Head of Professional Development Jenny Portalska details the Cass careers curriculum, from video interview prep to experiential learning
Few business schools take career services as seriously as Cass Business School do. Fewer still offer careers experiences quite as forward-thinking.A full day of every week of the London school’s MBA program is dedicated solely to careers, something its students value highly.
Cass also offers a range of personal development experiences and consultancy trips. Experiences in Chile, Vietnam, Iceland and even the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst are just some of those on offer.
As head of professional development at Cass, Jenny Portalska is accountable for the careers development curriculum for around 2000 Cass MBAs and specialist Master's students.
She speaks on the kinds of experiences and training Cass MBAs can expect from the program, as well as the future of careers services in the Internet age.
What sort of careers experience does Cass provide?
Providing a holistic and integrated careers experience is paramount to us at Cass, and the design of our team along with how we work with students contributes to the service we provide.
We often meet students before they join Cass, work with them throughout their MBA, and continue working with them long after they graduate. We collaborate very closely with the program and faculty teams as well as other professional services teams.
Finally, our careers curriculum is embedded into the programme, with a full day of every week dedicated to careers on the full-time MBA. Professional development is also a credit-bearing aspect on our Executive programs.
Do you find many of your students are looking to change careers?
We find that our students are mostly looking for career transformation, global opportunities, and job enrichment.
Engaging with the Cass MBA enables them to explore multiple opportunities and expand their thinking into potential careers in other roles and industries.
What kind of a role does experiential learning play in career services?
Experiential Learning is highly-valued at Cass, and it’s closely-integrated into the core of the MBA program. Our students have to practically apply their knowledge throughout the degree.
Our FT MBAs undertake a six-month strategy project where they work with organisations to address real strategic issues, and all MBA students also take on consultancy projects with organisations in Chile, Iceland or Vietnam.
We find that providing experiential, transformational experiences like these really deepens the analytical, problem solving and consulting abilities of our students. In Iceland, our students have had the opportunity to climb Eyjafjallajökull, the island’s most infamous volcano.
Our careers team also provide our full-time MBAs with a unique experiential learning event, held off campus at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where we are the only business school to deliver a program.
At Sandhurst, our MBAs explore leadership styles, learn how to create followership, examine examples of effective team communication and develop deeper insights into mental fortitude and resilience.
What fields do Cass MBA graduates tend to find employment in?
Though financial services and consulting remain popular career paths, our more recent cohorts reflect the growing global trend of MBAs finding work in tech firms, healthcare and entrepreneurship.
As Cass is a business school in the City of London, students find themselves in a hub for well-established financial institutions, international corporates, leading technology firms and start-ups, along with the creative industries found in Clerkenwell and Shoreditch.
Students often arrive with a clear vision of their post-MBA career, although their interests change throughout the course due to their exposure to such a variety of industries, inspiring business leaders, and practices. We continually cultivate new relationships in diverse industries to support this active exploration.
We also work closely with our head of entrepreneurship to build connections and opportunities for MBA students who have a desire to set up their own organisations.
What’s the most interesting avenue of work a student of yours has pursued recently?
The working landscape in London is so diverse and enriching that our students inevitably explore multiple industries and career paths.
Recently, one of our students very successfully built a portfolio career, by working part-time with a leading investment firm whilst also developing their own business in the health and fitness market.
As MBA programs continue to move online, do you foresee online careers services becoming more commonplace?
People are used to managing their lives online, from banking and shopping to booking a holiday. Cass students expect to be able to do the same with our career services, and to access our resources 24/7. This is particularly important for our part-time and Dubai-based EMBA programs, who are on-campus less frequently.
We offer a range of subscription-based resources and eLearning modules to enable students to become more effective in their job search and professional development. We’re also kept up-to-date with new career resources and trends in the marketplace.
For example, employers are increasingly using video interviewing to screen candidates, so we ensure that we offer this resource for our students to be able to practise. Webinars are also an important tool and we have offered these, sometimes through providers such as FirstHand.
Student Reviews
Best Journalism school in Europe
When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home.
The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe!
The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro.
The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd.
Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer!
City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.
Learning environment
The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.
Classes
I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London
Classes
The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.
professors
The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather
The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
Economics and Politics
Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.
Clinical biology
I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society
Unlocking My Potential at City University London
My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.
Rather interesting
The academics are tough, but in a good way. The professors are experts in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best. They push you to think for yourself and really dive deep into the subjects. But it’s not all about hitting the books; London itself is like an extension of the campus. You’ve got museums, galleries, and just the general buzz of the city to keep you inspired.
Urban campus life
At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities
