Brighton Business School has been selected by the Institute of Directors (IoD), as a partner of choice in the Sussex area.
The partnership will offer free student-level membership to all of the School's MBA, specialist masters and final-year undergraduate students.
Membership gives students access to the Institute's mentoring, forums and work placement opportunities. They will also receive the latest news and invitations to IoD events which provide the opportunity to listen to insightful case studies and speakers.
Regional IoD directors will work alongside the University of Brighton to help match-make the employment needs of local businesses with the available pool of student talent.
The IoD is the UK's longest running organisation for business leaders. It encourages entrepreneurial activity and promotes responsible business practice for the benefit of the business community and society as a whole.
Jim Mcloughlin, MBA course leader said: "We are delighted to be one of the first partner Universities offering IoD's student membership package for the leaders, entrepreneurs, and directors of the future."
"Brighton Business School aims to produce graduates who have the ability to assume professional leadership roles and the IoD partnership will provide opportunities for students to learn from experienced business leaders. Students stand to benefit a great deal from the partnership."
The partnership was officially launched at a networking event on 7 March.
Vernon George, IoD Director of Regions and Branches, said: "We want to expose students to contemporary issues affecting business world. There are lots of benefits to IoD membership: we've put together a panel of experts that students can consult, there is an IoD student LinkedIn group, and local members are keen to mentor and pass on knowledge."
Rebecca Sharpe, IoD Student Membership Project Administrator, helps develop the relationships between students and IoD members. She said: "IoD membership helps bridge the skills gap between university students and business people. Our director-level network provides opportunities to learn from top business people. These are influential people who can really help students at the start of their business journey."
For more details about IoD student membership go to www.iod.com/Membership/Student-Membership.
