32 QMYOU / Development News
QMU student takes on internship challenge in Zambia
A QMU Events Management student has risen to the
challenge of taking on a unique internship opportunity in Zambia , southern Africa , thanks to the Saltire Foundation .
Zoe Fraser , 20 , from Aberdeen , is spending 12 weeks with business support agency , Challenges Worldwide , in the Zambian capital city of Lusaka .
Challenges Worldwide delivers business support to medium sized enterprises in developing countries and conducts market research through volunteering . The charity organisation supports entrepreneurs and enterprises , helping them to grow their businesses to generate income , sustainable economic growth and help alleviate poverty through empowerment .
Unlike a lot of other internships available through the Saltire Foundation , Challenges Worldwide is a charity and is part of the International Citizen Service .
As part of her role , Zoe is now helping local enterprise , Frontier
Development Associates , by carrying out business analysis , market research and making business improvement recommendations . Frontier Development Associates specialises in business development consulting , agribusiness project design and management , private equity and fund management .
Zoe was able to secure her internship with help from the Saltire Foundation ’ s prestigious Saltire Scholar Programme , which opens the door of the world ' s leading organisations to some of Scotland ' s most talented students and provides them with an unparalleled chance to engage with global thought leaders and entrepreneurs .
After completing her internship , Zoe will undertake a Chartered Management Institute qualification in professional business consulting , which will be funded by the Saltire Foundation .
Zoe is also being supported by the ICS Entrepreneur programme , which connects UK volunteers with volunteers in developing countries , putting their skills and creativity into practice to support emerging businesses and encourage economic growth .
Commenting on her experience with Challenges Worldwide so far , Zoe said : “ My involvement with the Saltire Foundation has benefited me massively and still I ’ m only half way through my internship .
“ Securing a place with Challenges Worldwide and spending time living and working in Lusaka has been one of the most eye-opening and insightful experiences of my life . The opportunity to put business knowledge gained throughout my studies into a real life situation has been invaluable and I ’ ve learned an incredible amount already .
“ This experience has challenged me in so many ways , through work and just everyday living in Zambia . I already feel as though I have a new outlook on life and work .
“ For future QMU students this really is an opportunity not to miss . The Saltire Foundation is really prestigious and businesses around the world will recognise this on your CV . The internships available through Saltire are incredibly diverse and there really is something for everyone , so no matter what you study you can be sure to find something suitable .” ❒
A relaxing break at Madras Lodge , Gullane
A writer ’ s retreat , a home-from-home when moving house , a family summer holiday or just a chance to refresh and relax over a get-away weekend with friends . These are just some of the reasons QMU Graduates ' Association members and friends return again and again to enjoy the old-worldly charm of Madras Lodge , our holiday home in Gullane , East Lothian . Sea breezes and country walks still top the list of best things to do , closely followed by eating out in the local pubs and restaurants .
A few minutes ’ walk from the beach , easy access to the John Muir trail , East Lothian golf courses , bird watching or the expanding range of visitor attractions and eateries all help make Madras Lodge the perfect base for a reunion weekend with friends or a family holiday .
Check your Graduates ' Association membership status with the Membership Secretary , and contact the Madras Lodge Bookings secretary for an autumn or winter break . These run from September to April and costs are modest . The house sleeps five people , the loft four and two night breaks are from just £ 110 in the loft and £ 145 in the house with special low-season three night breaks from November . ❒
Bookings for Madras Lodge Bookings Secretary Anne Vokes T : 07817 328 035 E : mlbook @ qmuga . org . uk
DATES for your diary
Event : QMU undergraduate open day Details : an opportunity to find out about undergraduate courses , meet staff and students , and view the campus facilities . When : Saturday 24 September Time : 11am – 4pm Where : QMU , EH21 6UU Further information : www . qmu . ac . uk Organisers : Marketing and Communications Office , QMU
Event : QMU postgraduate open evening Details : an opportunity to find out about postgraduate courses , meet staff , find out about financial support , and view the campus facilities . When : Wednesday 23 November Time : 5.30 – 7.30pm Where : QMU , EH21 6UU Further information : www . qmu . ac . uk Organisers : Marketing and Communications Office , QMU
32 QMYOU / Development News