Unilever Bangladesh recently concluded the 15th edition of its flagship business competition, BizMaestros, themed 'The Power of U.' This talent competition is part of Unilever's commitment to nurturing young talent by presenting university students with real-world business challenges that emphasise individual strengths and innovation.
Legacy of Talent Development
Unilever Bangladesh is often called the "School of Leaders" in the corporate sector due to its commitment to nurturing talent. This nurturing begins by exposing students to real-world challenges through platforms such as BizMaestros.
BizMaestros is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical business experience. This competition aims to develop strategic thinking, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of sustainable business practices by engaging students in real business scenarios. Launched in 2010, BizMaestros has gained momentum, especially with the introduction of Unilever's first global business competition, the Unilever Future Leaders' League, in 2013.
Unilever's vision for BizMaestros is to cultivate a generation of business leaders equipped to drive positive change for people and the planet.
BizMaestros 2024: 'The Power of U'
The theme for the 2024 competition, "The Power of U," focused on how individuals can make a positive impact in the business world. BizMaestros facilitated participants' collaboration with a global company and its famous brands, reaching a diverse range of customers. BizMaestros 2024 offered participants the opportunity to engage with a global company's modern digital and technology-based operations while building skills in sustainability and leadership.
Unilever Future Leaders Programme (UFLP) Integration
For the first time, BizMaestros 2024 has been integrated with the Unilever Future Leaders Programme (UFLP). This integration offers the top five teams direct access to management trainee selection (UFLP) and the Unilever Leadership Internship Programme (ULIP). It allowed Unilever to assess candidates based on their performance in the competition and how they address real-world challenges. Additionally, the participants gained valuable insights into Unilever's culture, ultimately aiding their career decisions.
An Exciting Journey
The journey began with students from all over Bangladesh submitting their ideas online. In the second round, 45 selected students received hands-on coaching from senior management at Unilever. From there, the top five teams were chosen to present their business cases to a distinguished panel of judges.
The grand finale was hosted in Dhaka, where the finalists showcased their innovative solutions. Masud Khan, Chairman of Unilever Consumer Care, led the judging panel, which included Mominul Islam, Chairman of the Dhaka Stock Exchange; Zinnia Huq, Finance Director of Unilever Bangladesh; Shadman Sadikin, Marketing Director for Home Care; and Zaheen Islam, Marketing Director for Beauty and Wellbeing.
Crowning of Champions
The competition crown was awarded to a team from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka, comprising Md Tahmidur Rahman Khan, Nusrat Fauzia Nishu, and Maisha Islam Monamee. The first runner-up was a team of students from IBA and the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), and the second runner-up included members from IBA and IUT.
The winning team will represent Bangladesh at the Unilever Future Leaders' League (UFLL) 2024, competing against participants from various countries on a global stage.
Looking Forward: The Future of BizMaestros
Unilever Bangladesh is committed to empowering youth by providing them with the skills to thrive in the evolving business landscape. The BizMaestrosxUFLP initiative will continue to serve as a platform for promoting innovation, leadership, and a dedication to sustainability among future business leaders. Through programs like BizMaestrosxUFLP, Unilever aims to foster the development of a skilled workforce that can drive sustainable growth in Bangladesh and beyond.