Networking event - Talent: Attraction and Development

The Talent Attraction event was a very unique networking opportunity for our MBA cohort

This event gave us the opportunity to meet and connect with give professional experts in the field of development and recruitment. What made the event stand out was the different and non-traditional format, which resembled a speed dating session with a professional twist. Each professional rotated among small groups of us at different tables. This setup created a dynamic and interactive experience where each of us had an opportunity to engage directly with each speaker, pose questions and benefit from insights shared in response to others' inquiries. It struck a great balance between the intimacy of one-on-one interactions and the spontaneity of mingling in small, organic clusters typical of larger networking events. The quality of the interaction with each professional also distinguished this event from other networking opportunities. We got the opportunity not only to learn from the guests' wealth of professional knowledge and experience but also to participate actively in a full table discussion, sharing our own perspectives and challenges as well.

Each guest speaker shared their personal journey with honesty and openness

The guest speakers gave genuine advice that came from both their personal and professional experience. I felt very inspired by the common emphasis on leading from one's values and embracing authenticity and humility that almost every guest speaker touched on in their interactions with our table. It was refreshing to hear the speakers advocate for a lifelong commitment to learning and growth, the encouragement for us to engage in continuous self-improvement.

I resonated deeply in particular to one speaker's story and her unconventional journey to leadership that stemmed from her personal experience of injustice and challenges. Despite facing obstacles, she remained true to her values and passions, ultimately carving out a fulfilling career that aligned with her aspirations. As someone aspiring to enhance my consulting skills and pursue work that aligns with my values and passions, her incredibly inspiring story serves as a beacon of possibility for my own career journey, and reinforces the reminder of staying true to myself, even in the face of adversity. Again, I deeply appreciated the overarching message of the transformative power of embracing authenticity and humility in leadership that felt present in every speaker’s story. 

Overall, the guest speakers left a lasting impression on me, instilling a sense of motivation and empowerment to pursue my own path with courage and conviction. Their stories served as a reminder that leadership does not have to be confined to traditional pathways and instead can be understood as a life-long journey of self-discovery and growth that can be in alignment with our passion to make meaningful impact.

The event provided a great illustration of some of the fundamental concepts we've explored in our coursework

The networking event vividly portrayed how the principles of strategic management not only have profound implication for the organizations we serve, but also resonate on a personal level, shaping individual career trajectories and development.

The topics the speakers discussed closely aligned with the central focus of modules like strategic management and organizational behaviour. Throughout our academic studies, we've explored the potential far-reaching impacts of our actions as leaders and managers on both ourselves and the organizations we're part of. The event served as a tangible demonstration of these concepts in action, bringing to life the importance of strategic thinking and intentionality towards meaningful outcomes. It also underscored the importance of approaching leadership roles with foresight and purpose, even in our personal lives as we lead our own career development and growth.

It was also a great opportunity to learn about UK traditions

The event was held at the Royal Victoria Crowne Plaza hotel which added a very elegant and sophisticated backdrop for networking and enhanced the overall experience. One of my favourite parts of the evening was learning about and enjoying the UK cultural tradition of tea and scones that accompanied our interactive conversations.

This event gave me the opportunity to cultivate both practical and soft skills

Firstly, it gave me an opportunity to practice and enhance my networking skills, and specifically helped me hone my ability to ask targeted and insightful questions. In practicing active listening I’ve also learned how to formulate questions and follow up inquiries that delve deeper into the discussion. I was reminded of the importance of being fully present and aware in conversations to not only deepen my understanding of diverse viewpoints but also foster stronger connections with others. I was able to practice was my speaking skills through the engaging discussion with the guest speakers and my peers. I gained more confidence in articulating my thoughts and ideas more effectively and felt more assured in expressing myself clearly. 

I believe the event has also helped to enhance my reflective skills. While hearing the speakers' personal and professional journeys, I related their wisdom and advice to my own experiences and opportunities for professional growth. I left the event with actionable lessons that I can apply in various contexts moving forward.

The insights gained have left a lasting impact on my MBA journey

Firstly, the emphasis on responsible communication resonated deeply with me. I recognize the importance of ensuring that my messages are not only conveyed effectively but also received and understood by others. I plan to put this advice into practice by being more proactive in taking ownership of my communication efforts, ensuring that I follow up and engage with future clients, stakeholders, and colleagues to ensure clarity and alignment. 

The reminder from another guest speaker about the importance of humility in sharing my experiences has also profoundly influenced my perspective. As I prepare for a future consulting role where collaboration and problem-solving are paramount, I am committed to approaching all interactions with humility and openness. I understand the value of acknowledging that I am continuously learning, even as I bring my own experiences to the table. With this mindset shift, it empowers me to engage with others as equal partners in the pursuit of solutions in an environment conducive to innovation and growth.

The overall lessons learned from this event have helped me to deeply consider how to enhance my communication skills and re-examine my approach to collaboration and professional development. As I continue to navigate the MBA and beyond, I feel confident that these insights will serve as guiding principles and enable me to navigate challenges with integrity and a commitment to continuous development.

My key takeaways from the event

I think each speaker underscored the following three key takeaways:

Firstly, they emphasized the importance of embracing opportunities for growth and learning and advocated for us to have an open mindset towards new possibilities.

Secondly, they stressed the significance of authenticity and ownership when assuming management and leadership roles. They emphasized the need to be genuine in our interactions with others, particularly in how we approach our responsibilities and tasks.

Thirdly, the speakers urged us to recognize the value of our transferable skills as professionals. They encouraged us to view ourselves as collaborators within our professional networks, even within our MBA cohort, and highlighted that we bring unique perspectives and contributions to the table. They emphasized the importance of humility and vulnerability in fostering authentic connections with other professionals, rather than presenting ourselves as either devoid of knowledge and depth, or overconfident and potentially arrogant.