The Essex MBA projects

Consultancy projects link our MBAs with organisations to work on real-world issues, specific to the business they are paired with. This gives students the chance to gain valuable consultancy experience, whilst benefitting from a practical opportunity to conduct research and analysis:

• In 2022, Yewande Savage undertook her consultancy project with Essex based charity Havens Hospices, which provides specialist palliative care for people diagnosed with complex or incurable conditions. Firmly positive about the collaboration, Yewande said "Indeed it was a worthwhile project that I enjoyed working on. It gave me the opportunity to work in a professional area that I am extremely passionate about."

• In 2022, Sharina Islam undertook a consultancy project with Safe Ground, who design and deliver arts-based programmes for people in prison and the community. Sharina shaped her project to her skillset, offering a strategic view of Safe Ground's positioning in the market. Sharina said: "My consulting project with Safe Ground was a challenging yet meaningful culmination of my MBA learning experience at Essex."

Project management is a core skill which is addressed through of MBA teaching and projects:

• Our business planning module is a real life simulation co-ordinated by a visiting entrepreneur. During the course of a week, students are tasked with acquiring, leading, managing, growing and ultimately selling the entrepreneur’s business; in previous years these businesses have included a mobile DJ wagon and a football stadium.
• We partner with external companies through our unique Director's Workshops to offer students a practical insight into project management and allow them to simulate the experience outside of the taught environment. Working with technology company and Oracle Cloud partner, InnoApps, our students are set a consultancy objective for them to achieve in groups during short breakout sessions, simulating a fast-paced, real-life working environment.