Progessing...GMIX is getting there!

It’s been a roller coaster of a fortnight, my progress through on campus recruiting has been tough. I’ve decided not to post information about my progress through specific companies until I’ve accepted my final offer for the summer. It’s not that I don’t want to be transparent and informative, it’s just that I don’t feel comfortable blogging about how I’m specifically performing on job interviews through rounds since some recruiters could be reading this and it may weigh into their decision making process (and I know that someone I did a mock interview with from a consulting firm had heard I had a blog!- there are not many Mbwanas around!)…

But I will divulge that I’m no longer considering banking; I interviewed with a couple of firms and not only was I not adequately prepared- I really did not put the work and motivation to compete with those who focused- and rightly those who are dedicated have the right to get the position over me… I also realized that I was not willing to sacrifice my soul for cash, and I’m not just saying this because I was ultimately not hired- it takes a certain kind to do banking.

I have pretty much sealed the deal with a GMIX over the summer, so I will divulge! The GMIX, is the 4 weeks work experience as part of the Global Management Program, where one gets to immerse oneself into a country that you have not lived in and is an excellent opportunity to explore a different industry at the same time…
Those who know me well and have read this blog a while, know how passionate I am about adventure travel, eco tourism and non profit in developing countries...I have been speaking to a friend who works at organization known as Vertical in Chile and it seems that they have found something for me:

Vertical consists of two parts in Chile - the for-profit branch which is focused on leadership and teamwork development programs (through adventure travel)- and have clients ranging from MBA students (mainly Wharton) to corporations. It also includes the non-for-profit branch Fundacion, is channel through which Vertical dessiminates its vast expert knowledge in exploring and appreciating the outdoors - publishing a series of books on Leave No Trace camping, how to dress for the outdoors etc...as well as recording information about many of the great places to explore in Chile. In addition to this, the Fundacion also works on providing underprivileged communities with access to the outdoor leadership and experiential programs that Vertical and others provide, aiming to expose youth from less fortunate backgrounds to alternative lifestyle choices that can help improve their economic position.

In going in, the projects I would work on would potentially be based around strategic thinking and analysis, but would also have some tangible requirements as well. Best of all I get to explore and learn about Chile, imerse myself in the adventure travel industry, and learn what economic hardships people have to deal with in South America.

Now to nail that main internship…