Queen Mary University of London

Developing a problem-solving mindset for students through exposure to real organizational challenges

Queen Mary University of London, a leading university that continues to push the boundaries of research and innovation, partnered with Common Purpose to create QChallenge London. The extracurricular leadership programme offered their students a chance to work alongside inspiring London-based organizations.

The programme supported the university’s aim to embed extracurricular and employability programming into their offering to all undergraduate students.

“QChallenge London develops the entrepreneurialism, network building and multidisciplinary skills that help our graduates to be successful in whatever they choose to do after studying here at Queen Mary University of London. In particular, QChallenge London boosts our graduates’ leadership potential so that they can make a really positive societal impact.”
Professor Rebecca Lingwood, former Vice Principal (Student Experience, Teaching & Learning), Queen Mary University of London

For students, the programme helped them develop an entrepreneurial and problem-solving mindset and gave them the chance to form networks with potential employers.

• 93% of students felt better able to make complex decisions involving multiple stakeholders
• 96% of students felt better able to spot common ground and make connections between people
• 95% of students felt better able to contribute to their organization, university or community

“I met with different stakeholders involving a wide range of professions and interests. Everyone viewed the same problem from very different angles and if you put the different views together you ended up with a more complete, well-rounded picture of the problem, which was then much easier to tackle.”
Klaudia Rodi, Student, Queen Mary University of London

“We were able to meet with people of all ages who are changing and having a big impact on the world. Eye-opening and inspiring to see so many people from all walks of life striving for social impact.”
Jennifer Son, Student, Queen Mary University of London

The contributing organizations also benefited from fresh ideas, new perspectives and innovative solutions from great young talent.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work on the challenge and engage with the students. I have worked on something similar before but this programme was much better, as you are meeting with students who haven’t had the full experience of working in organizations – they were not held back by any red tape, bureaucracy or ideology.”
Damien McGlue, Project Manager, Electric Blue

“QChallenge London was a great experience for Oomph! In addition, the programme was a development opportunity for me and for the company. I was quickly and professionally brought up to speed. I always felt well informed from Common Purpose. It wasn’t too much of a drain on my time as the students were very proactive with both the contacts and their deliverables.”
David Terrace, Head of Community Partnerships, Oomph! Wellness