December 20, 2024, by lizels
The Digital Centre of Excellence visits SAP Connect Conference 2024
Nottingham University Business School is one of the UK’s leading business school’s that integrates digital technologies into its taught courses. Through our Digital Centre of Excellence, we provide students with access to leading business software provider SAP’s latest enterprise technology. This gives them hands-on experience with the tools they are likely to encounter in the workplace, ensuring that students and graduates are equipped with practical, in-demand digital skills.
In this blog, Director of the Centre, Professor Andrew Callaghan, explains how the Digital Centre of Excellence is preparing our students for the workplace.
Over 650 students each year gain invaluable knowledge and experience with SAP technology, providing them with skills that set them apart in the graduate marketplace. This commitment to innovation enables us to deliver more value from a University of Nottingham degree and is one reason why the university is ranked #3 in the UK for graduate employability (The Graduate Market, High Fliers Report 2024).
Driving Innovation Through Strategic Partnerships
Our success in preparing students for the workforce stems from a strong commitment to innovation. A prime example of this is our strategic partnership with Veritas Prime, a leading SAP integrator specialising in Human Resource Management (HRM). This collaboration enabled us to integrate SAP SuccessFactors into our undergraduate module on Contemporary Developments in HRM and Organisations. We are proud to be the only university in the world to deploy SuccessFactors, giving our students a unique edge.
Real-World Insights at UKISUG SAP Connect
In December 2024, we took students with SAP experience to the UK & Ireland SAP User Group (UKISUG) Connect conference at the Birmingham International Conference Centre. This leading industry event brought together over 1,000 delegates from the SAP ecosystem, including global companies like IBM, Microsoft, Amazon and NTT Data.
Over three days, our students:
- networked with industry professionals, recruiters, and business leaders.
- discussed placement and career opportunities.
- gained insights into the skills employers value most.
- explored the potential of a career in the SAP enterprise application market.
Worldwide, there are approximately 21,000 SAP partner companies and 400,000 SAP user companies across 180 countries, making this an unparalleled opportunity for students to build connections and explore future career opportunities.
The event left a lasting impression on our students. BA Modern Languages with Business student, Saocha Murphy shared:
“The UKISUG SAP Connect event was an outstanding introduction to the business world. Itsurpassed my expectations, offering a blend of professional learning and networking in an upbeat and welcoming environment. The openness of the businesses to discuss future opportunities with us was particularly inspiring. This experience has undoubtedly equipped me with a clearer vision for my career path and the steps required to achieve it.”
For BSc Finance, Accounting and Management student, Fraser Street, the event highlighted the relevance of the skills he’s developed through the Digital Centre of Excellence:
“Hearing from recruiters and business owners on what skills they want and what they’re looking for in CVs and interviews reinforced how the skills I’m developing now can shape my career. I showcased my unique skills and experiences to SAP Partners, even getting some potential graduate job leads. I had great conversations with companies like Birchman, ConVista Consulting, and Warburtons, and I met so many amazing people. It was exciting to be able to show employers what the next-generation of talent looks like, and felt rewarded for all the work I’ve put in”
BA Modern Languages with Business student, Anoushka Phillips highlighted the welcoming environment at SAP Connect:
“The event was a brilliant, unforgettable experience which provided me the invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in the world and workings of SAP. I took it upon myself to make the absolute most of this event, and thus took to the floor and got networking! The friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by everyone at the event made it a seamless experience, giving me the confidence to discuss all things technology with companies such as IBM and SAP.”
For BSc Finance, Accounting and Management student, Orion Hurst, the event has given him a clear sense of direction for his future as a graduate:
“A particularly valuable part of the day was the Future Talent sessions. They were a real eye-opener, offering insights into what employers are looking for—both to stand out during the application process and to succeed in the role. I’m definitely going to apply these insights as I move forward with my career planning. I now know the exciting opportunities available in the market, and I feel better equipped to pursue them.”
Preparing students for the future of business
These opportunities illustrate our commitment to empowering students with practical experience and industry connections. By combining advanced digital technology with strategic industry partnerships, we ensure our graduates are highly employable and ready to make an impact in the global marketplace.
Find out more about the Digital Centre of Excellence: Digital Centre of Excellence – Nottingham University Business School
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