The MSc Executive Trainee Module, or XTM in short, is a response to a growing demand for practical hands-on learning integrated into traditional academic training, emphasizing the executive and strategic dimensions shaping today’s business organizations.
Surveys have shown that the component most missed by business students is practical learning. Our own
SSE Business Competence Panel pointed out that there often is a mismatch between what companies want from new recruits, and what graduates can offer in terms of competencies, capacities and attitudes. In part, the new
XTM results from SSE MSc attempts to address these issues. The
intended learning outcomes (ILO) include:
reflecting and building an understanding of the company and its business environment from the executive manager’s perspective, including
- company history, corporate culture and values
- the current and future competitive landscapes
- the company strategy and business model
- organizational capabilities and the company’s ways of working
- financial position
- strategic challenges
taking responsibility and experience executive leadership
- showing empathy and professionalism as part of a working team or department
- increasing self-awareness by e.g. working in teams
- handling complex tasks and team settings
- learning negotiation skills
With the XTM, students have an opportunity of experiencing working closely with an executive manager within an SSE Partner Company, and can hence start to build a network of contacts that will improve their chances of success in their future careers; they will become more “employable”. Companies, on the other hand, will be able to assess a number of SSE MSc students, and possibly offer employment to outstanding students after graduation. For SSE, with its long history of connecting theory and practice, XTM strengthens our brand and attractiveness.