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 2020, Danish Hameed undertook a consultancy project during which time he worked with Suffolk based company Pager Power Urban and Renewables. Reflecting on his time on the project, Danish said “This was a phenomenal learning opportunity for me. The project helped me develop links and networks in the UK industry and provided me with a chance to learn more about the services industry. To have the experience of working as a consultant and completing a successful project for an established business, whilst still studying, is a great addition to my skill set and professional experience.”

• 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, alongside competitor analysis and marketing suggestions to improve their operational trajectory. Sharina said: "My consulting project with Safe Ground was a challenging yet meaningful culmination of my MBA learning experience at the University of Essex. The project posed thought-provoking concerns, ideas, strategies & solutions that required proper planning, scoping, intensive research, and more revisions than I would like to confess!"

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.