Diploma in Strategy and Innovation
Canada
Commercial Services
2019
At the time of writing this, my cohort is patiently awaiting the release of our final grades for the Diploma in Strategy and Innovation. Perhaps you’ve found yourself here reading these blog entries, as I did two years ago, hoping to better understand the school, the program, and the people. Or maybe, you’re a nostalgic Oxonian coming back to reminisce about your time at Oxford. If you’re lucky enough, you may even be an Aularian (of St. Edmund Hall) who was part of “the best cohort ever”, too. Oxford is a magical place filled with hidden treasures, history (some of it, prehistoric), and incredible people. While I could have probably guessed all of that before my first day of class, I could barely anticipate that my peers would be among the best and most impactful part of the journey.
My cohort included 62 participants representing 33 nationalities with an incredible cross-section of industries and functional backgrounds. Now, close your eyes and imagine with me for a second what your own cohort might look like as you sit in one of the well-appointed lecture halls at Park End Street in Saïd Business School. You’re among a group of experienced global leaders with a shared sense of purpose and passion for learning… and thanks to the quality of people Oxford attracts, it’s also entirely possible that you’re no longer the smartest person in the room. Imagine the conversations you’ll have! That’s the reason why the Diploma in Strategy and Innovation at Said made sense to me and it’s exactly where you want to be if you’re looking for a valuable, rare, inimitable, and well organized educational experience… VRIO, for the uninitiated.
During your time at Oxford, 13 months and four jam-packed modules will fly by faster than you can possibly imagine and it’s up to you to make the most of it. While the school will provide you with a full itinerary which includes academic activities like readings, group work, and exams, they will also ensure that you get to experience the incredible depth and 1,000 year history that Oxford has to offer (THANK YOU Joe and Emma!). There are no shortage of surprises, and while I can’t promise that you’ll get to sit in a Formula 1 car cockpit in the middle of your lecture hall, I can say with complete confidence that your experience will be unforgettable.
In my experience, here’s how you can make the most of your time at Oxford:
Oxford truly is an extraordinary place, full of brilliant people, and a staggering history that leaves you in awe at every turn. The opportunity to be a small part of that history is a privilege made even more incredible as you learn from today’s top scholars in strategy and innovation. Not only are the professors brilliant, but they’re wonderful people who shared in their time, knowledge, and excitement to learn.
While at Oxford, I had the good fortune to be elected by my peers to represent our cohort on official matters as one of two class representatives. It was an honor to serve our cohort and I hope that my co-rep, Osk, and I did our part to enhance their experience at Park End Street. Similarly, I hope that the suggestions I’ve outlined here will serve you in making the Oxford experience an invaluable part of your life’s story.
Floreat Aula!
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