Visit to Strathclyde Business School

Last week I took three pupils from the school to the Strathclyde Business School for the inaugural meeting of the Scottish Junior Business School Board. The University are keen to develop closer links with schools throughout the West of Scotland, not simply to increase their numbers although this is a consideration, but also to educate young people in what they do and also to get feedback on what young people considering going to university want. Strathclyde University face competition not only from other Scottish universities but also the rising number of universities worldwide.

The meeting consisted of pupils from various schools being split up into groups facilitated by final year students studying a variety of business subjects e.g. Languages and Business, and they spent the morning considering what business means to them.

My role was primarily as observer as the University staff were keen to allow the pupils the opportunity to express their opinions openly. I sat with the Dean of Strathclyde Business School, Susan Hart, and various other University and school staff and discussed how we could develop closer links.

It was a very useful meeting, the first of three throughout the year. Hopefully it will give the pupils a greater insight into what the University does so they can go back and speak to other pupils in school. It will also give me more knowledge of the courses available to ensure pupils who previously hadn't considered business, thinking it simply about "making money", know what they can do with a qualification in business.