Showcasing skills, building futures
On December 10, AMBS held its ITMB Showcase, a flagship event designed to connect students with industry leaders and help them develop the skills employers value most. The showcase gives students a platform to present ideas to tackle real-life business scenarios, demonstrate technical and business acumen, and build confidence in front of real employers. This year's event welcomed 25 leading companies, including Amazon, EY, FCA, Jaguar Land Rover, along with long-time supporters of the event, Lloyds Banking Group, and Procter & Gamble, making it one of the most impactful opportunities of the year.
Held twice annually, the showcase is a highlight for ITMB students, offering them a chance to present innovative projects and solutions to real-world challenges. For the first time, the event also welcomed students from MSc Digital Transformation to present their solutions, demonstrating the programme's unique positioning at the intersection of business and technology. The atmosphere of the day was energetic and collaborative, with students engaging directly with employers, exchanging ideas, and gaining tailored professional feedback.
Why it matters
The ITMB programme is designed to produce graduates who can navigate both technical and strategic landscape, with the social skills to guide people through key technological changes.
Oliver Kennett, a final year ITMB student, explains: "We are the bridge between the IT and the business world… making sure the connection between the two flows."
This dual study prepares students for roles that demand more than coding or strategy alone; it encourages them to lead in environments where technology drives business transformation.
Student perspective
Students described the showcase as a transformative experience, encouraging team collaboration, technical problem-solving and project management. Hashir Mahmood, second year ITMB student shared the importance of the showcase in building confidence, learning to communicate ideas in a professional manner and stated that the environment "mimics how businesses operate." Ryan Bakhtiari, MSc Digital Transformation student, added "Presentation skills are crucial because in the real world, you'll have clients relying on you."
Employer perspective
Employers praised the event for its practical approach; a chance to see students in action, test their ideas, solve problems and demonstrate adaptability under pressure, with Sara from Informed Solutions noting how "It's great for students to practice in front of employers and get feedback." Precious, from Lloyds reflected on his time studying a similar course, saying "If I didn't have this at university, I wouldn't know what I was going to do in my life."
Some employers in attendance former students of the ITMB course itself, showing how valuable these events can be in applying theory to practical challenges; students leaving university with evidence of teamwork, stakeholder engagement and remaining clam under pressure. A comprehensive skillset in the competitive job market. Lucen Chang, former ITMB student, now working at Revolut, explains that events like the ITMB Showcase "gives you a lot of talking points at interviews…it makes you feel like you've done more than just gone to university."
Looking ahead
As technology evolves and AI reshapes industries, soft skills like communication and collaboration are becoming more critical than ever. With continued partnerships with global employers and the expansion of programmes like ITMB and Digital Transformation, the ITMB Showcase will remain as the foundation of employability at AMBS, helping the students to develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the current and future industry.