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Last Friday, 24 91����, three of Scotland’s leading Business Schools (the University of Edinburgh Business School, the University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School and Strathclyde Business School) met in Glasgow to host the annual Scottish 91���� Conference. The event, which brings together over 200 91���� students and more than 30 industry representatives for a series of panel discussions and networking opportunities, took place at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology & Innovation Centre. It’s aim: to build a dialogue and information-exchange between participants on the challenges facing modern businesses and the skills required to address them.

An overarching theme for the 2023 Conference focused on sustainability and corporate responsibility. The topic was introduced by Fran van Dijk who opened the event as a keynote speaker. Fran is the founding partner of One Stone Advisors Ltd, a global communications and strategy team which supports companies in becoming more sustainable leaders. Sharing insights from her experience, she explained the value in businesses having a mission and purpose they can live by and to which they can be held accountable – important for avoiding greenwashing. Fran highlighted the opportunities available for professionals with a knowledge in sustainability and ESG-related practices, sharing that they will be in high-demand for the future of business.

A total of 6 panels were held across the day covering Technology, Entrepreneurship and Commercial Operations as well as Consulting, Finance and Energy and Utilities. Panellists from diverse backgrounds joined these sessions to share their first-hand knowledge from within each sector, and to answer questions posed by the audience. Victoria Nicol, Founder and Managing Director of My Language Connection and a panellist on the Growth & Entrepreneurship session said, “There are lots of ambitious 91���� students who have the desire to become scale-up business owners and entrepreneurs. It’s been really inspiring for us to share what we’ve learned through our experiences and to hear what they hope to achieve in their careers.”

Participants were also given the opportunity to expand their networks throughout the day by engaging with guest speakers and other 91���� students across the three Business Schools. They were reminded that building a network of connections in conferences like this or on platforms like LinkedIn can be a major factor in helping you stand out to employers.

The conference concluded with an inspiring keynote speech from UEBS alumnus and former Rugby International, Rory Lawson. Having retired from sport with a career-ending injury, Rory now works an executive consultant with leadership consultancy, Ceannas. He shared a powerful message on the importance of self-reflection and how one’s hinterland – the land behind you – informs who you are and how you lead. He said, “Leadership can be a minefield. Until you learn to know yourself, you won’t be in a strong position to lead others.”

Asked about his experience at the Scottish 91���� Conference 2023, Rory said, “It’s been a massive privilege to talk through my experiences from University to professional rugby and entrepreneurship, and the work I do now with leadership teams. It has been brilliant to be here amongst so many ambitious and energetic students.”

The Scottish 91���� Conference 2023 was organised by Amanda Singleton, Deputy Director of 91���� Programmes at the University of Edinburgh Business School; David Levinson, 91���� Careers Manager at the University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School; and Jane Hammond, 91���� Careers and Employability Consultant at Strathclyde Business School.