Students at London Metropolitan University are being exposed to cutting-edge business practice thanks to a partnership with IBM.
Date: 31/07/2012
Students at London Metropolitan University are being exposed to cutting-edge business practice thanks to a partnership with IBM.
The Business School has teamed up with the technology giant to set up a ‘Smarter Planet Lab’ at its Moorgate building, in the heart of the City.
The partnership between London Met and IBM, part of the exciting IBM Academic Initiative, is the first of its kind in the world.
Pat Wood, former Director of Corporate & Community Synergy at the Business School, was the driving force behind the project. She said: “This unique IBM Smarter Planet Lab partnership offers real added value for our students and staff.
"The resource gives them the opportunity to experience first hand the IBM culture, Smarter Planet products and corporate activities so that they have the tools to compete in a highly competitive global environment.
"Many thanks must go to the London Met and IBM team who have worked with passion, efficiency and a can do attitude to deliver the Lab.”
Students have access to IBM software during classes and develop their knowledge of key programmes that are used in industry, therefore preparing them well for the world of work.
For one Business School student, the Smarter Planet Lab has been invaluable in her search for a graduate job. BSc Economics & Financial Services student Petra Caseiro has been offered a Business Analyst position at Chevron, and believes her involvement with the IBM partnership was key to her success.
"The interviewers at Chevron seemed particularly interested in my involvement with the SQL and IBM technology, which I was trained to use in the London Met IBM Lab,” said Petra. “Such experience put me in the frame when it came to being selected for the job.”
The IBM Lab is another example of the Business School’s continued engagement with employers. Based in the heart of the City of London – one of the most important centres of business and finance in the world – the School is perfectly placed to help students get the contacts and experience required to excel.
The Dean of the Business School, Professor Stephen Perkins, recently outlined his vision to make the School the first choice for business students in London. With partnerships with giants such as IBM being forged, it seems that vision is not too far from reality.
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