Who’s the business? You’re the business...
Some student truths are universal - assignments, deadlines, those unwashed plates in the kitchen sink that apparently belong to no-one. But others…well, they’re unique to studying business. Here’s a look at just a few of them.
1. The Apprentice isn’t entertainment - it’s research
Most of us dip our toes into the fevered atmosphere of Lord Sugar’s latest escapades to hoot “No, you massive numpty, that’s a terrible idea,” at someone in a tie whose hairstyle seems carved out of wax. Not you. You see the sad cafe as just another schoolroom offering the chance to learn what not to do. Alright, and to laugh a little bit.
2. You’re surrounded by shiny
Studying business is increasingly popular, and it’s recognised as an important subject in our ever-more-connected world. That means business schools need more space, more resources and more modern facilities to teach it in. For you, that means all the shiny things, all the open plan study spaces, and all the Wi-Fi you can eat. (Note: please don’t eat the Wi-Fi.)
3. LinkedIn isn’t ‘the boring platform’ any more
Once it was that other social media platform with the blue logo that you never went on. Now it’s a fine way to find placement and job opportunities, or hunt down insights from leading thinkers in the fields that interest you. Don’t connect with ‘T-dog in Sales’, though, who claims to read Sun-Tzu’s ‘Art of War’ every day ‘to hone my business mind like a blade’. You’re better than that.
4. You’ve lost count of the number of times you’ve heard the phrase ‘links with industry’
Unis love it. Business schools love it. Businesses love it. It’s all over prospectuses, at careers fairs and open days. But it’s worth knowing that it is more than just ‘hey, look who sponsored our notebooks’, and more often than not it means getting introduced to professional folks who can really help your career and open your mind to new ideas.
5. Networking is a thing you do now
Speaking of getting introduced to people, you’ll also find that you’re networking quite often. Yes, occasionally that translates to standing in a room with a name tag on, feeling awkward. More often it means meeting people in the same position as you and laying the foundations for the support system that will last throughout your working life. With free drinks. Win!
6. You’ve discovered that there are hours before eight o’clock in the morning
While your mates on humanities courses are having something called a ‘reading week’, you’re keeping business hours and rocking up to lectures at 9am. Which sucks until you work out that, not only are you not lumbered with reading Beowulf in Old English, you also have access to the good coffee (see the shiny point, above) and the opportunity to discuss your start-up business ideas before some people are even awake.
7. You’ve worked with the people on your course, not just given them the side-eye in seminars
Studying business means working on real-world case studies, often with your fellow students. Instead of nameless faces in giant lecture halls or pass-agg rivals in discussion groups, your coursemates are your colleagues and collaborators as you all progress through your studies, building skills and lifelong relationships along the way. And you know who’s got your back if you do find yourself in one of those awkward networking events…
8. When you watch the business news now it’s like Neo seeing the Matrix
Before, it was interesting but obscure. Now, you’ve taken the red pill, got experience on your placements, spoken to business leaders and you can see how it all connects, what it all means and where there might be opportunities to apply your skills in the future. And as for similar-looking chaps in identical suits running things…well, you’re going to change all that. Right?
Our partnership with Lancaster University Management School
Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) is one of the longest-established business schools in the UK and home to a thriving and truly international community.
We are a triple-accredited research-intensive business school that combines world-class research with excellent teaching and high levels of student satisfaction. We welcome students and staff from more than 180 countries and have a presence in 24 countries, including campuses in China, Germany, Ghana and Malaysia.
We challenge and support our creative staff, students and partners to realise their ambitions as they experience a transformational journey that leads to real impact on whole industries, societies and economies.
Lancaster University is among the best in the UK, and has been the top university in the northwest of England for more than a decade.
To find out more, visit the Lancaster University Management School website.
