4 UK Business Institutions that build character, confidence and leadership

24 Apr 2018

As highlighted by Times Higher Education (THE), “For two decades or more, the evolving relationship between business schools and their host universities has arguably brought many great benefits. In the future, if universities and business schools want to achieve the greatest impact on the societies that they serve, now is the time for them to re-evaluate their relationship with one another and with the wider business community.”

Following on from the analysis made by THE, it’s fair to say that business schools and universities boast strong academic bonds. In countries like the UK, top-tier universities often come with a thriving business institution attached. In recent years, the subject has significantly grown in popularity, and some universities have gone to great lengths to retain elite student talent, building custom-made spaces for business and accounting students.

While partnerships between business schools and universities are tools for success, many people want to know why these institutions are in such high demand and what a business degree can do to boost a student’s future career.

As Study International explains, “Choosing to study a business degree can catapult you into a world of boundless opportunities upon graduation. You will learn transferable knowledge about different market structures, managing techniques and business theory, making you valuable to employees in many sectors. And if you’re going to study abroad for the first time, a degree in business can be your career passport to the world.”

Through the study of business, you gain exclusive access to a range of diverse and niche academic avenues. On top of the skills you’ll soon acquire, you’ll also gain freedom to use them for personal entrepreneurial ventures and projects. That’s what’s great about entering the world of business; it’s a globally respected trade, so there are hardly any restrictions on what you can or cannot do with your degree.

While you’re deciding which profession to pursue, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to the curriculum that certain business schools provide. To truly build your character, confidence and leadership skills, opt for those with extra-curricular programs and encouraging mentors – since these will be your best assets for growth.

As business theorist Thomas J. Stanley (1944-2015) believed, personal growth and education are essential elements for lifelong success. “Before you can become a millionaire, you must learn to think like one. You must learn how to motivate yourself to counter fear with courage. Making critical decisions about your career, business, investments and other resources conjures up fear, fear that is part of the process of becoming a financial success.”

Here are 4 UK Business Institutions that help to build character, confidence and leadership…

UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON BUSINESS SCHOOL – WOLVERHAMPTON, UK

Part of the Faculty of Social Sciences, the University of Wolverhampton Business School has a longstanding history of transforming students into confident business leaders and influential innovators. On top of prestigious partnerships with professional bodies and strong industry links, the business school is associated with the Institute of Directors (IOD), the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

In 2015 the university was commended by the Quality Assurance Agency for the enhancement of learning opportunities offered to its students. Character building, confidence and leadership qualities can all be developed through studying one of the institution’s many undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Most qualifications are appropriately accredited by professional bodies; for example, courses such as the BA (Hons) Business Management and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) are both accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

To encourage your inner entrepreneur, the Wolverhampton Business School has created the Challenge Academy initiative. By pairing up with a regional business partner, you can boost your career prospects and undertake a rewarding short-term project. The school also has a dedicated Knowledge Hub to keep you updated and is part of the Black Country Growth Hub to help your business grow.

As a graduate of the BSc (Hons) International Business Management course, Stephanie Barratt says “The best thing about being at the University of Wolverhampton is that you learn to stand on your own two feet. You’re given a chance to develop your knowledge base and develop as a person as well!”

With both January and September starts available for the majority of our courses, contact the university to find out more.

UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS – LEICESTER, UK

The Leicester School of Business (ULSB) is focused on making a global impact on the business sector. By connecting students to the innovation hub, this school teaches people to transform research efforts into revolutionary services, processes and products.

Alongside AMBA accreditation, the Leicester School of Business is a proud member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) and has acquired membership to the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).

According to International Management postgraduate student Oceania Alfa, once learners join ULSB, they’ll acquire the recipe for business success. As she explains, “International Management MSc at Leicester was a great choice. I have not only been encouraged to challenge academic theories but have also gained a new perspective on international business.”

For undergraduate learners, courses at the ULSB provide plenty of flexibility and support. With the BSc in Accounting and Finance, you’ll develop quantitative, communications and IT skills while having an optional year abroad or a year in industry. For postgraduate students, there are contemporary study paths such as the MSc Innovation Management in Organisations scheme. Fuelled by the fresh and modern frameworks at the ULSB, students and their businesses are booming!

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON BUSINESS SCHOOL, SOUTHAMPTON – UK

As BSc Marketing with Study Abroad student, Francesca Chambers explains: “Southampton’s global links allowed me to develop both personally and academically. I spent a year in Hong Kong for my third year of study and I get to liaise with fellow students and senior academics from the Business School. It has considerably helped with my confidence and ability to discuss matters in a professional environment.”

Associated with a world-class study institution that’s in the top one percent of universities worldwide, this established school of business promotes a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to learning. By introducing you to a wide range of concepts, you’ll be ready to take on any challenge your undergraduate or postgraduate program brings to light.

With a prime focus on professional development, your career prospects will be at the forefront of your chosen studies. As the business school strives for professional success, industry-related subjects are ingrained in the syllabus so you leave prepared for the working world.

This university holds lifelong links with companies such as Rolls-Royce and the National Health Service, so you’ll be warmly welcomed into a collaborative community. Supported by the expertise of the Careers and Employability service, you’ll be supported throughout your studies and up to three years after graduation!

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL, CARDIFF – UK

In 2015, the Cardiff University Business School published its public value strategy. As Professor Martin Kitchener outlines in the strategy video, “At the Cardiff business school, we have developed an approach that understands the importance of delivering economic value and social value to society. As we exist within a very competitive market, it’s important for us to articulate what it is we stand for and what we will stand for in the future.”

As this public value business school has created a stable learning foundation for learners to follow, the school’s efforts in economic and social development are met with great respect and admiration. By being part of a multi-disciplinary and influential academic base, students are proud to study at Cardiff.

Here, undergraduate degrees are designed to make you stand out and get ahead in a competitive world. The BSc Business Management programme, for example, allows you to broaden your knowledge, encouraging you to study seven compulsory modules and learn a language in conjunction with your course (German, French, Italian, Spanish or Japanese).

Additionally, the postgraduate Cardiff MBA takes a 21^st-century twist. Rather than completing a traditional dissertation for your final project, you will complete an integrated business plan and get a head start in the industry of innovation!

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International