Three top business schools have announced major initiatives to bring their MBAs opportunities to have a positive impact on society in as many weeks.Spain’s ESADE Business School has said it will offer full-time MBA students the chance to participate in CBI, an experimental innovation training program that aims to bridge the gap between science and society.
Projects to work on include Well2 go, which will install a network of sensors at water sources that collect data to detect potential health risks, and Kelvin Food for U, which ensures food safety by using sensors to monitor the temperature of packaged food items in real time.
Ignasi Carreras, director of the Institute for Social Innovation at ESADE, told BusinessBecause: “We have been working intensively over the last 10 years to help our students understand how companies and non-profit organizations can have a positive impact on society.”
Meanwhile the UK’s University of Edinburgh Business School has pledged to build a hub for business, policy and society after the purchase of a disused landmark building in the Scottish city.
“What the economy and society are asking for are leaders who can work across business, policy making and civil society,” said Ian Clarke, dean of the business school.
And INSEAD of France has launched the Soraya Salti Social Impact Scholarship Fund, which will develop young female social entrepreneurs from the Middle East, South Asia and African regions.
“Our mission is to help these entrepreneurs apply advanced business tools and market mechanisms and empower communities to create tangible social value,” said Hans Wahl, director of INSEAD’s Social Entrepreneurship Initiative.
The trio join a global drive in business education to train future leaders to consider both profit and purpose.
“We truly believe that business should make a difference in the lives of others — not just the bottom line,” said Erin Worsham, director of social entrepreneurship at Duke Fuqua.
Social entrepreneurship in particular is a hot and blossoming topic in the MBA community.
Ben Mangan, executive director at Berkeley-Haas School’s Center for Social Sector Leadership, said: “We’re seeing more and more elite business school grads who are interested in starting their own social ventures.”
Jeff Reid, founding director of the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Initiative, said “we believe business always plays an important role in society”. “We want our students to go out and be both successful leaders in business and citizens in the world,” he added.
Amid the increase in focus around the triple-bottom-line at top schools, career opportunities for MBAs to do good are seemingly exploding, from impact consulting practices to social investment schemes at banks. “You can make profit and do socially good things at the same time,” said Wally Hopp, senior associate dean at Michigan Ross.
The fear for businesses that do not offer opportunities for impact is that they will struggle to hire and hold top MBA graduates.
“Businesses which have broken trust in society need to re-establish their social credentials or they will miss out on top talent,” said Daniela Papi-Thornton, deputy director of the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
Student Reviews
Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Supportive atmosphere
The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.
Diversity
The people or the students are without a doubt Duke's greatest asset. While all students are driven to succeed, they are also enthusiastic about a variety of hobbies. You run across a huge lot of diversity. It is the ideal example of a school with well-rounded students and the ideal balance of campus life in a metropolis.
Happy to school
All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.
Good schooling
Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.
Beautiful School, Nice Classes
DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable
Amazing experience
I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.
whirlwind of growth and change
An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.
One of the best for Business students
Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.
The university campus is awesome
I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.
Program Flexibility and Vibrant Campus Life
Duke University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life. The university offers a diverse range of majors and research opportunities, supported by world-class faculty.
What I particularly liked about Duke was its strong sense of community and the wealth of extracurricular activities available to students. The campus is beautiful, with top-notch facilities and a supportive atmosphere that fosters both personal and academic growth.
Overall, I would highly recommend Duke University for its excellent educational offerings and strong alumni network. If you're looking for a place that challenges you academically while offering numerous opportunities for personal development, Duke is an excellent choice.
