Oxford University’s Said Business School has received a £3.7 million boost from a top hedge fund to further develop social entrepreneurs — the latest example of top business schools placing more value on entrepreneurship with a tangible impact on society.The Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship supports students who strive to find sustainable and scalable solutions to global challenges. The Foundation announced an additional capital commitment that will fund five two-year scholarships to the Oxford 1+1 MBA, an MBA degree plus Oxford University master’s.
Pershing Square Foundation, of infamous investor Bill Ackman’s $18.5 billion Pershing Square hedge fund, is funding the endowment. It originally provided £4.5 million to fund the project. Total investment in the scholarship fund is £13.4 million.
Bill Ackman said the goal of the program is to encourage social entrepreneurs. “Big problems need big thinkers and courageous entrepreneurs,” he said. “We hope to draw upon a broader range of entrepreneurial young people as we work to identify young leaders who wish to make a difference in the world,” he added.
Peter Tufano, dean of Oxford Saïd, said: “It’s simply a chance of a lifetime to help shape and develop amazing individuals who can go on to make an outstanding impact on the world.”
Tarun Varma, one of the Pershing Square scholars, said the initiative has “nurtured my dream to have a high impact career in education”.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of one from Chicago’s Booth School of Business, which in January launched a new scholarship to support the non-profit and government sectors, funded with a $4 million gift from the Neubauer Family Foundation.
And INSEAD in December last year launched the Soraya Salti Social Impact Scholarship Fund, designed to aid young female social entrepreneurs from the Middle East, South Asia and African regions.
Careers in these areas have traditionally played second-fiddle to lucrative work in management consulting, financial services and technology. Now, however, a number of elite schools have said their MBAs are keen to pursue social entrepreneurship.
“Many of our MBA students believe that entrepreneurship is a way to make a difference in the world,” said Jeff Reid, who set-up the Entrepreneurship Initiative at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business.
“Students think they can have a big contribution to society by setting up their own social companies,” said Ignasi Carreras, director of the Institute for Social Innovation at ESADE Business School.
MBA students have also shown a willingness to work in corporate areas with a positive impact on society, such as impact investing and sustainability consulting.
This is perhaps typical of the millennial generation, suggested Erin Worsham, director of social entrepreneurship at Duke Fuqua School of Business. “Studies have shown that this generation of graduating business school students is seeking companies that are aligned with their values and are making a positive difference in the world,” she said.
Wally Hopp, senior associate dean at Michigan Ross School of Business, emphasized MBA careers that focus on the triple-bottom-line, rather than non-profits: “You can make profit and do socially good things at the same time,” he said.
“Firms like Deloitte and others give full credit to young consultants who work on pro bono projects,” said Ben Mangan, executive director of the Center for Social Sector Leadership at UC Berkeley-Haas School of Business.
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.
