School of Finance and Management Virtual Industry Project

School of Finance and Management Virtual Industry Project

Looking to build your employability this Summer?

Would you like to help a real business establish funding pathways?

The School of Finance and Management in collaboration with Practera are running the SFM Virtual Industry Project - a 2-week work-based learning programme designed to grow your professional skills and network by engaging students with real-world business challenges.

During the programme, you will work as a virtual Student Consultant team. Your team will collaborate to understand your Industry Client’s context and to provide funding pathway solutions across Venture Capital, Grants or Loans for the startup, enterprise or non-profit you’re working with.

Practera is a multiple award-winning, recognised tech innovator and education provider that has facilitated high quality work-integrated learning experiences for over 20,000 students.

As a student consultant, you will need to:

• Work in a virtual team with other SFM students
• Commit 25 hours in total over the 2-week experience (12th – 25th September)
• Attend Student Orientation: 7th September 2022 (1pm - 2:15pm)
• Attend Project Briefing with your Client: 12th September 2022 (1pm - 2:15pm)

How does it work?

• Complete the Application form
• Attend the orientation session
• Meet your team & Industry Client
• Work remotely on an authentic business challenge
• Receive industry feedback
• Share findings in a Final Deliverable

Why join?

• Develop professional skills
• Apply your knowledge to an authentic business challenge
• A valuable professional experience
• Make business connections

Who can apply?

• Applications are open to all students at SOAS, however places are reserved for School of Finance & Management Undergraduate second and final year students.

Apply Now!

Register for this project by 22nd August 2022

Want to find out more? Attend the Information Session on 11th July.

For any questions, please contact Dr Jaideep Oberoi: jo29@soas.ac.uk

FAQs

Do I receive a badge?

You will receive a digital badge  to add to your LinkedIn upon completion of the project, as long as you have met all requirements (time commitment and active participation).

Do I have to be in the country?

No. This program is suitable for remote working conditions with fully virtual industry and team engagement, so you aren’t required to be physically in the country to participate.

What if I have a part-time Job?

It is fine if you have a part-time job, but you must be able to commit a minimum of 25 hours of work on the project over the two weeks of the project. You will need to coordinate with your team to ensure that you’re able to attend meetings and contribute equally to all deliverables.

Do I get to choose the project I work on?

No, projects will be assigned to teams. We ensure clients submit projects that are interesting and achievable within the program timeframe.

Do I get to choose my team?

No, all teams will be assigned to allow for diversity.

Will the project be related to my degree?

It could be, but if it isn’t, that’s fine too. The projects are structured in a way where you do not need specific technical knowledge. The main goal is to develop your employability skills through a professional project experience.

What type of industry client can I expect?

There will be a range of industry clients involved. Due to the focus on funding, your client  will likely be a startup, non-profit or SME (Small to Medium sized enterprise).

Will I be paid to work on this Project?

No, you will not be paid to work on this project. This is first and foremost a learning experience.

Can I skip the orientation and briefing sessions?

The orientation and briefing sessions are compulsory. Students who do not attend will be removed from the programme, unless you have emailed the Practera Team to inform them of a valid reason you cannot attend.

What does the application process involve?

You will be required to complete an online application form, as well as complete short-answer questions around your motivations and skills.

Do I need to complete or access Practera before the orientation session?

Once you’ve been selected to take part in the programme, Practera will send you a registration link in order to access the platform.