Every year, Queen's Business School collaborates with the Common Purpose Group and other prestigious universities to conduct collaborative activities. This year, both King's College London's Business School and Queen's Business School were chosen for this endeavor. The programme, focusing on Common Purpose Leadership, involves student participation.

Selection process

This unique programme typically takes place during the spring semester and involves a highly competitive selection process. For this year's programme, the King's Business School admitted 30 students, while the Queen's University admitted 15 students from a large pool of applicants.

Applicants are informed about their selection via email and are asked to register by providing basic details along with their reasons for wanting to attend the programme. They are also required to articulate their views on leadership and how they plan to apply the learning in their future endeavors.

Riddel Hall, home of Queen's Business School

Additionally, since the programme occurs during the semester, applicants are asked to outline how they intend to fully participate without missing classes, or to provide alternative arrangements.

This opportunity presents a valuable chance for students to enhance their leadership skills and network with peers from other institutions, all while managing their academic commitments effectively.

Once the selection process concludes, students eagerly anticipate receiving information about the exciting three-day itinerary for the programme. This intensive programme, hosted at the business school, promises three days filled with accelerated learning and dynamic activities.

Agenda: Day 1

Day 1 serves as the catalyst for the entire event, propelling participants into the agenda with engaging icebreaker activities alongside their peers from Queen's and King's Business Schools. It's a day filled with abundant opportunities for networking and team formation.

Business students participating in the programme

This year, we observed the creation of six diverse teams, each composed of students from various academic backgrounds, ranging from business analytics to marketing, and even social and political sciences. Their shared objective? To address six real-world challenges presented by prestigious organizations like Extern, SSE Plc, Translink, the National Museums of the UK, Danske Bank, and the Police Department of NI.

Additionally, on the first day, participants receive an introduction and overview of the city by a Belfast City Council employee. During this immersive journey, participants embark on visits to renowned companies alongside their team members, delving deep into the complexities of real-world business challenges.

It's a day teeming with invaluable insights as we observe firsthand the operations of these organisations and glean knowledge about the innovative approaches employed to overcome these challenges.

Agenda: Day 2

Day 2 heralds another exciting chapter, offering each team member a unique opportunity to further explore the corporate landscape. In the first half of the day, they venture into renowned organisations such as BT, PWC, EY, and Concentrix, witnessing first hand their distinct working styles.

Visit to Translink

This hands-on experience fosters meaningful connections and allows participants to absorb diverse perspectives. Armed with newfound knowledge and insights, they return to their teams in the second half of the day, ready to contribute their own expertise to solving the main business problem identified on Day 1.

Agenda: Day 3

As Day 3 dawns, teams reconvene for a final day of collaboration and innovation. Together, they engage in lively brainstorming sessions, refining their ideas and strategies. Their efforts culminate in pitching their solutions to the respective companies, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving prowess.

It's essential to emphasise that there are no right or wrong solutions; what truly matters is the approach taken. This holistic approach fosters a culture of creativity, adaptability, and collaboration, empowering participants to thrive in today's dynamic business landscape.

The full team

Amidst the collaborative problem-solving, participants also have the opportunity to explore a wealth of future-ready leadership resources, including blogs, podcasts, and invaluable free tools designed to illuminate their leadership journey.

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants receive a prestigious digital badge, symbolising their accomplishment. Moreover, they gain entry into the esteemed Common Purpose alumni network, boasting an impressive 125,000 members worldwide. It's not just a programme; it's a gateway to a global community of leaders, poised to make a meaningful impact.

What I gained from the programme

Engaging in this enriching three-day activity was an eye-opening experience for me. Throughout the journey, I discovered that my natural strengths lie in teamwork and leadership. Collaborating with my peers allowed me to leverage my interpersonal skills and contribute meaningfully to our collective efforts.

Inside Queen's Business School

As we tackled real-world challenges together, I found myself taking on both supportive and leadership roles within my team. My ability to listen, communicate effectively, and inspire others proved invaluable in guiding our team towards success. Moreover, I recognised the importance of fostering a collaborative environment where everyone's input is valued and respected.

Reflecting on my experience, I am grateful for the opportunity to hone my teamwork and leadership abilities in a dynamic and challenging setting. Moving forward, I am confident that these skills will continue to serve me well in both my academic and professional endeavors.

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Madhurya Jagadeesh MSc Business Analytics | Postgraduate Student | India I am a dedicated Business and Data Analyst with a strong academic foundation and a history in various analytical roles. My educational journey includes a Master of Science in Business Analytics from Queen's University Belfast and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Science & Engineering.