More Than a University Project

Stepping Beyond the Classroom 

When I began the E&I Capstone Project, I expected another group assignment. Instead, it became one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my master's degree. 

My team partnered with Decentials, a social enterprise that provides essential personal care products and cosmetic formulation workshops for people in prison. Decentials had previously been supported by the School of Business and Management Entrepreneurship Hub through Project ReMake, an initiative that supports purpose-led enterprises in developing their ideas, strengthening their business models, and accessing practical guidance. This made the project feel even more connected to the wider School of Business and Management entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

From our very first client meeting, it was clear that this was not about producing a report that would be graded and forgotten. We were working alongside a real organisation, tackling genuine challenges, and developing recommendations that could influence its future direction. 

That responsibility made the experience incredibly exciting. 

Learning What Consultancy Really Means 

Throughout my degree, I had developed an interest in strategy, innovation, and consultancy, but the Capstone Project brought those ideas to life. 

One of the biggest lessons I took away was that consultancy is not about presenting the boldest or most complicated solution; rather, it is about listening first. 

Through interviews, research, and regular conversations with the client, our recommendations evolved as our understanding deepened. Rather than encouraging Decentials to move away from its social mission, we found that its mission was actually the venture's greatest strength. That experience completely changed how I think about innovation and growth. Sometimes the best recommendation is not to change who you are; rather, it is to build on what already makes you unique. 

An Experience I Will Always Remember 

Presenting our recommendations to the Decentials team was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the project. Seeing how engaged the panel were throughout the presentation, and later receiving such positive feedback, made all the months of research, collaboration, and preparation worthwhile. It was incredibly rewarding to know that our work had genuinely resonated with the client. 

The project was also made special by the support we received throughout the semester. We were encouraged every step of the way by our professors, Dr Lillian Schofield, Dr Gloria Appiah, and the School of Business and Management Entrepreneurship Hub team, particularly Dr Anna Glarin and Jodie Bispham. Their guidance created an environment where we could challenge ourselves, learn from real organisations, and develop confidence beyond the classroom. 

Looking back, the E&I Capstone Project was much more than an academic module. It was a chance to experience what working with clients is really like, while making a meaningful contribution to an organisation with an inspiring social mission. 

A Final Thought for Future Students 

If I could offer one piece of advice to future MSc students, it would be to embrace the opportunity fully. Speak up during client meetings, ask questions, be curious, and do not be afraid to challenge your own assumptions. 

The Capstone Project is one of the few opportunities during your degree where your work has the potential to create real impact beyond the University. Long after the deadlines and presentations are over, I know this is one experience I will look back on with genuine fondness. It has strengthened my confidence, shaped how I think about innovation and consultancy, and confirmed that working at the intersection of business and social impact is exactly where I want my career to be.