O2 and the University of Reading’s Henley Business School have strengthened their three year partnership this year by adding a scholarship for marketing excellence to their ongoing project of learning. Natalie Na’was fought off strong competition to be selected as this year’s scholarship student.

Five highly qualified Masters students from top international universities were selected for interview by University of Reading’s Henley Business School and O2. The final decision saw Natalie winning the year scholarship, which in addition to financial support will see Natalie benefit from business insight and advice from O2’s marketing team, to ensure that she has the best industry information to aid her studies.

Natalie said: “I am so pleased to have been selected for the scholarship. To be part of one of Europe’s best business schools and have the support and backing of the UK’s best mobile phone provider is an amazing opportunity that I hope will lead to my future success and contribution to society”.

Dr Chris Phillips from the University of Reading’s Henley Business School added: “This partnership provides our students with the unique opportunity to listen to and engage with marketing managers from O2, the UK’s market leader in telecoms. Students experience marketing at the cutting edge of business best practice. Over the past three years the second year marketing module has been based around the O2 case study. Students work in teams putting together projects and presentations that are judged by course leaders and managers from O2’s Marketing team. Top students are offered summer placements by O2- to date over 35 students have worked for O2. They have all found the experience invaluable.

These rich experiences have led not only to higher examination results but to an expansion of student’s skill and indeed their employability. The placements have been a resounding success for both O2 and our students. Indeed the module learning at its very best; and so enjoyable for all involved”

Over the past three years a whole module of the second year marketing course has been based around an O2 case study. Students work in teams putting together a presentation and project to present to both their course leaders and managers from O2’s Marketing team.

Peter Rampling O2’s Marketing Director said: “We have been very impressed with quality, enthusiasm and contribution from the University of Reading students over the last three years. It made sense to both O2 and the University of Reading to put together a scholarship programme that would benefit us both, and most importantly the students”.

– ENDS –

Journalists can contact the Virgin Media O2 press office on:
press@virginmediao2.co.uk 01753 565656
Virgin Media
press enquiries
press@virginmedia.co.uk
O2
press enquiries
pressoffice@o2.com