On Wednesday October 23rd, Manchester Metropolitan University was delighted to officially launch HIVEMINDS, a collaboration between its BA (Hons) Business & Marketing programme and Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. The new HIVEMINDS partnership initiative creates meaningful connections between students and local businesses, building a dedicated community of students and business delegates. HIVEMINDS provides a talent pipeline. It supports student aspirations towards both placements and graduate roles, thereby enhancing the regional economy while providing students with transformative career opportunities.
HIVEMINDS launch event was opened by Emma Holt, President of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Reader and Programme Leader for the Global Online MBA at Manchester Met, setting an enthusiastic tone for discussions.
Over sixty students joined representatives from more than a dozen regional businesses, the majority GMCC members, to celebrate this ambitious initiative. Panel discussion focused on mutual benefits of industry placements, whereby employers benefit from the fresh perspectives of talented students. Moreover, students gain invaluable industry experience that bridges their academic learning with strong business acumen, accelerating their Leadership readiness in graduate roles.
The HIVEMINDS launch event panel featured:
- Subrahmaniam Krishnan-Harihara, Deputy Director of Research & Information Systems at GMCC
- Cassandra Johnson, Business Manager at Expedia and MMU alumna
- Hannah Frances Boswell, final year student, Bentley Motors placement student and recent award-winner for the W.O Bentley Industrial Placement of the Year
- Tom Hewitt, a final-year student who completed his placement with One Agency Media
- Dylan Cutler, currently on placement with All About Food
Each keynote panellist brought a unique perspective, highlighting their own personal and professional growth gained through placements. Subrahmaniam Krishnan-Harihara opened the discussion, noting the linkage with the Local Skills Improvement Plan where GMCC is the lead Employer Representative Body (ERB). Subrah highlighted the critical need for adaptable skills and real-world experience, noting how placements help ensure graduate readiness for real-world challenges and expectations. Of increasing importance, sustainability awareness and knowledge is a fundamental essential skill. Notably, Manchester Met’s Business and Marketing students all undertake Carbon Literacy training. The region’s 100,000+ strong student population was also noted as contributing to the attractiveness of Manchester for FDI.
Cassandra Johnson, Market Manager at Expedia and a proud Manchester Met alumna, openly shared how her own placement experience had been transformative, shifting her professional perspective and propelling her towards a highly successful career. She highlighted how placements provide businesses with a unique opportunity to identify and cultivate future talent, fostering leadership skills as students align with company values from an early stage.
For students, the value of placements was illustrated through first-hand accounts. Awarded the W. O. Bentley Industrial Placement of the Year, Hannah Boswell shared details of her experience at Bentley Motors. In parallel with her final year of studies she continues to work part-rime at Bentley bringing growing value to her role. A true inspiration for other students, she demonstrated the tangible benefits a placement can have on career pathways and for company future talent pipelines.
Business and Marketing students, Tom Hewitt and Dylan Cutler, shared compelling insights into the journey of securing placements, shedding light on the challenges faced and their own growing resilience. Both spoke candidly, reflecting on moments where their perseverance was tested, ultimately securing valuable placements that have equipped them with skills and confidence that will serve them well into their future careers.
Professor Riccardo De Vita, Head of Marketing, International Business and Tourism at Manchester Metropolitan University led the closing statements. He emphasized the passion and potential of HIVEMINDS to develop enduring relationships between academia and industry, helping students realise their full potential while empowering local businesses to shape their future workforce.
The Power of Collaboration
Throughout the event, a key theme emerged: the mutual value that placements bring, both to students and to businesses. The event fostered meaningful conversations around early career employment and the importance of sustained collaborations between universities and businesses in preparing sought-after, career-ready graduates. By supporting students in developing the skills and mindset needed for the placement journey, HIVEMINDS aims to prepare them to face these challenges with confidence. Moreover, the initiative support businesses in understanding the obstacles students might encounter, identifying ways they might contribute positively to the process. This direct, dialogue-based approach between students and businesses will be a defining characteristic of HIVEMINDS.
Networking and Looking Ahead
Full of positive energy, a networking area saw students and business leaders in active discussions. This informal networking space created opportunities for professional connections, setting the stage for future partnerships. A resounding success! HIVEMINDS brings together stakeholders from education and industry, igniting conversations on how the power of collaborative partnerships and placement opportunities, shape the future of work.
We look forward to seeing HIVEMINDS grow and evolve, contributing to Manchester’s economy and fostering the development of the next generation of business leaders. For students, employers, and faculty alike, this initiative marks a transformative leap forward. The next session - in early 2025 – will focus more specifically on the current landscape for graduate opportunities, seeking to support both businesses and students in capitalising on future talent as our Business and Marketing students transition seamlessly, from university into career roles.