My experience on the Oxford Strategy Challenge: Abantika Ghosh
My journey on the Oxford Strategy Challenge
The Oxford Strategy Challenge was a truly transformative experience for me, and I believe it offers invaluable opportunities for future participants. One of the most remarkable aspects of the programme is the diverse and interdisciplinary teams it assembles to tackle real, strategy-focused client problems. Our team comprised individuals from various academic backgrounds, including law, chemistry, anthropology, history and immunology. This diversity not only enriched our problem-solving capabilities but also provided a platform for cross-pollination of ideas.
The challenge was undeniably a rigorous yet exhilarating journey that put our skills and adaptability to the test. Given our academic backgrounds, we had to quickly learn NetLogo, a simulation modelling language and gather knowledge on economic policies, to enhance a social reform organization's simulation model of economic exchanges—a significant departure from our expertise. The tight five-day timeframe pushed us to think critically and work efficiently. What's truly exhilarating is that our strategies were not just appreciated but have been incorporated by the client into their simulation tool, which is currently at a pre-launch stage. We had the privilege of presenting our findings in a presentation during the client meeting. And here's the icing on the cake: I had the honour of sharing our findings with a member of the House of Lords!
What I found particularly valuable was the guidance and mentorship provided by the Careers Service throughout the challenge. The team of experts offered valuable insights, ensuring that we stayed on the right track. Their feedback was instrumental in shaping our strategies and refining our approach.
Advice for future participants
For future participants, I would offer a few pieces of advice:
- Embrace diversity: Make the most of the diverse perspectives within your team. Different academic backgrounds bring unique strengths and insights to the table.
- Effective communication: Clear and effective communication is key. Ensure that everyone in your team is on the same page, and don't hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification when needed.
- Time management: Given the limited timeframe, effective time management is critical. It's important to prioritize tasks and adhere to a schedule to fully benefit from this challenging experience. Remember that academic commitments often need to take precedence, so maintaining open communication with your team about your time availability is essential.
- Engage with mentors: Take full advantage of the mentorship and guidance provided by the Careers Service. Their expertise can be a game-changer in developing your strategies.
- Be open to learning: Embrace the challenge with a growth-oriented mindset. Stay receptive to learning from your peers, mentors, and the overall experience, even when it pushes you beyond your comfort zone.
This experience reaffirmed the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic thinking. It showcased how diverse minds can tackle complex problems effectively. The Oxford Strategy Challenge was a truly transformative journey that prepared us for the real world's challenges. Future participants will undoubtedly make a positive impact through this programme.
Article by Abantika Ghosh, MSc in Integrated Immunology (class of 2022), University of Oxford
How to take part in the Oxford Strategy Challenge
The Oxford Strategy Challenge aims to provide Oxford University students with real-world client experience and development opportunities across key employment skills that you can deploy on your CV, cover letters, and at interviews. Check the next programme dates on the Oxford Strategy Challenge webpage and apply via CareerConnect.
