Business competition gives graduate the edge

Master of Business Administration (MBA) student, Ansel Nguyen, credits the University of Northampton’s FBL Challenge for giving him the competitive edge when it came to securing his first job after graduation.

The FBL challenge is an annual event where students from the Faculty of Business and Law compete in a dragon’s den style completion, to put their creativity, innovation, and the quality of their business ideas to the test.

Judged by senior leaders from Northamptonshire fruit-processing business, Blue Skies, and academics from the Faculty of Business and Law, the competition poses a business challenge, and see’s the students present their bright ideas to address it.

Speaking about his experience, Ansel said: “Taking part in the FBL challenge was a game-changer for me, not only was the experience of taking part very valuable to develop my teamwork, writing, and presentation skills, it has also paid dividends when it came to applying for jobs.

“At interviews and on application forms, I’ve been able to talk about the competition, and the skills it helped me to develop. Talking about the process and the idea I pitched to Blue Skies, is a great example of the way I think, and problem solve. It’s one of the things my employer told me had helped me secure my job.”

Ansel has now secured a full-time paralegal and marketing executive role with legal firm, Nido Legal Ltd.

The 2021 FBL Challenge will take place on 17 November, when students from the University of Northampton will present their bright ideas to create more sustainable business practices in an upcoming business competition, to mark the 26 UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).