UK Immersion, Day 3: ATLAS Students unleash new horizons at King’s College London

Global immersion programs have become an essential part of a well-rounded education, offering students an opportunity to expand their knowledge, perspectives, and cultural understanding. Recently, a group of bright and ambitious students from ATLAS SkillTech University embarked on an inspiring journey at the esteemed King’s College London. This transformative global immersion program aimed to provide the students with invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, open innovation, cultural dynamics, and the power of international education. Let’s delve into the enriching experiences that unfolded during their time at King’s College London.

The Masterclass: Unleashing the Power of Open Innovation

The day commenced with an enlightening masterclass conducted by the Associate Dean for Global Engagements, Dr. Robyn Klinger Vidra. A renowned expert in entrepreneurship and sustainability, Dr. Vidra captivated the students with her insights into open innovation. Using captivating examples from the entrepreneurial zoo, she introduced the characteristics of different animal metaphors, such as the gazelle and the unicorn. This exploration opened the students’ minds to the diversity of innovative ventures.

During the masterclass, Dr. Vidra addressed thought-provoking questions surrounding the relationship between startups, creative destruction and open innovation. She emphasised that innovation can come from anyone, and entrepreneurs play a vital role in fostering this ecosystem. The session delved into the distinctions between invention and innovation, shedding light on the Schumpeterian entrepreneur and the concept of creative destruction. Dr. Vidra also provided fascinating insights into startup capitalism, co-working spaces, and corporate venture capital, leaving the students intrigued by the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship.

Connecting Theory with Practice: Alumni Insights

After the masterclass, the students had the privilege of engaging in a stimulating Q&A session with an alumnus from ATLAS SkillTech University who was currently studying at King’s College London. This firsthand interaction bridged the gap between theory and practice, enabling the students to gain valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of someone who had navigated both institutions. These exchanges fostered a deeper understanding of the practical applications of their education and the potential avenues for their future endeavours.

Exploring National Identity and Cultural Perceptions

Continuing the immersive experience, Alexander Heinz, the Senior Associate Director of Research and Innovation at King’s Business School, led a captivating session on national identity. Mr. Heinz delved into the changes in perception resulting from short-term international education, highlighting how different countries perceive the British. Drawing on the works of prominent scholars, he explored concepts such as cultural capital, literature theory, stereotypes from social psychology and imagined communities from political science. The students gained a profound understanding of the complexities of national identity and the role it plays in shaping cultural perceptions.

Unveiling Architectural Splendour and Global Opportunities

The students were treated to a visual tour of the picturesque King’s College campus, unveiling its architectural splendour and vibrant learning spaces. Led by Mr. Heinz, this tour provided a deeper understanding of the university’s summer programs and opportunities for international education. As they immersed themselves in the grandeur of the campus, the students recognised the significance of physical spaces in facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering a sense of community.

Key Takeaways: Unleashing Boundless Horizons

As the day drew to a close, the students reflected on the wealth of knowledge and experiences they had gained during their visit to King’s College London. The five key takeaways from their immersive experience were:

• The power of open innovation and its impact on entrepreneurship.
• Understanding the dynamics of national identity and cultural perceptions.
• Exploring the concept of creative destruction and its role in entrepreneurial ecosystems.
• The significance of international education in broadening perspectives and changing perceptions.
• Appreciating the rich history and architectural beauty of King’s College London.

The global immersion experience of ATLAS SkillTech University students at King’s College London was a transformative journey that expanded their horizons, deepened their understanding of entrepreneurship and innovation and broadened their cultural perspectives. Through engaging sessions, interactions with experts, and the exploration of diverse concepts, these students gained invaluable insights that will shape their future endeavours. This immersive experience serves as a testament to the profound impact of global education in preparing students to become global citizens and empowering them to unleash their boundless potential.