“As project manager, I strengthened my leadership skills and my ability to stay organized while working toward a common goal with a team. I learned how to plan effectively, maximize my time, and still explore everything a city has to offer. I also learned the importance of keeping an open mind,” said Neerja Shah, a finance major who participated in the Fisher Global Consulting: Non-Profit, South Africa program.
In country, the student team worked with the IY Learning Hub, an after-school learning facility in Cape Town that fosters social-emotional and academic development and innovation.
“This experience taught me a lot about teamwork, delegation and managing projects effectively. It also showed me the real impact nonprofit work can have. Visiting the school, interacting with the children firsthand and building connections with them in such a short amount of time was incredibly meaningful. It confirmed for me that nonprofit work is something I want to continue being involved in throughout my life,” said Shah.
The team specifically focused on developing frameworks to help standardize teaching across different classrooms, building an attendance system and regular check-in dashboard and creating resources to help improve and strengthen IY’s curriculum.
“I think it was important for me to go abroad because you truly learn so much from experiencing different places and cultures firsthand. You learn to open your eyes to different customs, foods, lifestyles and perspectives, while also making meaningful friendships along the way. Being able to work for a good cause while applying my business skills and exploring a completely new place was an opportunity I knew I had to take advantage of,” she noted.
Aside from gaining valuable business experience, Shah shared some of her other favorite memories included exploring the vibrant nature of South Africa and bonding with her teammates.
“Some of my favorite memories include waking up at 5 a.m. to hike Lion's Head in the dark while it was raining, only to reach the top just as the sun rose above the clouds. I also loved playing with the children at the IY Learning Hub, watching an elephant walk right past us on safari, and also staying up late every night talking with my roommates.”