace and provide our clients and investors with significant added commercial value.”

Dr fATIh YIlmAz (mA fInAnce & InveSTmenT 1996) PArTner, SlJ mAcrO PArTnerS

GeT InvOlveD

www.alumnibusiness.org 7

lumni and the organisations they work for are involved A in many of the School’s research centres, providing access to data sources, technology and resources; advising on strategic direction and specific research foci; contributing to grant applications as project partners; and commenting on early research results.

The Business School’s high-calibre research is increasingly focused on producing impact beyond the world of academia, whether helping businesses improve their practices or governments their policies.

In 2012, academics at the Business School successfully secured major grant funding of more than £8 million for three new research centres. This unprecedented achievement reflects the School’s increasing international reputation for research excellence.

Research also informs teaching at the School, refreshing programme content and promoting innovation in pedagogy.

the Centre for the Study of Risk and Ambiguity The Centre for the Study of Risk and Ambiguity is one of the School’s new research centres. It brings together an international network of academics and partner organisations to meet a need from business and government to better understand decision-making in situations where there is a high degree of risk and uncertainty, such as the impact of new products and technologies (including pollution), climate and weather, terrorism and financial regulation.

“ Fundamental to my business is the analysis, understanding and communication of risk. I am delighted that the Business School has been successful in securing this major grant and look forward to our firm helping to shape the research of the Centre through our involvement on its advisory board.”

Dr Richard Ward (Chemistry 1979, PhD Chemistry 1982, Hon LLD 2009) CEO, Lloyd’s

“ The new Centre will have a direct impact on the insurance industry and this is why I am delighted to lend Willis International’s support.”

Sarah Turvill (Law 1975), Chairman, Willis International

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8 University of Exeter Business School

SHARING

TALENT

A university education is no longer just about getting a good degree – and having a great time.

It is also about standing out in an increasingly competitive, international jobs market.

At the Business School, students are well-prepared for their careers, not only due to the excellent teaching they receive but also thanks to the many hours given by alumni to help them make career choices, understand the graduate job market and prepare for the assessments they will face during the recruitment process.

Insight Talks

Mock Interviews

In this informal lunchtime series, business professionals give students a first-hand insight into their work and career. More than two thirds of these talks are delivered by Exeter alumni which gives students encouraging insights into where their degree could lead.

Do you remember your first job interview? Mock interviews are incredibly valuable, helping students to prepare for all aspects of the interview process, including company research, dress code, etiquette and practising real-life questions. Each student has one-to-one feedback from an experienced recruiter, 70% of whom are alumni.

“ P lease can we have more of these insightful events? They are hugely helpful, providing a unique perspective. It is inspiring to meet alumni in person and to hear how Exeter shaped their career path.”

Recent feedback from a second-year student

“ Personally, the opportunity to attend mock interviews with industry professionals has been most beneficial for gaining a greater insight and understanding into interview protocol and the key skills graduate employers are looking for. It’s really great to have a support system that has helped guide me to my chosen career path.”

Erika Kedvessy (3rd year Business AND Management)

Get involved

www.alumnibusiness.org 9

EMPLOYING

THE BEST

Graduates from the University of Exeter Business School are sought by companies around the world. Alumni play a key role as advocates within their firms, promoting the quality of Exeter students as potential employees. “ Thomas Westcott selects the best graduates for our exclusive annual intake of trainee accountants.

In addition to top grades, which reflect capability and expertise, we also seek wellrounded, personable and ethical individuals who can build long-lasting and successful customer relationships, as these form the building blocks of our business. Year after year, we draw on the calibre of the Exeter University Business School and its students to fulfil this mission.”

Judith Flood, Deputy Managing Partner, Thomas Westcott

“ The University of Exeter helped shape who I am, giving me drive, independence and determination.

It gave me a pathway to my career and a way to fulfil my ambitions.”

Mark Johnston (Accounting & Finance with European Study 2011), Trainee, Thomas Westcott

In April 2013, Mark won first place and the Little prize in the ICAEW ACA exams Taxation paper. He sat the professional exam alongside 796 other students from across the world.

“ I have supported the Business School in various activities such as carrying out mock interviews, providing careers advice, attending Alumni related events...and much more. We greatly value the opportunity to work with Exeter’s business students, helping them to develop some of the vital employability skills they will need, and look forward to recruiting even more talent over the years to come.”

Scarlett Seager, Student Recruitment Officer, PwC

“ The school makes use of the brilliant Exeter alumni to provide talks and information to students. Skills sessions are run every week to help students get the most out of themselves and improve in areas they need help with. In the Business School we are able to develop many skills that go beyond our degree subjects so that we leave the University being ‘more employable’.”

James Griffiths (2nd year Economics), Chair of Business School Undergraduate Student Staff Liaison Committee

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10 University of Exeter Business School

unrivalled

access

Enabling the next generation to flourish

Student and alumni networking events provide students with unrivalled access to top professionals

In the Hot Seat: Question Time at the Business School

Martin Cook (History 1979), UK & Ireland Managing Partner at Ernst & Young, talks about his most recent visit to Exeter.

I took my place alongside Mandy Love (Tax Partner, Ernst & Young) and Stephen Isherwood (Head of Graduate Recruitment, Ernst & Young) in a Question Time-style event at the University of Exeter Business School.

I have to say, I am always staggered by the intelligence and personality of Exeter students – I don’t remember being anything like as “together” as the current crop. The event attracted a number of students with some challenging and pertinent questions.

For example, Elaine Yong (One Planet MBA) wanted to know how Ernst & Young could truly differentiate itself in the market, while David Lindstrom (3rd year Economics & Finance) was keen to find out what the panel anticipated would be the most important change affecting the professional service industry in the next ten years.

My favourite was: “Given consulting’s reputation for being incredibly hard and draining work, and for being incompatible with having a meaningful family life, isn’t it just a temporary

career option for anyone who isn’t a workaholic or planning on never having kids?” (The short answer is “no”, in case you were wondering.)

This was not the first time I’ve been back to Exeter and I am both an occasional mentor to students and patron of Exeter’s world-class research into diabetes. I like being able (hopefully) to help students whilst giving something back to the University for the help it gave me, as well as supporting a cause I am passionate about and also representing what I consider to be a great firm (Ernst & Young), all at the same time.

The events are always followed by the chance to talk over refreshments and this is a great opportunity to learn from the current students themselves, as well as help them further. They are this industry’s future and it is good to see what that future will hold – fortunately, from the Exeter perspective, it is looking very healthy!

“ A brilliant format: much more engaging than hearing a prepared speech. I also felt it helped make the speakers more approachable when we had an opportunity to speak to them individually over drinks after the event.”

Student feedback

Ernst & Young sponsor the University of Exeter Business School 1st year Business Game, as well as the University’s ‘Exeter Award’.

Get involved

www.alumnibusiness.org 11

“ Meetings between students and alumni are the bridge between the past, present and future. Throughout my time at Exeter, I have had opportunities to meet some of the most successful alumni our University produces and each instance has motivated me to ensure I leave a footprint at Exeter. I hope one day to offer to return and enhance the experience of future students.”

Boris Sipkovsky (3rd year Economics & Finance), EXFIS President 2012/13

EXFIS Annual Dinner

Backstage

In March, the Exeter Finance and Investment Society (EXFIS) welcomed six alumni as guests to their second annual networking dinner at the University’s Reed Hall. Organised by Business School students with help from the School’s Alumni Relations Officers, the event gave students the opportunity to meet practitioners working within the finance and investment sectors. Over dinner, the alumni provided students with insights into potential career paths as well as encouragement and guidance based on their own experience.

“Backstage” is a creative networking event held annually for Events Management students at the Business School. It brings together students wanting to pursue a career in events with some of the biggest names in the industry, including a number of Exeter alumni.

In March, nearly 50 professionals, representing an extensive range of industry specialisms, took over three floors of Building:One for an evening of presentations, networking opportunities and industry tips. Over the years, many students have gained work experience and paid employment through connections made at Backstage.

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12 University of Exeter Business School

GLOBAL COMMUNITY

The University of Exeter Business School has, in recent years, transformed into a truly international community – a thriving and ambitious community of staff, students and alumni.

Our 15,000-strong alumni network extends across the globe, with alumni living and working in over 80 different countries. The student body forms a global community right here in Exeter, with students from 115 countries and 107 nationalities currently studying at the School. Many of the School’s students take the opportunity to work or study abroad through the ‘Study Abroad’ and ‘With Industrial Experience’ options available to them and the School currently has academic partnerships with over 50 institutions in over 25 countries worldwide. The academic faculty is also richly diverse with 42% coming from outside the UK and a higher than average number of women.

STUDENTS 3,774

ALUMNI 14,913 STAFF 231

NORTH AMERICA

CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARRIBEAN

SOUTH AMERICA

EUROPE

Get involved

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

AFRICA

www.alumnibusiness.org 13

TOP 10 COUNTRIES ALUMNI UK 6,801

CHINA 1,805

THAILAND 547

TAIWAN 413

HONG KONG 298

INDIA 291

UK 1,337

CHINA 1,044

HONG KONG 185

INDIA 140

VIETNAM 88

MALAYSIA 65

UK 161

CHINA 9

GREECE 9

GERMANY 7

PORTUGAL 6

INDIA 4

GREECE 249

TURKEY 183

MALAYSIA 182

USA 112

STUDENTS THAILAND SINGAPORE GERMANY 57 46 45

FRANCE 43

STAFF

WESTERN ASIA

CENTRAL ASIA

SOUTH ASIA

Keep in touch

EAST ASIA

USA 4

SPAIN 3

SOUTHEAST ASIA

BULGARIA 2

ITALY 2

AUSTRALASIA

14 University of Exeter Business School

WORLDWIDE NETWORKS

Professionals know the value and importance of networking. Thanks to the generosity and energy of alumni, there are an increasing number of opportunities to join networks and attend events, giving unrivalled access to key professionals, stimulating academics, old friends and new contacts.

UK • LONDON In the heart of the City of London, more than 100 Exeter alumni gathered with Business School students to hear from, and ask questions of, one of the world’s top fund managers.

Anthony Bolton, renowned fund manager for Fidelity Worldwide Investments, shared his insights on the emerging role of China in world financial markets.

The event was hosted at Fidelity’s London HQ in December 2012

by Dr Barry Bateman (Economics & Economic History 1966, Hon LLD 2012), Vice-Chairman of Fidelity International Ltd, and shaped by Galib Virani (MSc Finance & Investment 1996), Associate Director at Afren Plc.

CHINA • BEIJING AND SHANGHAI 2010 saw the establishment of the University’s Representative Offices in Beijing and Shanghai. The role of these offices is to help forge links between academics and key university partners, as well as strengthening alumni links in-country and facilitating international employability ambitions in greater China for all Exeter students.

There are currently 2,529 Exeter alumni in mainland China, of whom 1,805 are graduates of the Business School including four who act as ‘country contacts’, based in Beijing and Shanghai.

“ This was a wonderful opportunity to hear from Anthony Bolton and also to get our alumni and other supporters excited about contributing to the next phase in the School’s growth and development. We’d like to thank all those who support and host valuable events such as this.”

Dr Elaine Dunn, Head of Careers and Alumni Relations, university of exeter Business School

Get involved

www.alumnibusiness.org 15

Previous events in London: • IBM – March 2012 Host: Jeremy Budd (Geography 1985), Vice President at IBM UK & Ireland • Sarasin & Partners – March 2011 Host: Christopher Pease (Politics 1980), Director – Private Clients at Sarasin & Partners • KPMG – March 2011 Host: Simon Figgis (Law 1977), Partner at KPMG • Willis – November 2010 Host: Nigel Primmer (Economics 1977), Executive Director at Willis FINEX • DLA Piper – February 2009 Host: Marnix Elsenaar (Law 1992), Partner at DLA Piper

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16 University of Exeter Business School

Get involved

www.alumnibusiness.org 17

In several countries, alumni are forming their own groups to enhance their professional and social networks, supported by the University and the Business School.

GREECE • ATHENS There are currently 630 Exeter alumni in Greece, of whom 249 are graduates of the Business School. George Pakos (MSc International Management 2004) helps lead the Greek Alumni Group. “I think it is very important for people to stay in touch as alumni once they leave Exeter and I am pleased to be able to help by being an international contact.”

A networking event, held at the Hilton Athens in April 2013 for the University’s alumni, prospective students and friends, was the latest in a series of successful alumni events held over the past three years.

It was the first to be hosted by Exeter’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Steve Smith, who announced two new scholarships for Greek students embarking on postgraduate study in 2014/15 – one within Classics and one within the Business School.

The Vice-Chancellor commented that “our Greek alumni and friends are very much in our thoughts. It is at challenging times like this when the Exeter family of students and graduates, stretching right across the world, becomes ever more important, and I’m delighted to be announcing two new scholarships to support Greece’s most talented scholars.”

INDIA • Mumbai and Bangalore Exeter’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Steve Smith, hosted an alumni reception in Mumbai in March 2013, drawing together alumni and guests in the country. The event was also an occasion to launch the Mumbai Alumni Group, led by Anandh Baheti (MA Finance & Investment 2006), Priyanka Parekh (BA English 2011) and Sumit Maroo (MSc Finance & Management 2010). The group will be organising social events and career networking opportunities for alumni in the area – many of whom are graduates of the Business School.

In 2011, Exeter was the first UK university to establish a Representative Office in Bangalore. The Office supports academic links with partners in India, as well as facilitating international career opportunities for students and supporting alumni activity.

India is becoming an increasingly important focus for the Business School. One of the School’s key international partners is the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), widely recognised as India’s top business school.

The Business School and IIMB are combining their expertise to help shape the future of business and management in both countries. As part of the wide-ranging partnership, IIMB and Exeter academics are collaborating on research to assess how health care services can be improved; to understand how decisions are made in business and to analyse the lives; networks and experiences of the directors of Indian companies.

Meanwhile, IIMB students have participated in Exeter’s international summer school every year since 2010.

“ It is encouraging to observe the progress that IIMB and Exeter have made in a short period of time. Joint faculty projects in the areas of corporate social responsibility and service process management are underway, and we have already begun student as well as faculty exchange. The collaboration is stimulating keen interest amongst the IIMB community.”

Professor Pankaj Chandra, Director IIMB

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18 University of Exeter Business School

THE MBA 25 YEARS OF INNOVATION

In 2013, the MBA at Exeter celebrates 25 years. This milestone is manifested in a network of more than 1,300 University of Exeter MBA alumni who have gone on to influence and transform the development and growth of businesses in the UK, continental Europe and beyond.

Get involved

www.alumnibusiness.org 19

Exeter has always been good at innovating – being different and standing out from the crowd. The MBA programme has continually evolved to ensure it remains highly relevant to the global marketplace and the challenges faced by international business.

There was a strong spirit of innovation right from the start. In its early years, Mark Gifford-Gifford developed a number of specialist programmes, such as the MBA in Banking Management, which complemented and built on the success of the general MBA.

1992 MBA Wol Kolade

Managing Partner, ISIS Equity Partners The MBA at Exeter allowed me to take my career in a new direction, and I haven’t looked back since.

The MBA gave me the confidence to analyse complex business issues and put forward my ideas about how venture capital could work differently. Even though I was still very young at that stage, with a recognised management qualification behind me, people listened to what I was saying. 20 years later, I’m still with the same company – and am now the Managing Partner.

I still look back on the MBA as something that was hugely beneficial to me, and for that reason, I have always felt a strong desire to give something back. As well as donating money to the School, I have given a couple of lectures – on private equity and entrepreneurship – and I am part of the Campaign Board, helping with fundraising for the University.

The One Planet MBA is the latest innovation.

Launched in 2010, it was developed in partnership with WWF International – a collaboration with a charity that is unique for an MBA. The programme aims to develop a new generation of business leaders who are one-step ahead of the competition and equipped to think strategically, innovate boldly and lead colleagues and companies through the complex and rapidly changing landscape of international business and enterprise.

“ The One Planet MBA is a clear example of the way in which the School is forwardthinking and prepared to challenge traditional approaches.”

Professor Malcolm Kirkup Director of MBA Programmes, University of Exeter business school

2002 MBA Betty B. Dale

2012 One Planet MBA Shweta Lal

The MBA programme at Exeter allowed me to specialise in financial management and launched a new career for me in financial services, which is the sector I have been in ever since.

After spending four years working as a software consultant in India, an MBA seemed like a good option and a way to open myself up to more managerial opportunities in the future.

Principal - Banking, Trust & Investment, Bermuda Monetary Authority

In the wake of the Enron scandal, I chose to focus my dissertation on the hot topic of corporate governance, and I was thrilled when my work was shortlisted for the MBA Essay Award 2001. The MBA was a wonderful experience in itself. The courses, the interaction with such a diverse and international cohort, the emphasis on teamwork and collaboration – that was all a hugely beneficial and rewarding experience to be part of.

I am now the Bermuda ‘country contact’ for Exeter MBA graduates, linking up with them when they return to Bermuda to share experiences and keep the Exeter connection going.

Keep in touch

Implementation and Support Consultant, thomson Reuters

When you commit to doing an MBA, you’re signing yourself up to a year of very hard work. But you gain a huge amount and get to spend time with a really interesting, diverse group of people. In any case, some of my best memories are from those times when we were really up against it, finishing an assignment, all working together in the MBA rooms. There were times when we even worked through the night and people would bring in food to share and put chairs together to get a few hours’ sleep and then go back to their work. It got quite intense at times, but we had a lot of fun too!

20 University of Exeter Business School

Supporting excellence innovatioN Donations, particularly from alumni, have played a significant role in the Business School’s development to date. Building:One, completed in spring 2011, was part-financed with £2.6 million in donations, 15% of its total cost. This was achieved through an innovative scheme that matched the donations of alumni with funding from a UK charitable trust and the UK government – the so-called ‘triple-match challenge’.

Alumni have also supported students, through bursaries and scholarships, and academics through funding research posts. These have enabled the School to create new educational opportunities for talented students from around the world and to produce research that will have direct impact on business practice.

Get involved

www.alumnibusiness.org 21

“ We set up the Ayudar MBA Scholarship programme to support the excellent work of the University of Exeter Business School and to help the development of Colombia, by giving the up-and-coming generation of Colombian business men and women the opportunity of a world-class business education and the inspiration to make a real difference.

So far, three students have received Ayudar scholarships and we are delighted by their enthusiasm and dedication.”

Clemencia Posada-Brown and Gerry Brown (Economics & Economic History 1966) Chairman, Novaquest Capital Management

“ I ’m delighted to be supporting the Business School at this exciting time in their development, particularly the School’s Centre for Finance and Investment (Xfi). Its research into asset pricing and portfolio construction is fascinating and may change how practitioners like me do our work.”

Howard Appleby (Economics & Statistics 1980) Principal and Founding Partner, Northern Cross LLC

“ At Afren, we are keen to support the development of managerial talent in the countries in which we operate, as well as encouraging more sustainable approaches in business and promoting awareness of the challenges and potential solutions to oil & gas exploration and production around the world. We are very excited to be supporting the Business School’s One Planet MBA through the Afren MBA Scholarship and the opportunity this has provided for Karen.”

Galib Virani (MSc Finance & Investment 1996) Associate Director, Afren Plc

“ Gerald Brown and his Colombian wife, Clemencia Posada-Brown, gave me the opportunity to come to the UK to undertake the One Planet MBA through the Ayudar Scholarship (ayudar means ‘to help’ in Spanish).

All my gratitude, respect and admiration go to Gerald and Clemencia for this life-changing opportunity, which would not have been possible without their generosity. My future work will certainly honour the purpose of the Ayudar scholarship, by giving back to my country through everything I learnt on the One Planet MBA.” Angela Corredor-Oviedo (One Planet MBA 2012) Junior Management Consultant, The Change Management Group – the first Ayudar Scholar

“ Having gained a Masters and my PhD at Exeter, I was keen to continue my research here in the stimulating environment Xfi fosters. We have developed a behavioural portfolio theory using new quantitative models that we believe will have a significant impact on the practice of fund management. This only became possible through the creation of a new alumni-funded post in August 2012, for which I am extremely grateful.”

Dr Murat Mazibas (MSc Financial Analysis & Fund Management 2008, PhD Quantitative Finance 2011) Appleby Research Fellow

“ The One Planet MBA at Exeter is so much more than I expected. It is different ... in a very good way. Everything is driving you to change: to change the way you think. There is no way you can experience it and be the same person. I feel like I am learning everything I ever wanted to learn – in one year! It is as if it was meant to do it. But I wouldn’t have done it without the scholarship. Afren’s scholarship has made it possible for me.”

Karen Adu (Afren One Planet MBA Scholar 2012/13)

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22 University of Exeter Business School

WELL CONNECTED

The Business School has extensive connections with businesses large and small, local and international. In many cases these relationships have been developed thanks to alumni who have been advocates within their organisations – providing projects or placements for students, sponsoring scholarships, hosting researchers or helping to develop teaching materials.

A selection of corporate partners and their activities with the School is pinned here. Alumni are at the heart of many of these relationships.

GeT InvOlveD

www.alumnibusiness.org

University of Exeter Business School 23 www.alumnibusiness.org

KeeP In TOuch

24 University of Exeter Business School

Inspired?

There are many ways to get involved and you are welcome to give as little or as much time as you can offer. The School will do its best but may not be able to take up every offer! As a volunteer, you will be fully supported by the School’s Alumni Relations Officers.

You can help the Business School to: • sustain its reputation for academic excellence • provide outstanding career opportunities for students • undertake research with world-class impact

Academic excellence

Career opportunities

Research with impact

• Help the School attract the very best students in the UK and overseas

• Advertise graduate jobs to Exeter students and recent graduates

• Deliver a guest lecture to students

• Offer an internship or placement to a student

• Host a research showcase: enable academics to share their latest research findings

• Develop a case study or a taught programme with Business School lecturers

• Mentor a student: join Exeter’s award-winning mentor scheme

• Host a student research project: a cost-effective input to move your business forward • Fund a scholarship: create a life-changing opportunity of a worldclass business education • Fund an academic post: support pioneering new research

• Collaborate in academic research: shape a research project; provide access to data

• Help students practice their interview technique • Offer ‘career insights’: give a talk to students in Exeter or host a visit to your workplace

• Advise on research strategy: join an advisory board for key research centres

• Share your profile: let students know how you navigated your career path

Get involved

www.alumnibusiness.org

The Business School and the University of Exeter provide a range of services to benefit alumni.

Keep in touch with the School’s Alumni Relations team to access these services.

Services available to you • Connect with fellow alumni wherever you are • Attend an alumni event: expand your social and professional networks • Get careers advice • Continue learning: discounted courses; free public lectures • Access online journals for free • Join the Business School’s social media channels: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

Contact the team to • Update them with your new contact details or a change in your career • Order a printed copy of Alumni Business

Your contact points The Business School’s Alumni Relations Officers are:

Suzanne Rushforth +44 (0)1392 725932 +44 (0)7500 108247 s.n.rushforth@exeter.ac.uk

Beth Cossey +44 (0)1392 726683 +44 (0)7500 108252 b.cossey@exeter.ac.uk

business-school-alumni@exeter.ac.uk UofEBusiness University of Exeter Business School University of Exeter Business School Alumni uofebusinessschool

Keep in touch

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www.alumnibusiness.org