Rita Becker

B360 Board Member

Career Starter Week

UNILUS, Zambia, August 15 - 31, 2024

A true fairy tale

I am privileged to have witnessed the development of a young Zambian. It is a true story even though it sounds like a fairy tale. One year ago, there was a very shy IT student in my class. One could see already that he was smart and hardworking but needed to step out of his comfort-zone in order to present in front of the class. After completing the career starter week he not only qualified to start his virtual internship with B360, he even finished it with distinction and won a prize to come to Switzerland! During that visit our annual event in Zurich took place. There he held a speech in front of approx. 140 people. This was amazing! I could not believe my ears. This young man up on stage did great! Our guests were impressed by him and his colleagues.

Now, I have just returned to Zambia and we had a B360 networking event in Lusaka. Of course, this young man took the microphone and talked to a large group of people once again. I got the impression that he is feeling comfortable now to speak in public and that his shyness is no longer an issue!

The following Monday, he volunteered to come and share his experience in class with the new Career Starter group. Later on, I learned that that same Monday was his birthday and it got even better. On that same day he had even signed a work contract as IT officer with UNILUS! What a success! This young man has surprised me with the speed of his personal development. I am very happy for him.

During the B360 networking event in Lusaka, I learned that there are many more success stories of B360 alumni. It was nice to see how most of last year’s students were successful in finding an internship, a permanent job or even able to follow their path as an entrepreneur with a lot of passion and seriousness. To listen to their stories and how the career starter workshop has helped them to start off their careers is rewarding. To see them again, how they have grown and to see their big and happy smiles was very energizing.

Collaboration with participants

Also with this year’s classes, it is very inspiring to see how the students listen, take up feedback, work hard and make themselves even better. Shortage of electric power and the difficulties it caused as well as bad internet connectivity and the challenging economic situation did not lead to any excuses or complains from the students. Instead they focused on how to overcome these challenges. No matter how bad the circumstances were – they delivered!

Cooperation with university

All of this would not be possible without the great preparation by the UNILUS staff, B360 alumni and the B360 Team in Zug. Besides preparing, they supported us throughout the workshops and kept in touch to check on us. I had expected more challenges because of the electric power shut downs (load shedding) in Zambia. UNILUS staff found ways to cope with this difficult situation in order for Reto von Arx and I to run the workshops smoothly. They also ensured that great Zambian professionals volunteered to share their knowledge and experience in some of the sessions. Their participation is of great value to the students.

Personal message

The current situation in Zambia is very challenging for its people. To help students to help themselves is a wonderful assignment. To see how they develop themselves and how they unleash their potential to start a successful career is extremely rewarding.

I will miss the bright smiles and the kindness of the Zambians.