Student Article Competition 2009

Spring 2009 saw the first BMAF Student Article Competition. We invited students to inform current and future students of the benefits of studying a business degree by writing 500 words on the topic of:

My Future Employability: The Benefits of a Business Degree

The winners of the competition were Steph Ley and Josh Buttenhoff and their winning articles can be download below:

Steph Ley, Exeter University

Josh Buttenhoff, Regents College, London 

Article about Josh Buttenhoff in The Daily Citizen (North Georgia, USA)

            Steph Ley prize presentation               Josh Buttenhoff prize presentation

Why Study for a Business Degree? The Student View

Extracts from the Student Article Competition submissions.

".... a business degree puts you in the best position for almost any job, from restaurant manager to investment banker."

"A Business degree consists of a mix of ingredients which is catered to suit the needs and interests of every individual. A Business degree not only enables you to further enhance your skills... additionally it offers the opportunity to differentiate yourself in a competitive and crowded market."

 "Times of recession can prove to be a great opportunity for the young entrepreneur with an innovative business idea...For business graduates, whether setting up on their own or looking to take on a role within an existing company, the future really is bright"
"An overview of Marketing, Management, HR, Retail, IT, Finance and Supply Chain strategies, within the context of the current global economy can be nothing but an invaluable offering to any potential employer once we graduate, and a combined package that sets us as business graduates, leagues ahead of other potential applicants.”
“…business graduates are very employable. They develop a set of skills which are fundamental for businesses to succeed ranging from team working, leadership, multi-tasking, communication, presentation, interpersonal, numeracy and transferable skills as well as people skills…”
“A business degree offers an innovative approach in its drive towards delivering essential employability skills to every individual. Candidates are provided with the opportunity to develop clear commercial awareness, a strong teamwork ethos, effective communication skills and the ability to become a confident and successful leader. It is these skills that will set you apart from other candidates and enable instant recognition by virtually any industry across the world.”
“Your greatest gain from a business degree is transferable skills. These are the skills that employers expect you to have acquired during your time at university."
“It is fascinating to combine established theories with real-life applications; this highly practical approach not only facilitates learning comprehension but is also highly regarded by employers who recognise the effectiveness it has on creating a more capable transition from university to career.”
“The business graduate can relate current affairs to the employing organisation,.. can workout any improvements which might be required… and develop a clear strategy to take the business forward.”
"In the current scenario of global recession, where companies are resorting to mass retrenchment as a means of cost cutting to ensure survival, they require a multi talented individual, who can perform multiple duties and contribute to more than one area..."
“According to Prospects (2008), business students not only develop essential transferable skills but also technical knowledge. These are much sought after by employers."
“General business degrees such as management offer an exposure to many fields of study and equip students to make a real contribution in the workplace."
"One major selling point of a business graduate is their valuable knowledge of commerce, industry, society, the economy and life."
"My MBA degree has broadened my horizons … I am learning how to put my ‘ideas’ into a successful business plan, focus on issues like corporate social responsibility and corporate change management. Thus, a business qualification gives an edge to people, when facing the corporate world.”
"I believe that through my studies in management I have been afforded a competitive advantage … which I consider to substantially enhance myself as a value proposition to future employers."
"The rate of employment measured six months after graduation for students with business degrees is higher than average. According to Prospects (2008) nearly 62% of business graduates were in full-time paid employment in 2008, this suggests that a business degree is vocationally relevant. Graduates in this field continue to enjoy good employment prospects and develop their skills through training."