A Decade of Impact: Empowering the Next Generation of Business Leaders

As the “Class of 2026” looks ahead to their Southampton Solent University Graduation in July, we are reflecting on a partnership that has spanned over a decade. At ThinkEngine, we have always believed that the gap between the classroom and employment should be a bridge, not a barrier.

This year marks a special chapter in our history. Building on the recognition of our Managing Director & Founder, Ben Michaelis, being awarded an Honorary Degree in 2024 for his ongoing contribution to the university, we are incredibly proud to celebrate the inaugural ThinkEngine 'Above & Beyond' Award.

Investing in the Talent of Tomorrow

Our commitment to Southampton Solent University is rooted in the belief that real-world experience is the ultimate catalyst for career success. For over ten years, ThinkEngine has been an active supporter and contributor in the evolution of the Solent Business School, wider educational schools and real-world curriculum. Our involvement hasn't just been academic though; it has been hands-on:

• Real-World Pathways: We have provided part-time roles around course studies and full-time careers to six Solent graduates, alongside many others from regional institutions.

• Industry-Led Learning: From guest lectures and live client briefs to serving on annual advisory boards, we ensure students are learning the "language of now" in the digital and tech space.

• Mentorship & Growth: We don't just teach and share knowledge; we mentor. From helping students secure start-up capital for their own ventures, to providing career guidance long after they have stepped into the next chapter, we've been there.

• A Local Legacy: By advocating for Solent’s diverse range of courses and attending employability events, we strive to keep high-tier talent right here in our regional economy.

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The ThinkEngine 'Above & Beyond' Award

As recognition for this ongoing support and to formalise our commitment, we are thrilled to introduce this year’s award, which is dedicated to undergraduates from the BSc (Hons) Business Management Class of 2026 within the Solent Business School. cohort within the Solent Business School. This very course was completed by our Founder, Ben, and remains close to his heart. The new award will be given to the individual who doesn’t just meet the brief but transcends it and goes that extra mile.

"This award recognises a BSc (Hons) Business Management undergraduate who embodies the ThinkEngine spirit of going the extra mile. Beyond achieving academic excellence, this individual distinguishes themselves through exceptional resilience and a continuous drive for improvement with hard work, dedication and outside-of-the-box thinking. By seamlessly bridging the gap between Solent practice-led and external opportunities, they have demonstrated the innovation and career-focused hunger required of a future business leader."

Voices of the Partnership

A message from Sally Holland, Course Leader, BSc (Hons) Business Management portfolio at Southampton Solent University:

“ThinkEngine has played a transformative role in bringing our practice‑led teaching to life. For over a decade, their support has helped our students turn learning into lived experience. The ThinkEngine ‘Above & Beyond’ Award is especially meaningful because it celebrates the qualities we value most in our students — curiosity, resilience, creativity and a willingness to push further than the brief. To see an organisation so deeply invested in our students’ growth is incredibly inspiring. This award is a powerful reminder that our students’ hard work is recognised — and that their potential is truly valued.”

Reflections from Ben Michaelis, Managing Director & Founder at ThinkEngine:

"Having been awarded an Honorary degree by Southampton Solent University in 2024, it is a privilege to continue our support and give back in a way that directly celebrates student excellence. The criteria for this award is in direct alignment with the core principles that ThinkEngine has been built on. It is about finding that spark in a graduate that says they are ready to accelerate their career – going above and beyond..."

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the achievements of 2025 and we look forward to the rest of 2026, it’s pleasing that yet again ThinkEngine will welcome another Southampton Solent undergraduate to our team. Karl Abbott will transition from part-time to full-time employment in May and support our emerging technology team.

Our team remains committed to helping shape education alongside industry in our region. We are enormously proud to be part of the Solent community and look forward to another decade of innovation, collaboration, and "above and beyond" thinking.