Celebrating Our 2023/24 BC Graduate Programme Cohort

We’re excited to celebrate our 2023/24 cohort of graduates, who have successfully completed the BC Graduate Programme by taking on the Venture Challenge! Divided into four teams, the graduates developed innovative solutions to real-world business problems sourced from our portfolio, using customer discovery. After an intense one-day Hackathon, teams presented their ideas to Senior Leaders, receiving such a positive response that follow-up discussions are already underway.

The 15-month BC Graduate Programme also included the Adventurers Certification, an exclusive curriculum designed to equip graduates with the skills to excel in fast-paced environments and ignite their entrepreneurial journeys. Here's a closer look at their experiences throughout the programme and the Venture Challenge.

Biggest Achievements on the Graduate Programme

One of the most significant achievements for many graduates was adapting to different roles and responsibilities while contributing meaningfully to their teams. Many reflected on the growth they experienced by working across various business functions and collaborating with colleagues.

One graduate noted, “I feel like I’m on the way to becoming an even more agile professional, developing skill sets in such a unique environment.” Others highlighted their success in building strong working relationships, gaining cross-functional exposure, and even leading projects such as finance system implementation and go-to-market strategies.

Most Rewarding Part of the Venture Challenge

The venture challenge was a defining experience for many, offering hands-on exposure to business ideation. Participants found it particularly rewarding to present their ideas and receive constructive feedback.

As one graduate put it, “It actually gives you a real insight into what you need to put into a pitch and what it takes to create something from scratch.” Another shared, “It was rewarding to see that our work resonated across all the ventures—it felt like we hit the nail on the head.”

Challenges Faced During the Venture Challenge and How They Overcame Them

The fast-paced nature of the venture challenge brought about several hurdles, including tight timelines, team coordination difficulties, and struggles in defining the problem statement. Many participants found it challenging to collaborate effectively within a short timeframe but ultimately overcame these obstacles through clear communication and adaptability.

“With a huge group, you get strong opinions, but we took learnings from our training to navigate that,” one participant shared. Another noted, “Balancing this with our actual jobs was really hard, but we learned how to prioritise and communicate better as a team.”

Developing Problem-Solving and Leadership Abilities

Graduates emphasised that the programme helped them develop essential leadership and problem-solving skills. While some did not have direct leadership roles, they still took on responsibilities in team coordination, decision-making, and critical thinking.

One graduate reflected, “I think my biggest achievement is having the confidence to make decisions.” Another mentioned how they learned to ask, “Is there a better way to do this? And if so, how can I make it happen?”

Professional Growth Through the Graduate Programme

Many graduates credited the programme for accelerating their professional development, particularly through exposure to different aspects of business. From gaining practical experience in product and marketing to working with senior leaders, participants appreciated the breadth of learning opportunities available.

One graduate summed it up well: “You’re thrown into the deep end, but that helps you develop skills at a much faster rate.” Others highlighted the importance of peer-to-peer learning, with one participant stating, “The Excel training sessions were really useful... by the end of it, I had developed skills that I didn’t have at the start.”

How the Programme Will Benefit Future Careers

Versatility and cross-functional experience emerged as key takeaways from the graduate programme. Graduates felt well-equipped for future roles, having developed critical skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

As one graduate put it, “The knowledge transfer here is incredible—so many people from different ventures, all willing to share their insights.” Another highlighted the broad industry exposure, stating, “Even if your degree wasn’t business-related, this programme gives you exposure to so many industries under one roof.”

Advice for Future Graduate Programme Participants

Looking back, the graduates had valuable advice for those just starting their journey. They encouraged new participants to embrace ambiguity, be proactive, and make the most of networking opportunities.

“Have as many coffee chats as possible with people in different functions and stages,” advised one graduate. Another stated, “Be curious—embrace the culture, understand the bigger picture, and always keep learning.” Many also stressed the importance of reaching out to senior colleagues, with one noting, “Senior people are more approachable than you think—don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Final Thoughts

The graduate programme has clearly been a transformative experience for our employees, helping them build essential skills, navigate challenges, and prepare for future career success. The insights shared by our graduates highlight the value of adaptability, collaboration, and continuous learning—key traits that will serve them well in their professional journeys.

For those about to embark on the programme, the message is clear: embrace the opportunities, connect with others, and enjoy the learning process!

Meet our graduates below and discover what they presented at the Graduate Venture Challenge:

Group 1’s Idea for the Venture Challenge: Keeping Pace: GTM's Product Marketing Conundrum

Group 1 members: Rodolfo Boni, Zihan Lyu, Ollie Phillips, Seb May, Annabel Tan and Snezhina Kashukeeva

Group 2’s Idea for the Venture Challenge: Productising Newsletter in a Box for Market Entry

Group 2 members: Shivani Maddali, Rachel Tobin and Jack Knight

Group 3’s Idea for the Venture Challenge: AttendAI: your all-in-one events partner

Group 3’s members: Isobel Barker, Jake Duffy, Moneli Samarakkodi and Consuella Zhao

Group 4’s Idea for the Venture Challenge: Free Trial Playbook

Group 4 members: Disha Amarnani, Jack Bisset, Andrea Marry, Margherita Sica and Hartej Anand