Technological advances, changes around equality and the importance of sustainable initiatives may characterise 2025 for some, but what do people studying in 2025 really need to know? 

We spoke to education experts from around the world to find out. From Germany’s Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and Nottingham Business School in the UK to India’s IIM Indore and Italy’s POLIMI Graduate School of Management, here’s what 21 experts actually said…

Sarah Wilsey, Programme Director, Management Programmes at Imperial College Business School:

My advice to future Business School students would be to recognise the significant importance of both personal and interpersonal skills. In today’s job market, employers increasingly seek individuals with high emotional intelligence, adaptability, conflict resolution abilities, and authentic leadership qualities.

They also value people who can effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders, collaborate across teams, and navigate different cultural contexts. Embrace the extracurricular activities and other unique opportunities the university offers beyond the academic curriculum. These experiences often provide invaluable opportunities to develop new skills, expand your network, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Ultimately, they will play a pivotal role in shaping your personal brand and setting you apart in a competitive employment landscape.

Steven Kilroy, Director of the full-time MBA Programme at Trinity Business School:

The world of business education is evolving rapidly, with students entering business schools in 2025 with many exciting opportunities but unique challenges. To make the most out of the experience, here are some tips:

• Hit the ground running – from the outset. This means getting to grips with course material, developing effective study habits, and building positive relationships with fellow students and lecturers early on. Your time in a business school is a fantastic opportunity to build solid personal and professional networks, which will prove invaluable during your studies and future career.   
• Keep an open mind and embrace diversity – to help students navigate the multitude of challenges in today’s business world, education will push you out of your comfort zone. It is critical to be adaptable and open to learning. Stay curious and be willing to shift your mind and focus on new opportunities as they arise. Likewise, the importance of embracing diversity cannot be understated. Working well in diverse teams throughout your education experience by displaying and recognising the importance of developing emotional intelligence, as well as good communication and leadership skills, is imperative.  
• Prioritise wellbeing – the rigours of business school education can be stressful, and it is easy to neglect self-care. Engaging in healthy behaviours, such as good sleep quality, exercise and a healthy diet, has been shown to improve cognitive function and overall physical health. Recent evidence suggests that exercise snacks (short bursts of vigorous physical activity for 1-2 minute durations throughout the day), which break up the sedentary behaviour of sitting, can have profound effects on health. Overall, good health behaviours are crucial for effective recovery, staying healthy, and functioning well cognitively, thereby enabling students to maximise their business school experience.  

 Anne Stalmach, Director of Career Services at ESSEC Business School:

 Maximising the Business School Experience in 2025:

1. Proactivity in Learning and Engagement:
   Students who approach their coursework with curiosity and initiative are better equipped to succeed academically. Actively engaging in class discussions, exploring concepts beyond the syllabus, and connecting theory to practical applications enable them to build a strong foundation. Proactivity fosters critical thinking and positions students to maximise the academic opportunities available to them.
2. Development of Skills and Experimentation:
   The business school serves as a testing ground for skill development, allowing students to experiment and take on responsibilities that foster their growth. By participating in clubs, associations, and leadership roles, they refine essential soft skills such as adaptability, communication, and problem-solving. These experiences cultivate “mad skills” that enhance their professional readiness and personal transformation.
3. Practical Immersion Through Projects:
   Embedded projects, such as field experiences and consulting assignments, provide students with opportunities to engage directly with businesses. These practical experiences allow them to understand the complexities of the business world while working in a controlled environment. Collaborating on relevant, real-world challenges helps them translate academic knowledge into actionable solutions and gain valuable industry insights.
4. Professional Experience and Career Exploration:
   Internships and apprenticeships offer students a platform to test their career aspirations, confirm professional goals, and build their networks. These experiences are instrumental in helping them understand industry expectations, refine their skills, and develop confidence in their career plans.

Ultimately, the true value of the business school experience lies in the network students build across all stakeholders—faculty, peers, alumni, and industry professionals. These connections form the foundation for lifelong learning, collaboration, and career success. 

Virginie Fougea, Executive Director, Student Engagement – Degree Programmes at INSEAD:

As business students in 2025, it’s essential to adapt to key trends driving the future of business.

First, AI and machine learning are transforming decision-making across industries, and understanding their impact on business strategy will be essential for future leaders. At INSEAD, students can tap into our cutting-edge research to learn how to leverage data for smarter, more efficient decisions. By focusing on data-driven strategies, automation, and efficiency, students will develop the skills needed to succeed in a technology-driven world.  

Equally important, sustainability has become a priority across industries, and INSEAD is at the forefront of this shift. Our revamped curriculum now integrates sustainability into every aspect of business education, embedding sustainability into all its core courses and offering students hands-on experience through a sustainability-focused capstone project. As businesses face increasing pressure to balance profitability with their impact on society and the environment, understanding this balance will be a critical differentiator for future leaders. 

Navigating a fast-evolving global landscape requires agility. Geopolitical shifts, technological advances, and market changes are constantly reshaping industries. By developing critical thinking, global awareness, and analytical skills, students can make informed decisions in an unpredictable world. Resilience, effective communication, and cross-cultural collaboration are also essential for leading through uncertainty. Engaging in global case studies and simulations will help build these skills and prepare you for successful leadership in today’s dynamic environment. 

My final advice to business students: stay engaged, stay curious, and equip yourself to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape! 

Sara Ciabattoni, Senior Program Coordinator at OPIT – Open Institute of Technology:

1. Master Digital Skills: In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, it’s essential to master a range of digital tools and platforms. Students should focus not only on developing technical expertise but also on leveraging technology to improve their problem-solving capabilities and drive innovation. 
2. Focus on Lifelong Learning: The future of work is evolving, bringing challenges but even greater opportunities. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report predicts that while some roles will be displaced by technology, even more “jobs of tomorrow” will emerge, underscoring the need to focus on growth rather than disruption. As OPIT Rector Francesco Profumo envisions, education should adopt a circular learning model, much like the circular economy, shifting from a one-time, cradle-to-grave approach to a lifelong cycle of continuous learning. This ensures we stay adaptable and ready for the opportunities of a rapidly changing world. 
3. Develop Soft Skills: While technical expertise is crucial, employers increasingly prioritise communication, leadership, and collaboration. Cultivating these soft skills alongside academic knowledge will equip students to thrive in the complex, interconnected workplaces of the future. 
4. Practice Critical Thinking: In an era where information is abundant but not always accurate, students must develop strong critical thinking skills. The ability to evaluate sources, question assumptions, and synthesise new ideas will be essential in making informed decisions. 

By prioritising these areas, students can better equip themselves to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of their academic and professional futures. 

Associate Professor Paul Ryan, Vice Principal for Teaching & Learning, UCD College of Business:

To make the most of their business school experience in 2025, students should embrace a holistic approach that combines striving for individual academic excellence through fine-tuning their critical thinking skills and actively engaging with their peers whilst availing of opportunities to maximise their personal growth.    

A key hallmark of universities in a world characterised by the ever-evolving growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is their key role in cultivating critical thinking skills in their student population. Critical thinking, by its very nature, challenges existing theories and practices whereby learners, in collaboration with each other through peer-to-peer learning and mediated through inspired faculty at the cutting edge of their disciplinary expertise, analyse, evaluate, and synthesise information.  

Through this process, learners are encouraged to reflect on and question their beliefs, expand their knowledge, and be open to alternative perspectives to problem-solve, and generate creative solutions that are academically rigorous and apply technical competencies. It is important for students to understand that whilst AI can be useful in streamlining routine tasks and improving efficiency (e.g. summarising large documents), it has its biases and is not currently a substitute for these higher-order human-centric critical thinking skills. Thus, students should adopt a cautious approach to artificial intelligence whilst also being cognisant of the potential for unintended breaches of their university academic integrity policies in using AI. 

In addition, students in their studies should be open to actively reflecting on the role of business in wider society, including its role in addressing grand societal challenges like sustainability and climate change.  

As well as enhancing their learning, engaging with faculty and peers promotes a supportive social environment that safeguards student mental health.  It is important to balance academic pursuits with personal well-being. Active participation in clubs, student societies, and co-curricular activities offers opportunities to engage academically while fostering essential networking skills. 

Dr. Achim Schmitt, Dean of EHL Hospitality Business School:

In 2025, business education is evolving rapidly, and students must balance technical expertise with essential soft skills to stand out. At EHL, we emphasise that success in the digital era is not just about mastering data or AI but also about cultivating leadership, emotional intelligence, and adaptability—qualities that define the future of hospitality and business. 

Employers are increasingly seeking professionals who can seamlessly integrate digital tools while excelling in human interaction. This is why networking and real-world experience are crucial. Students should take full advantage of internships, industry events, and mentorship opportunities to build meaningful connections that will shape their careers. 

Moreover, collaboration is key. Business school is more than an academic journey; it’s a laboratory for teamwork, cultural intelligence, and innovation. Embracing diverse perspectives and engaging actively in group projects will prepare students for the dynamic, globalised business environment. 

Finally, my advice to students is to stay curious and proactive. Beyond coursework, seek out interdisciplinary knowledge and international experience, develop a strong personal brand, and refine communication skills—because in an increasingly automated world, the human touch remains invaluable. 

Mark Smith, Dean of Programs at emlyon business school:

It is a very complex time to be a student in all subject areas with the global ruptures in geopolitics, technologies, and economies. These complexities are perhaps even greater for business students when we consider the consequences for organisations, management careers, and evolving business models.  

Business schools, and indeed all higher educational institutions, have a responsibility to help students navigate these complexities but it is students do as well who need to share that responsibility. The technological revolution brought about by AI means that, on the one hand, a critical understanding of these tools, their possibilities and limits is essential, but on the other hand, the human skills to accompany the organisational and personal changes have become the key skill. Graduate jobs will not be replaced by AI but rather by graduates who know how to use the tools and how to use their human qualities of critical thinking, contextual understanding, and relationship building to shape desirable futures. 

Beyond an understanding of the technologies and how to deploy them, students’ critical thinking skills will be essential in using, and importantly, deciding not to use, technologies that can speed up processes but also remove humans from key decisions. An ability to think critically about these opportunities and challenges will require practice, self-discipline, and self-reflection. A critical perspective on the quality of AI results and data can only be achieved by analysing and understanding the context and parameters of any decision — having developed these skills during their studies.  

Students also need to make the most of the opportunities on offer at their schools to benefit from and learn from social interactions, group work and applied projects that develop their soft skills and emotional intelligence. Finally, these interactions and hands-on experiences provide vital cross-cultural understanding and communication skills that will be a key differentiator for employability and navigating challenges organisations and societies face.  

Haithem Marzouki, Director of Innovative Pedagogy at NEOMA Business School:

Study tips: 

• Learn to Learn: Develop an innovative mindset by exploring new approaches, such as microlearning, and leveraging digital tools to personalise your learning journey. 

• Practice Active Learning: Use strategies like retrieval practice, mind mapping, and peer teaching to engage and learn more effectively. 

• Collaborate Remotely: Strengthen your skills in virtual environments by using collaborative tools while developing remote leadership abilities. 

• Leverage Technology: Utilize AI tools like ChatGPT to accelerate your learning, but always maintain critical thinking. In the age of artificial intelligence, we cultivate human intelligence by combining technology with thoughtful reflection. 

Emerging Trends: 

• Focus on Human Skills: Critical thinking, creativity, and empathy will be essential assets to navigate the transformations driven by AI. 

• Interdisciplinarity: Combine disciplines (e.g., science and art, technology and ethics) to anticipate the needs of a constantly evolving professional world. 

• Immersive Education: Explore learning environments using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to simulate real-world professional contexts. 

• Alignment with the “Future of Work”: Integrate practical projects, virtual internships, and digital skills like no-code development or data analysis to meet the demands of tomorrow’s jobs. 

Recommendations to Optimize Learning: 

• Build a Digital Identity: Create an online portfolio on platforms like LinkedIn or GitHub to showcase your projects, progress, and achievements. 

• Diversify Learning Formats: Combine online courses (e-learning), podcasts, interactive learning, and experiential methods to stay motivated and broaden your skills. 

• Adopt a Mission-Oriented Approach: Engage in projects aligned with your values and passions to foster positive impact and acquire transferable skills. 

• Prioritise Well-Being: Alongside your studies, maintain mental and physical balance through active breaks, mindfulness, and exercise. 

• Build a Global Network: Seek international opportunities through exchanges, collaborations, or mentorships. 

• Foster an Innovative Mindset: Cultivate curiosity, questioning, and the ability to experiment to prepare for solving complex challenges in an ever-changing world. 

Chiedza Mutsaka Skyum, Community and Learning Director at beVisioneers, the global fellowship supporting young innovators to put planet-positive ideas into action:

At beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship, we’re reimagining how future managers, innovators, and entrepreneurs learn in today’s fast-changing world—where industries transform overnight, roles evolve constantly, and tech innovations create opportunities while disrupting norms. Through our work with emerging leaders, we’ve discovered key strategies that help students thrive in this dynamic environment.

First, leverage the power of learning together. Connect with peers from different countries and backgrounds through international forums, group projects, and professional networks. These collaborations expose you to diverse perspectives beyond textbooks and social media bubbles, preparing you for the borderless business world. 

Second, seek out a mentor from a different generation. Their experience, combined with your fresh perspective, can spark innovative solutions that neither of you could achieve alone. Inter-generational learning goes both ways – you both takeaway opportunities and new outlooks.

Third, stretch your metacognitive muscles and make learning stick through reflection. Successful professionals don’t just learn; they understand how they learn. We ask our fellows to reflect on their learning through journaling or group discussions: What worked? What didn’t? What would you do differently? This practice builds self-awareness and reveals opportunities for growth. 

Finally, develop your future-sensing skills. In an era where AI, sustainability innovation, and digital transformation reshape industries daily, staying curious about macro trends is vital. Practice thinking ahead by considering how today’s changes might impact your field tomorrow. This futures-thinking mindset helps you seize opportunities rather than just react to changes. 

With the above, you’ll bolster your study routines and help you build the resilience needed to thrive in an ever-evolving professional landscape—where the only constant is change itself.  

Antonella Moretto, Associate Dean for Open Programs at POLIMI Graduate School of Management:

The skills required in 2025 are more versatile and diverse than those traditionally developed. Today, students must possess a combination of technical, interpersonal, and adaptive skills to be prepared to operate in a constantly evolving world. 

Some technical skills are essential; it is almost obvious to mention mastery of technology, primarily AI, and, consequently, knowledge of programming languages or advanced data analysis tools. Students must also be aware of the ethical implications of using new technologies and make choices that improve communities and society as a whole. 

In addition, skills related to entrepreneurship and innovation are crucial. An entrepreneurial mindset and innovation are competencies that students need to develop, including the ability to think in a project-oriented way and understand business principles. These aspects are acquired through study but by combining traditional academic experiences with the support of new technologies or participation in real-world projects with companies. 

Critical thinking and problem-solving are other key skills. Students must be able to analyse complex information, understand dynamic systems, and apply innovative approaches to tackle challenges. Interpersonal skills, such as collaboration, effective communication, the ability to manage their emotions, and the capacity to adapt to others’ emotions with appropriate empathy, are crucial for working in diverse and multicultural teams. 

Finally, in today’s context, it is essential for students to develop a global awareness and a commitment to sustainability alongside an understanding of environmental and social challenges. Collaborating with NGOs, integrating academic activities with volunteer work, or taking an active role in the student community can be fundamental ways of learning. 

Michael Anthonisz, Associate Dean MBAs, Executive MBA Programme Director, Assistant Professor Marketing at Durham University Business School:

 As we move into 2025, the traditional approach to ‘in-person’ teaching and learning is fading into the past. The new reality is that business schools are increasingly focusing on a hybrid mix of in-person and digital learning. However, the value of being physically present should not be overlooked or consigned to the history books. Being on campus affords experiential and opportunistic access to a rich network of peers, professors, professionals and alumni, facilitating real-time collaboration, mentorship, and networking.

Whilst the virtual space seeks to replicate these and, in some instances can bring together opportunities previously constrained by geography, we are not yet in a position where the benefits of such interactions are able to be replicated in the virtual world. These face-to-face interactions allow for spontaneous discussions, idea-sharing, and feedback, all of which enhance learning in ways that virtual platforms cannot. 

Learning from peers is an essential part of the business school experience. Your classmates bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and skill sets you can’t gain from AI or textbooks. Engaging in collaborative work helps foster critical thinking, adaptability, and teamwork—traits that are vital for success in the business world.

In-person learning also encourages a deeper sense of accountability, as students are directly involved in the success of their teams and the learning community. Navigating these social and professional interactions in person introduces soft skills, such as negotiation, communication, and leadership, which are harder to develop online.   

To make the most of your business school experience, engage with the technologies that support your learning, but not at the expense of the opportunity to immerse yourself in both academic and social aspects of campus life, building relationships that will extend far beyond your time in school.

Saara Bange, Director, Customised Solutions at Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development, Leadership Coach and Executive Trainer:

The World Economic Forum recently published its latest report, The Future of Jobs Report, which consolidates insights from over 1,000 leading global employers on how macro trends will shape future job roles and the skills needed between 2025 and 2030. The report is especially timely now as the working world undergoes rapid and profound transformation amidst global uncertainty and technological advances.  

The report highlights that technological skills are set to become the most rapidly growing skill set over the next five years: AI and big data, expertise in networks, cybersecurity, and technological literacy. However, equally important are creative thinking, resilience, adaptability, agility, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.  

How, then, can one learn complex skills like creative thinking and curiosity? In many ways, curiosity, creativity, and resilience are mindsets. However, these mindsets can be actively nurtured through the choices one makes in their studies. For business and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students, I recommend exploring philosophy, social sciences, literature, arts, and history.  

Furthermore, future skills include the ability to tolerate ambiguity and grapple with ongoing, open-ended questions. Those who excel in leadership roles are often flexible individuals capable of balancing their own perspectives with the diverse perspectives in their organisations and broader society – and still have enough agility in decision-making skills. These meta-skills are becoming increasingly essential, which is why I encourage today’s students to be bold and open in their course selections and to start exploring radically different perspectives early on in their professional lives.  

As Aalto EE’s late Managing Director, Professor of Practice Pekka Mattila—a highly cultured but business-minded individual—once said: “I read a lot of non-fiction and notice I learn less and less. That’s why I encourage business students to read novels and poetry and go to the theatre. It’s far more beneficial.”  

Angela Partridge, Careers Adviser at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School:

Here are six tips on how students can make the most of their Business School experience in 2025:  

1. Reflection: Reflect on what you have currently learned in your course, as well as any work experience or extracurricular experiences (Students Union, external courses, volunteering, etc.). This will help you find out if you have any gaps within your skills and experiences, help you update your CV, and give you ideas on what to add to applications and what to prepare to say at interviews.  
2. Research the top 10 companies you want to work for, follow the companies on their socials (‘X’, ‘LinkedIn’) and stay up to date on any vacancies they are advertising directly. 
3. Leverage AI in your research: AI is fast evolving, and some companies are now adopting AI software. Review which is your university-approved AI software (for example, Microsoft CoPilot) and utilise it within your career research.  
4. News: Stay up to date on current changes within your chosen career/ industry and who the key influences are within your field. Follow key influencers and companies on LinkedIn.   
5. Networking: Research and note in your calendar any important event dates with your Careers service externally through associations, recruiters/ employers, and public organisations so you don’t miss an opportunity to network and meet potential future employers.  
6. Develop Essential Skills: Focus on developing key skills for future employers, such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. Research active vacancies to see what key skills you need to develop before graduation, and make use of the Students Union, part-time jobs, work experience, extracurricular courses, and your career service opportunities to prepare for your future. We know from our experience how much more attractive this makes graduates to prospective employers. 

Dr Amanda Thompson, Head of Personalisation and Experiential Learning at Nottingham Business School:

At Nottingham Business School, our primary focus is ensuring that our students gain as much as they can academically, personally, and professionally from their business school experience. For us, this means providing a rich curriculum which embeds ‘real world’ projects and live consultancy exercises; our students learn whilst doing, putting the theory they’ve learned in lectures and seminars into practice.

Beyond the curriculum, we emphasise the value of work placements, short internships, volunteering, international study, study tours and summer schools, vacation work and continuing professional development. We also bring business leaders from all sectors onto campus so students are exposed to cutting-edge practice. Students who embrace these opportunities and immerse themselves in the host of wider social and relational experiences afforded to them as a business school student, such as joining clubs and societies, networking with industry and alumni and peer-to-peer mentoring, accumulating transferable knowledge, skills and behaviours to equip themselves for future work, study and life!   

Of course, every business school student is unique; students join us from diverse social, educational and cultural backgrounds, and they bring different skill sets and have different aspirations. Our personalised approach to learning supports students to understand their strengths and areas for development and choose opportunities which align with their personal and professional goals. For a truly transformative business school experience I would advise students to be curious and bold, to use the time to experiment and grow, to understand themselves and the contribution they wish to make to business and society.

Johanna Hoch, student assistant at Mannheim Business School:

Business school is not about attending lectures and writing exams. It is about grabbing every opportunity to develop academically, socially, and personally. Here is how you can get the most out of your time at university…

First, joining student initiatives. Whether it’s being a member of clubs, participating in case competitions, or organising activities by oneself, these experiences offer a unique way to build skills and meet like-minded people. Being part of the student organisation has been one of the most enriching experiences wherein I grew as a leader and a network individual. 

Second is leveraging the workshops that companies organise. Every week, amazing sessions are conducted in relation to consulting, trends in tech, and soft skills. These not only provide a look into what happens in a corporate setup but also allow interaction in an open setting, talking directly to recruiters and professionals. 

Third, find friends and study buddies. It is much easier to stay motivated with others, and somehow, solving complex material will stop feeling overwhelming. Take care of your mental health; check up on yourself, take breaks, and find the right balance. 

And finally, do not skip exercises and tutorials. These classes may significantly help you with understanding the subjects of lectures and you can ask questions in an interactive environment. 

By exploring opportunities, staying curious, and surrounding yourself with the right people, business school becomes more than just an education—it becomes an unforgettable experience. 

Professor Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore:

Business Schools today prioritise the integration of technology with leadership and self-mastering. They also look for similar skills in the students – tech-savvy, empathetic and resilient, and adept at critical thinking and problem-solving. AI and the areas in fintech are changing industries and will continue to broaden, and thus, embracing them early is paramount. Furthermore, leadership roles require not just technical skills but people skills such as emotional intelligence, flexibility, and communication skills, which are just as important.

While pursuing their management education, students should also invest time in networking, working on real-life projects, and finding ways to make the most of the different types of formats that include online classes. Maintaining well-being for stress management in combination with a healthy way of living is necessary for balancing all that, along with academics and stress. Taking an interest in global business and relevant trends will help the students gain a knowledge base perspective when competing in a fast-paced market. All these strategies together will help the students make the most of their time in business school; after all, they are leaders of the future.   

Prof Dr Christian Landau, Professor of Strategy & Innovation, Vice President Degree Programmes at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management:

Students studying business today are navigating through times that are fascinating and yet also challenging. The year 2025 marks the midpoint of a decade characterised by significant change and transformation. I recommend that business school students adopt a positive mindset and view themselves as future leaders who will shape the changes of 2030 and beyond. I encourage them to seek a diverse range of experiences to prepare for these responsibilities.

This includes, of course, courses and extracurricular activities related to sustainability, digitalisation and artificial intelligence. However, I also urge them to invest time and energy in personal growth. Self-reflection and assessment, seeking feedback, practising critical thinking, engaging in creative activities, and gaining knowledge from other academic disciplines will help them develop the well-rounded leadership personalities needed to navigate the changes ahead. 

Dr Richard Telling, Associate Head at Sheffield Business School:

1. Thinking about a first-year module I teach, the difference in average grade between the best and worst attending 20% of students is 23 percentage points, suggesting a link between attendance and attainment. Therefore, resist the urge to pick up that extra shift at your part-time job and prioritise attendance at your lectures and seminars – your grades will thank you for it!

2. The world of business is fast moving so immerse yourself in it. Advances in technology, changes in Government policy, and international relations all impact business so tune in to a global media outlet, such as CNN or BBC News, to stay abreast of current affairs (even if just for 5 minutes daily).

3. Starting university is an opportunity to make new friendships and explore new interests so be sure to find your crew. Most courses will have a student-led society that is aligned to your discipline (e.g. The Marketing Society) or represents certain groups (e.g. Women in Business). These are great opportunities to socialise, meet employers and professional bodies, and be a force for good in the local community through volunteering.

4. Starting university also involves significant change, whether that be settling in to a new location, or adjusting to a new way of learning. So look after yourself by practising the Five Ways to Wellbeing and stay alert to how you can access Wellbeing Support at your provider – even if you don’t need it right away!

Bruno van Pottelsberghe, Rector of Corvinus University of Budapest:

 Adapt to the Fast-Paced World: The demand for “instant” knowledge and workforce readiness has never been higher. Focus on learning that bridges theory and practice. Seek out internships, practical projects, and entrepreneurial opportunities that allow you to apply what you learn immediately. Stay curious and open to continuous learning, both inside and outside the classroom.

Think Globally, Learn Multidisciplinary: With internationalization at the forefront, expose yourself to diverse cultures and ideas. Engage in exchange programs and international collaborations. Equally important, embrace interdisciplinary learning—tackle complex problems holistically.

Harness the Power of AI: Familiarize yourself with AI tools and their applications while staying critical of their implications. This knowledge will position you as a forward-thinking professional. Use it with responsibility.

Prioritize Sustainability: As future leaders, understanding sustainability isn’t optional. Make it a core value. The integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles will be key in shaping impactful careers.

Be Aware of Your Well-Being: Balancing academics with personal health is key. Use campus resources, like counselling or fitness facilities, to stay mentally and physically fit.

Finally, take ownership of your learning journey and make the most of it! Explore, question, and collaborate. Be proactive in leveraging education for your personal and professional growth. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

Ronan Gruenbaum, Dean of International Affairs and Program Development at Hult International Business School:

Going to university or business school should be one of the most transformative times in any student’s life. They are learning, or trying to figure out, who they are and what they stand for. They are young adults with a lifetime of opportunities ahead of them and a desire to not make the ‘wrong’ decision. And what counts as the ‘wrong’ decision?

There is much written about the impact of AI in education and in the workforce, but with the fact that AI (and its physical manifestation in humanoid robots) will be able to do pretty much any job within a few short years, it is harder than ever to see what the ‘best’ courses or majors or minors are to set students up for a happy and successful future.

What we do know is that there is a huge skills gap, much reported on, where employers feel that universities and business schools are not preparing their graduates for the world of work. The top Core Skills employers are seeking being communication skills, critical thinking, collaboration, creative thinking and the capacity to learn (the 5Cs). Add to this that the best way to try and differentiate oneself from AI in the future is to focus on the human attributes that AI will never be able to do (although it might make a good show at mimicking them): empathy, emotional intelligence, intuition and creativity (what we refer to on our undergraduate program as the ‘Mindsets’).

And there is the impact of AI on the learning process itself, with too many students out-sourcing their creative and critical thinking to AI, and losing their own capacity to think and learn.

So to make the best of their studies in 2025 and beyond, students should resist the temptation to take the easy path (outsourcing their thinking to ChatGPT or Claude or Gemini) and do the work. They should also, however, make sure they focus heavily on developing those Mindsets and Core Skills that will set them up better for an unknown future – and remember that those Mindsets and Skills can be developed anywhere. Some business schools formally teach and assess them, such as Hult. But they can be developed also by engaging with Clubs and Societies and other extra-curricular activities and, importantly, developing a Growth Mindset – an acceptance that all of us, always, can always learn more and get better.

For additional insights, announcements and perspectives about other aspects of Business Education, visit the conversation here.