I was delighted to be invited by Global Banking School’s Employment and Entrepreneurship Department to facilitate a session with their leadership team. We had a productive day looking at their Strategic Plan 2030 and what matters to students and employers. It’s always a real privilege to start working with a new client and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with teams so committed to student success.
Supporting people as they prepare for the next stage of their careers has been an interest of mine for some time, so it was a real privilege to be on campus and contribute to that journey.
Perhaps that interest is personal. I did not have the opportunity to go to university myself, which makes the work I now do in higher education particularly meaningful. Being on campus always brings a sense of optimism and pride, especially around graduation, when you see excited students alongside their proud families, all looking ahead to the next chapter.
There can be a small sense of reflection, too: a thought about what might have been. But it never takes away from the enjoyment of seeing young people step forward with ambition, energy and possibility.
I often find myself thinking about the world students are entering. What will the workplace look like? What kind of marketplace and business environment will they face? I have real faith in this generation’s ability to shape a better future, perhaps even to make a better go of it than previous generations have managed.
That is why it is so important that students leave university with more than academic knowledge. Their subject expertise is essential, but so are the practical skills that help them thrive: confidence, communication, self-promotion, relationship-building and the ability to recognise opportunities.
This is what makes the work of Global Banking School’s Employment and Entrepreneurship Department so exciting. Its focus on preparing students for employment, engaging directly with employers, and creating supportive environments for aspiring entrepreneurs gives students a stronger platform from which to build their futures.
Networks and ‘The Hidden Job Market’ for Students
One area I am especially passionate about is networking. We have previously worked with students on how to build meaningful professional relationships and promote themselves with confidence. My view is simple: when students start developing productive networks while at university, they create more opportunities for themselves when their studies come to an end.
I often describe this through the idea of the blue ocean and the red ocean. The red ocean is the visible job market: advertised vacancies, job boards and open competition. The blue ocean is the hidden job market: opportunities that emerge through relationships, conversations and trusted connections with employers.
The blue ocean is strategically the stronger place to be. It does not remove the need to apply for roles or compete for opportunities, but it can mean that students are known before a vacancy is advertised, or hear about opportunities that never reach a job board at all. Whether someone plans to work for an organisation or build a business of their own, developing strong relationships is central to long-term success.
I am keen to continue this work and have already had some productive conversations with universities about employability. It is rightly a key priority for higher education, and one I am very happy to support.
It was also great to be back in Birmingham. I remember visiting many years ago for concerts at the NEC, and it was remarkable to see how much the city has changed, particularly around New Street Station and the city centre. Birmingham feels vibrant, welcoming and full of momentum, and I hope to be back again soon.
Most importantly, I left encouraged by the students I met and by the commitment Global Banking School is showing to their futures. Equipping students with the tools, confidence and connections to succeed is work worth investing in, and I look forward to playing a part in it.