MBA student shortlisted for prestigious Student of the Year award

Open University Business School MBA student, James Boyce, has been shortlisted for the AMBA (Association of MBAs) Student of the Year 2024 thanks to his exceptional leadership skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative mindset.

AMBA is one of the world’s leading international management education associations and the Student of the Year Award recognises students who have shown exceptional career potential and who can act as ambassadors for the high quality of accredited MBAs.

James, a full-time British Airways (BA) pilot, has been recognised as an outstanding MBA student who has contributed to group dynamics, suggested potential programme developments, and proposed initiatives which involve the practical application of studied theories and topics within BA. James is truly passionate about continuous learning and personal development. Following graduation, he would like to use his MBA to make a positive social impact in the world – something very closely aligned to the OU’s Social Mission - as a social entrepreneur.

Speaking of his award shortlisting, James said: “I am thrilled to be shortlisted for the Association of MBAs Student of the Year 2024 Award. For as long as I can remember, I've been motivated by wanting to help people. One of the reasons I decided to complete my MBA is because I noticed that many well-known philanthropists completed an MBA before starting successful companies, which they used to finance projects that have social impact.

However, during the MBA, I was introduced to the concept of social entrepreneurship. This led me to start Access-air-bility, an organisation focused on improving the accessibility of air travel so that People with Disabilities can travel with greater ease. It's an area I'm very passionate about, and my interest in it began through wanting to help a close friend, so it's an honour to be shortlisted as a finalist for such a prestigious award."

AMBA, who will announce the winners in January 2024,  is one of the three accrediting bodies that award the OU Business School its elite triple accreditation status, which is held by only 1% of business schools worldwide.