I&M Bank Uganda mentors tomorrow’s business leaders through a study tour
I&M Bank Uganda has held a study tour for Mbarara University students as it ramps up its corporate social responsibility programme's education and skills development component.
In a bid to mentor and offer practical skills to tomorrow’s business leaders, the bank hosted final-year students who major in marketing and procurement at its headquarters in Kampala, where students were taken through curated course briefs in marketing and procurement, pointing them to practical and technical aspects that make a successful brand.
During the programme, I&M Bank Uganda’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kumaran Pather briefed the team about I&M Bank Uganda, its core values, and pillars in relation to how the bank intends to reposition itself in the Ugandan market.
"Our core values as I&M include integrity, trust, respect, innovation, and courage. As a marketer, you will realise that these values are essential to maintain steady business growth, build a resilient organisation and most importantly enable any business to retain and acquire new customers," Mr Pather said.
Mr Kumaran highlighted the need for students to embrace digital tools to stand out and compete favourably for opportunities. He further urged the students to remain steadfast and focused on their goals.
"Technology has evolved with so many digital tools to ease your learning and service experience, embrace it and use it to your advantage. Remember to believe in yourselves and keep focused on your goals," he said.
The bank’s Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, Annette Nakiyaga, tutored the students on the critical components of marketing which she highlighted as performance, partnerships, and personalisation. She observed these core principles that can make or break a brand’s image, reputation and ultimately performance.
"It is vital that we take careful consideration about the things that we do and inform our actions through research to ensure that the brand is ahead of time. It is just as important to remember that delivering amazing experiences can only be anchored on building solid partnerships with customers," said Annette.
“Personalising your service should be at the heart of everything you do if you want to speak to each of your customer’s unique needs,” she added.
I&M Bank Uganda’s Manager, Administration & Corporate Support, Leo Sulaiman Okum briefed the students about the bank’s procurement department, its functions, processes and plans in relation to what is taught at university.
On behalf of Mbarara University, Arthur Nuwagaba, a lecturer in the Department of Marketing and Procurement thanked I&M Bank for the opportunity that goes a long way in preparing the students for the future.
The study tour programme is part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility initiative to give back to the community and aims to build the next generation of thought leaders.