Southampton Business School are excited to announce that we are entering 3 teams of Undergraduate BSc Students (5 students per team) into the Universities Business Challenge to compete against other leading universities such as the University of Liverpool, UCL and Manchester! This will be our third year entering into the competition and in previous years our students have performed extremely well, securing places in the semi-finals and finals. But we are yet to win the undergraduate trophy…
To apply you must complete the application form at the bottom of this page.
About
Commencing in October each year and run over two rounds during the same year, the UBC offers undergraduates a unique opportunity to develop the skills that they will need when they move on from campus to corporate/public sector life.
Whether progressing to work for a large multinational corporate, taking on a public-sector role, returning to run a family-owned business or setting up a new enterprise, undergraduates need to improve their skills in making the strategic and operational decisions that create value for their organisation.
The UBC provides an opportunity for personal and professional development that is intellectually challenging and practically relevant, equipping participants with essential skills. Working in competitive teams enables peer-to-peer learning and interaction.
The UBC embeds employability & enterprise skills
Employers are looking for graduates who are equipped with a range of core work skills as well as academic ability. It is competencies such as the following that in the final analysis make students employable:
- Analytical skills
- Commercial awareness
- Interpersonal and influencing skills
- Communication skills
- Team working, making decisions by consensus and leadership
- Customer awareness
- Results-driven approach
“A major highlight of my master’s studies so far will be the incredible opportunity to have represented the University of Southampton Business School at the University Business Challenge (UBC), leading a team of world-class, multi-talented individuals from different parts of the world.
The UBC Worldwide is an annual competition that provides real-world simulation of business challenges, allowing postgraduate students from hundreds of universities in the UK to apply theoretical knowledge to practical business situations, solving complex business challenges as a Board of Directors while developing employability, enterprise, and leadership skills.
Despite not qualifying to the grand finale, the experience over the past few weeks has been both challenging and rewarding, to say the least – having been pushed to the limits and offering us the opportunity to demonstrate leadership, business acumen, effective communication, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.”Joseph Ugwu
Key dates – 2024-25
Please be aware of the key dates below. Please put these in your diary as if you are successful you will need to be available:
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Activity |
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Wednesday 25th September |
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Friday 11th October |
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Tuesday 15th October 13:30 – 15:00 |
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Wednesday 23rd October at 13.00 |
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Wednesday 6th November at 13.00 |
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Tuesday 10th December |
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Wednesday 11th December 2024 |
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March/April 2025 |
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*(If you are placed among the top universities, you will be invited to participate in an ALL DAY SEMI FINAL AND FINAL event in 2025 – Location and dates TBC)
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! Only 15 spaces available
Applications close Friday 11th October at 12 noon – No late entries will be accepted due to the popularity of this competition.
You can enter individually, or with others (please indicate this on the form).
Each team will be allocated a mentor with business experience to offer support and guidance. You will mostly meet as organised by your team, but there will be occasional meetings organised by SBS where all teams get together.
Before entering, please read full details about the UBC and ensure you can commit the time please click here
Estimated time commitment: In Round 1, two hours a week for the first two weeks while teams are familiarising themselves with the simulation. One hour per week thereafter. Round 1 runs for 6 weeks.
After the application closing date we will review applications and form the teams. You will then swiftly be informed whether you have been successful and introduced to your teammates and mentor.
Good luck!
If you have any queries, please email SBSEmployability@soton.ac.uk