Bisma Ejaz

From an MBA to CSR and Project Management

• Year of graduation: 2024
• Job title: CSR and Project Management Intern
• Employer: Martin Dow

As an intern at Martin Dow, my role involved supporting the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and project management teams. My responsibilities included assisting in planning and managing project timelines, coordinating meetings, creating content for presentations and reports, maintaining documentation such as meeting minutes, and contributing to sustainability development reports. I also participated in community visits, which provided valuable on-ground insights and allowed me to understand the practical aspects of CSR initiatives.

How did you find out about this role and what was the application process like?

I found the opportunity on LinkedIn and applied through the platform. The application process was straightforward, and I submitted my CV with a cover letter. I was then contacted for an interview, where I discussed my background, skills, and interest in the role. Shortly after the interview, I was offered the position.

What skills/knowledge from your degree were most useful in this role?

My MBA provided me with a solid foundation in strategic thinking, project management, and business communication – all of which were directly applicable. However, several key areas from my degree proved particularly valuable:

Strategic CSR & Sustainability Frameworks: understanding concepts like the Triple Bottom Line, Carroll’s Pyramid of CSR, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enabled me to contribute to developing CSR strategies that align with global best practices while being adaptable to the local context.

Project Management and Planning: my coursework on project and operations management equipped me with the skills to structure project timelines, set clear milestones, and manage multiple tasks effectively, especially in managing the Early Learning Centre (ELC) project.

Market Research and Gap Analysis: my academic training in research methods helped me conduct education gap analyses, benchmark best practices, and apply data-driven insights to community-focused CSR initiatives.

Communication and Stakeholder Management: the skills I’d gained in business communication, report writing, and stakeholder engagement were essential in preparing board presentations, documenting meeting minutes, developing media plans, and coordinating with consultants and community leaders.

Content Strategy and Branding Fundamentals: knowledge from marketing and brand management courses allowed me to contribute effectively to content creation, branding initiatives, and strategic communication for various CSR campaigns.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving: throughout the internship, I applied critical thinking and adaptability – competencies emphasised during my MBA – to navigate real-time project challenges and dynamic work environments.

Overall, my academic background equipped me with both technical expertise and essential soft skills, which I was able to apply effectively in my role at Martin Dow.

My experience at the University of Northampton.

Choosing to pursue my MBA was the best decision of my life and my experience at the University of Northampton has been truly transformative. From completing my undergraduate degree in Global Business Management, to pursuing my MBA and serving as a course representative for two years, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined, both personally and professionally.

My journey has been a path of self-discovery, helping me understand my true potential and shaping me into the person I am today – something I’m deeply grateful for. The University has become my second home, a place I will always cherish for its profound impact on me. It’s here that my confidence was built, my perspectives broadened, and my personal and professional growth accelerated. Today, I can proudly say that I love the person I’ve become.

I’ve spent countless hours on campus, from study sessions and group projects to attending events, study trips and networking with wonderful people. Every interaction with peers, mentors, and professors has left a meaningful mark on me and I’ll forever cherish every part of this journey: the hard work, the ups and downs, the challenges, and the moments of triumph. Each of these experiences has played a vital role in my personal and professional development, instilling resilience and grit into my personality, and shaping me into a stronger and more determined individual.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at UON has been meeting some of the best mentors in the world. Their unwavering support, belief in my potential, and constant encouragement have been instrumental in helping me stand where I am today. These are relationships I will carry with me throughout my future, staying connected with those who have genuinely inspired and guided me.

The diverse and inclusive community at Northampton has also been a constant source of learning and inspiration. Engaging with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds has taught me invaluable lessons in empathy, collaboration, and adaptability. The supportive environment, combined with countless networking opportunities, has helped me develop essential leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing me to thrive in a global business environment.

Looking back, I’m filled with gratitude. The University has not only shaped my career path but has also given me lifelong friendships, memories, and life lessons that will stay with me forever. No matter where life takes me, I know I’ll always return to UON to reflect, recharge, and remember the experiences that have defined my journey.