Business Management Students from St Mary’s visit CISCO

Students from the BA Business Management programme, formerly BA Management Studies, at St Mary’s University, Twickenham recently visited international computer networking company Cisco Systems. The purpose of the visit was for students enrolled on the Human Resource Management (HRM) Module to find out about CISCO Systems, the computer networking industry, and what it is like working in a managerial position. During the visit the students were able to meet with Managing Director Stephanie Barton, Head of Human Resources Caroline Griffith, and some of the graduate trainees at CISCO, who gave them invaluable insights into the professional environment and working in the industry. One of the Business Management students said that, “Our time spent there was incredibly worthwhile. We now have strong connections with brilliant people in the field and a wealth of experience for the future”, whilst another commented, “It was a great opportunity to learn how an international business runs and also to learn what career we may want to pursue." Business Management Lecturer Dr Chi Maher said, “The aim of the visit was to give students an insight into what a managerial job entails and developments in the computer networking industry. This kind of direct and specialist knowledge will set our students apart from other candidates when they look for employment in the future. The visit also gave the students the chance to see what life is like in an office and a networking opportunity, which could help them to find an internship or a job later on. It was also an opportunity for them to learn more about what kind of training and development opportunities are available in industry, giving the students a goal after graduating.”