On Wednesday 4 February 2015, Westminster Business School hosted a presentation evening for the Institute of Directors’ Student Membership. A selection from across the Business School were presented with a free membership, granting them access to exclusive IoD events and networking sessions. The Institute of Directors is a nationwide network that brings professionals together in an effort to share ideas, contacts and experience and is a valuable resource for people at all stages of their career.
Associate Dean, Dr David Hitchcock introduced the proceedings, emphasizing the importance of students seizing opportunities available to them outside of their academic study at Westminster Business School. Eighteen students, six from Undergraduate, Postgraduate and MBA, were awarded with the free membership, and representatives from the IoD presented the awards and gave an overview of the benefits of being a student member of the Institute. David Gordon, Chairman of the IoD’s ‘Young Directors Forum’ gave an insight into what the IoD can offer it’s student members, which he condensed into an acronym: IOD – inspiration, opportunity and development. Another representative shared her experience with the Institute; joining as a student, in the past six years she has helped student members to garner as much from their involvement with the institute as possible – a highlight of which, she said, was helping a budding entrepreneur secure angel investment in his start-up, ensuring the success of his franchising business.
The event was also an excellent networking opportunity, with refreshments provided, and was an chance for students to ingratiate with their peers, academics and the representatives from the Institute.
