At BISM, we aim to provide our undergraduate students with the right opportunities to put into practice the learnings they receive during the classes. Today we have April Filip, second-year student at our undergraduate program, in the spotlight. From an enlightening internship to taking the lead in organising a sustainability festival, April tried to put into practice the learnings from the classes.
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What did your first internship consist of?
During my internship, I was fortunate to contribute to the Forbes Kids event – a standout project that broadened my horizons. From mapping out supplies to collaborating on engaging sustainability-themed activities, the experience underlined the significance of hands-on learning and practical application.
How did you apply the learnings from the classes to the activities of the internship?
Reflecting on my first year of studying digital marketing and business management, I discovered how my classroom learnings offered practical solutions during my internship. Concepts from courses such as Project Management, HR, and People Planet Profit equipped me with tools to address challenges effectively and contribute meaningfully to the agency’s objectives.
Internship Insights: How did you navigate challenges?
While interning at GRF+, I encountered unique challenges that enriched my learning journey. What stood out was the nurturing environment that the agency provided, encouraging interns to learn while contributing to team goals. This supportive approach allowed us to develop skills and problem-solving abilities, enhancing the overall internship experience.
Transitioning from an internship to organizing a sustainability festival felt like a natural progression. My involvement in business ventures since the previous summer prepared me for new projects. Leveraging insights from my internship, university coursework, plus other projects I’ve been working on since starting my business, I was able to approach the festival with a well-rounded perspective.
My university coursework in digital marketing and business management played a pivotal role in shaping the festival’s success. Lessons learned from Project Management, HR, and People Planet Profit courses informed my decision-making processes and allowed me to navigate the festival’s complexities, adhering to sustainable principles at every step.
You have joined BISM Summer School as a judge, evaluating the projects created by the participants. How would you describe this experience?
Participating as a Summer School judge provided an opportunity to assess high school students’ sustainable projects. A key criterion was innovative thinking that combined sustainable practices with creative approaches. The art of effective presentation, learned from my involvement in the Slow Coffee Festival, emerged as a valuable skill in evaluating these projects.
The Summer School projects left a lasting impact on my perception of sustainability. Witnessing imaginative ideas that seamlessly integrated sustainability, creativity, and innovation redefined my understanding of its potential. In fact, a particularly compelling idea might find its place in upcoming editions of our festival – a testament to the power of innovative thinking.
In short, my journey from diving into an internship to leading a sustainability festival has been quite a ride. This experience has shown me how classroom learning can seamlessly blend with real-world challenges. As I continue exploring digital marketing, business management, and sustainability, I’m excited to see what new adventures lie ahead.
And speaking of journeys, if you’re as intrigued by sustainability as I am, mark your calendars for the Slow Coffee Festival happening from September 29th to October 1st, 2023. This festival isn’t just about coffee – it’s a celebration of sustainable living and conscious choices. Join us as we dive into eco-friendly practices, engage in inspiring discussions, and savor some seriously good coffee. See you there!