Fostering collaboration is at the heart of the University of Exeter’s Business School from academic teaching to student-led initiatives and societies. For young women, creating an inclusive and supportive environment by providing mentorship, celebrating female achievements, and ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources, is central to building community. Inspiring women does not mean leaving the men behind; rather, true change comes from empowering all students irrespective of their gender.
As a final-year student and female President of the University of Exeter Economics Society (EconSoc), which boasts over 600 student members, I have witnessed first-hand how the University of Exeter Business School nurtures future changemakers. A landmark moment was when the University of Exeter became the first academic institution in the United Kingdom (UK) to be named a UK Women in Economics Network (UK WEN) Champion, supporting the careers of women in economics. This aligns with EconSoc’s mission this academic year to champion opportunity, inclusivity, and community.
Empowering women through collaboration
Fostering a close relationship with the University of Exeter Business School is key to enhancing student experience and collaboration on various projects. For instance, this has led to fortnightly ‘Pizza and Doughnuts talks’ where department of economics researchers share their areas of expertise or lead panels on current economic issues, and guest speaker events including Exeter MBA Kateryna Halkina and Dr Jon Brooks from the United Nations.
Networking and careers events, many of which take place with alumni, help to overcome gender stereotypes and build connections. Many students come away with a new sense of confidence and motivation, enriched by new connections with their peers and industry professionals. For example, an industry insight and networking event with alumni at BlackRock, Department of Work and Pensions, McKinsey and KPMG.
Working with organisations aimed to inspire and empower the next generation of women is integral. In October 2024, the UK WEN Inspirational Talk event at the University of Exeter Business School gathered students and leading female economists breaking barriers and highlighting the importance of economics in our everyday lives. Events like these inspire students, particularly women and underrepresented students, by demonstrating the power of networking and self-advocacy. For instance, the EconSoc Academic Secretary (female student) comments that “One of the best things about holding a committee position in EconSoc is the opportunity to foster a welcoming environment and build an inclusive community, allowing members to become more involved in university and professional life.” This comment highlights the impact these events have on female students.
EconSoc is also partnered with two prominent UK organisations which directly support university societies; Girls Are Investors and the Women’s Society Alliance, which encourage learning, career development and networking. These partnerships help create a strong support network for young women, enhancing both their academic and professional journeys. Additionally, EconSoc’s mentoring scheme has matched over 100 students with professionals in their chosen fields, reinforces this sense of community and career support.
Social events at the heart
University societies play a crucial role in student life, offering opportunities to build friendships and collaborate. According to the Exeter Students’ Guild wellbeing and support survey carried out in November 2024, support network and making friends through courses, societies and events ranked among the top five factors influencing student wellbeing. These findings are in line with the ethos at the Department of Economics, University of Exter Business School and EconSoc of using social and networking events to enhance sense of belonging, inspire students and enhance community building at the school.
At EconSoc, standout events are its winter and spring balls, black tie poker night, ‘ou le poulet’, and netball tournaments. Additionally, our ‘family’ system pairs first- and second-year students with upper-year ‘parents,’ fostering mentorship and belonging at socials with fun activities and environments to ask questions. These connections, particularly for young women, create lasting friendships and support networks, which have continued into their working careers. For instance, the EconSoc Social Secretary (female student), shares that: “I became Social Secretary because the EconSoc socials last year made such a big university feel way less daunting and gave me a real sense of belonging. I wanted to help create that same experience for other people this year. Beyond just the academic and career side, the society has been such a great way to meet like-minded people and feel part of a community.”
Strengthening postgraduate engagement
This academic year, EconSoc pioneered postgraduate involvement based on the society’s own initiatives and feedback from the academics in the department of economics. This has significantly enhanced community cohesion in the department of economics and business school at large. The society introducing postgraduate representatives led to new initiatives, such as weekly research support sessions and guest speaker events, including McKinsey’s Will Humphrey in February 2025. This initiative bridges the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate students, fostering collaboration and sharing experiences on research and careers, alongside encouraging students whose first language is not English to ensure everyone feels welcome at events. These efforts led to EconSoc being shortlisted for the University’s Postgraduate Experience Award.
A personal journey
Reflecting on my journey, I initially joined the committee as a first-year student representative, inspired by the women in leadership positions on the committee. Encouraged by their example, I progressed to Vice President (previous academic year) and later became President (this academic year), despite the precedent of male leadership.
Leading EconSoc has been a privilege, allowing me to foster a diverse and confident team, encouraging each member of the committee to step out and lead new ideas. This year, we have more women on the committee than ever before, providing them with a platform to lead and inspire others. Committee members have become agents of change, challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. EconSoc Academic Secretary (female student) shared that “one of the things that stands out most to me is the incredibly strong presence of female leadership in the committee! It’s amazing to learn from others and pass on insights to the next generation.” Similarly, the EconSoc General Secretary (female student), noted that “having a committee position has allowed me to connect with all sorts of people and build friendships. It has also been very beneficial for career advice.”
Inspiring the changemakers of tomorrow
The impact of student social and networking events extends far beyond university life. From career inspiration to personal growth, these experiences cultivate confidence, foster diversity, and build lifelong professional relationships. By nurturing a supportive and inclusive community, we can empower the changemakers of today and tomorrow to reach their full potential.
Written by Grace Lord (EconSoc, President) reviewed by Martha Omolo (Department of Economics, EDI director)