Partner Sites


Logo BusinessBecause - The business school voice
mobile search icon

Iceland’s President Gives Speech To Cass MBA Students In Reykjavik

Cass is the first international business school to stage its MBA consulting week in Iceland. Students spent an intensive week working on business projects for 19 leading companies.

Fri May 9 2014

BusinessBecause
The President of Iceland joined Cass Business School students at a private dinner to mark the end of MBA consulting week. Olafur Grimsson, Iceland's head of state for 18 years, spoke to 100 full-time MBA students at the iconic Harpa concert hall in Reykjavik. Giving a speech on the country's future, the President told how Iceland's economy would be shaped by the Arctic Circle.

He claimed the region's natural resources and its potential to shorten shipping routes could place Iceland "at the centre of a new global highway".  "These are some of the reasons why I believe it's important to keep coming to Iceland in the coming years and decades if you want to be a player in the world economy," he said.

Dr Sionade Robinson, Cass's Associate Dean, said:  "It was an honour to end the School's consulting week in the company of the President.  After giving an overview of the country's history, culture and economic outlook, he invited students to ask questions and share their experiences of Iceland. It's not often that you get to talk with a head of state over dinner."

MBA student, Gbonju Fanimokun, from Nigeria, sat on the President's table. "Meeting the President was a highlight of my week," she said. "He engaged us in conversations about our experience of visiting and working in Iceland and I was pleasantly surprised when he shifted the discussion to me and my home country." Sophie Treillard, an MBA student from France, added: "This was the first time I've been able to ask questions directly and in person to a country's President. This is a quite a memory."

Cass is the first international business school to stage its MBA consulting week in Iceland. Students spent an intensive week working on business projects for 19 leading companies. Among the firms was one of Iceland's largest banks, Lansbankinn, pharmaceutical giant, Alvogen, outdoor clothing brand, 66 Degrees North and biotechnology firm, Orf Genetics. Other companies included start-up whiskey distillery, Thoran, international law firm, Logos, global food company, Icelandic, and energy firm, Landsvirkjun.

"This was the first opportunity we've had to apply our MBA tools and knowledge to real business problems," said Koby Cohen, from Israel. "Not only did we have to cope with  multi-dimensional business problems but also the unique Icelandic market." Gauri Gupta, from Canada, said:  “It was a great experience working on a live problem in a real company, especially with UNICEF Iceland.  I'm pursuing an MBA at Cass to enable me to switch careers from finance into consulting and one of the reasons I chose Cass was because of its Consultancy Week offering. “The opportunity to consult with a real company, gain the organisation's perspectives on their concerns and the direction they want to take for the future, and provide them with a solution which could possibly be implemented - is a fantastic one.”

The study tour also gave students time to experience the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa set in a volcanic lava field.  Students spent an afternoon swimming in the lagoon's waters which reach temperatures of 39 degrees. Other students extended their stay to experience more of Iceland's other attractions. "It was an amazing time," added Koby. "In just a few days we had dinner with the President, climbed volcanoes and glaciers, watched whales, exploding geysers and the Northern Lights, went clubbing and enjoyed the local food, and all with a group of MBA friends from around the world." 

 

 

Student Reviews

Bayes Business School

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

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.

Lydia

Verified

23/02/2023

On Campus

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.

Nathaniel

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

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

Muhammad

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

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.

Dorah

Verified

23/01/2023

On Campus

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

Nora

Verified

17/12/2022

On Campus

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.

Antonia

Verified

21/11/2022

On Campus

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.

Muhammad

Verified

15/11/2022

On Campus

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.

Navya

Verified

11/11/2022

On Campus

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

Chen

Verified

5/10/2024

Blended

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.

Elora

Verified

28/08/2024

On Campus

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.

Barbara

Verified

28/08/2024

On Campus

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

RECAPTHA :

d3

83

79

4b