Two RGU scholars have been recognised for their expertise, with the award of the Energy Ventures Prize.
Chris Porteous and Stuart Cooper, who graduated this week with first-class BA (Hons) degrees in international business management and management respectively, were honoured by the leading private equity firm.
The Energy Ventures Prize, awarded to the Business School students producing the best theses, is part of a relationship between the firm and the university which stretches back to 2011.
Other initiatives include the annual investment den workshop for MBA students, and support for the intern programme as well as financial contributions through the prize.
This year’s winners demonstrated their acumen. Chris examined the enablers and barriers to change during the introduction of a cloud-based system across two key locations within a multinational organisation.
Stuart’s thesis investigated the difference in success between RGU graduates who completed a BA (Hons) management course and graduates from Aberdeen University’s MA (Hons) business management course, one year on.
The presentation was made by Karem Kobayashi of Energy Ventures, an RGU graduate who joined the firm initially on an internship two years ago as part of her MBA programme and went on to secure a permanent position.
Karem said: “We are delighted to be supporting once again the brightest young minds at RGU. As a company, we rely on innovation and forward thinking, something the prize is designed to recognise.
“As a former RGU student myself, one of several now employed by Energy Ventures, I benefited from the excellent links between the university and industry. The prize is one example of the partnerships which exist and we’re proud to play our part.”
Energy Ventures is an independent energy private equity firm, actively seeking early to mid-stage growth investments in the upstream sector. Through its investments, the firm is committed to playing an active role in securing a safer and more-productive future for the E&P industry.
The current emphasis is on investment opportunities of between $20million and $60million with compelling value proposition.
Karem Kobayashi added: “The Energy Ventures Prize is just one example of our commitment to the region, with a number of charitable initiatives also supported. That commitment extends beyond our work in the community, with the North Sea energy sector remaining at the heart of our business. We remain positive about the long-term outlook for north-east companies with a passion for growth and drive to internationalise business, where the EV global network can assist in catalysing sales.”