UCL School of Management’s BSc/MSci Management Science programme recently hosted an exclusive panel event in Bloomsbury that explored generative artificial intelligence beyond the hype. Examining its day-to-day use and impact in businesses across sectors, the event welcomed expert panellists and allowed Management Science students and alumni the opportunity to reconnect and network.

Opened by Associate Professor and Programme Director Andrew Whiter and chaired by Associate Professor Anil Doshi, the event welcomed Mark McDonald, Head of AI & Data Science at HSBC, Stacey Winters, Market Leader for Gen AI and Managing Partner, Consumer at Deloitte, Yuning Bai, Data Scientist at HSBC and UCL alumna, Kasia Ciesielska-Faber, Field Chief Technology Officer at Google and Sophie England, Public Policy and Strategic Partnerships – AI and Wearables at Meta.

During the discussion, panellists examined how AI is reshaping organisational culture, driving change within financial services, and influencing the skills junior employees need to translate AI‑readiness into meaningful impact. Overall, they agreed that generative AI has enhanced their day‑to‑day work, highlighting the ease with which it streamlines routine, time‑consuming tasks and opens up greater opportunities for experimentation.

When discussing the growing presence of generative AI in the workplace, panellists expressed differing views - particularly around its role in decision‑making. While some expressed a desire to see artificial intelligence playing an active role in business operations, others expressed hesitation. For Management Science students and alumni, the discussion offered not just insights into AI’s future, but a clear reminder of their own potential to drive meaningful change.

Find out more about the BSc/MSci Management Science programme