Recent graduates of the University of Winchester returned to share some of their secrets of business success with current students at a special event.
The Undergraduate Business Management Employability Day was held at the University’s West Downs Centre.
Among the alumni was Hebe Bamburg, Product Marketing Manager of Maserati North Europe, who brought along a gleaming £70,000 Grecale Modena to show students.
Hebe, who graduated in 2023, addressed a session entitled Alumni Live Stories: Journeys, Lessons and Strategies for Success. She told her audience that during her time with the sports cars giant she had gained a racing license, a powerboat license and additional marketing qualifications.
“You should invest in yourself - it increases your confidence and makes you more employable,” she said.
Her other key piece of advice to those entering the world of work was: “Be tenacious. Develop a resilient mindset and don’t give up!”
Hebe Bamburg, Product Marketing Manager of Maserati North Europe, who brought along a Grecale Modena to show students, flanked by event organisers Dr Maria Emmanouilidou and Dr Manuela Pilato
Jason Corney, People manager at logistics firm Wincanton, is certainly an example of resilience. He explained that he had enrolled at the University after being invalided out of the Army.
“I ended up with a love of learning and education. If you can appreciate how good the academics at Winchester are, and buy into that, you will benefit greatly.”
James Beckinsale was destined to be a broker in the city but had already developed an embryo business serving personalised cocktails at weddings and other events while still a student. In the end the cocktails won out.
“Have a go at what you are good at,” James told the students.
“Listening is all important. If you have a problem in your business, find someone that knows more about the issue than you and ask them about it.”
Adam Garnett praised the help he had received from the University of Winchester’s careers advice service.
Now an Accounts Assistant with Finling Associates in Wimbledon, Adam had some wise advice for anyone going into a job interview.
“Don’t worry about being perfect, try to relax. Remember that you choose the company as much as they choose you,” he said.
Jezz Baker, who started Daisychain Commercial Cleaning Limited while at University, told students: “Use the avenues of opportunity you have. You have some very good people here at the University, make sure you communicate with them.”
Earlier in the day students had heard from employers at a session called Career Launchpad: Connect, Explore & Succeed with Leading Firms’.
Among those taking part in this session were Mark Hayter, Head of Data and Insights at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Paul Hanrahan, Talent Acquisition Specialist from Enterprise Mobility who was accompanied by Winchester student Klaudia Reczka, who is on a Management Trainee Placement with Enterprise.
Between sessions there were chances for networking.
The day was organised by Dr Maria Emmanouilidou, Senior Lecturer in Management, and Dr Manuela Pilato, Senior Lecturer in Business Management.
Dr Emmanouilidou and Dr Pilato said: ''The Business Management Employability Event 'Career Compass: Charting your Business Path' set a new benchmark for career inspiration and connection, uniting students, alumni and industry leaders to spark innovation, unlock potential and pave pathways for success for future business professionals.''
Pictured top: Speakers and organisers at the Undergraduate Business Management Employability Day here. Pictured (from left): Jezz Baker (Daisychain), Mia Fraser (MSC Project Management student), Dr Maria Emmanouilidou (Senior Lecturer in Management), Dr Manuela Pilato (Senior Lecturer in Business Management), Hebe Bamburg (Maserati), Jason Corney (Wincanton), James Beckinsale (The Bitters Bar) and Adam Garnett (Finling Associates).
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