Heather Lynch
Three weeks, 32 students, back-to-back meetings, detailed reports, international trade — all in a foreign country. No, not The Apprentice, but the 2006 Junior Team Canada (JTC) Economic Mission to China.
This past August, Maryse Benge and Chad Swance, third-year students in the School of Management’s International Business Program, participated in the JTC mission to China, gaining first-hand knowledge about international trade.
Prior to their departure, the students were required to secure sponsorship from companies linked to their field of interest. In return, they represented the company and its products abroad. They identified business opportunities, made key contacts for their sponsors, and reported on their findings.
“The pace of the mission was one of the most surprising elements,” noted Benge. “Most mornings we were up at 6 a.m. and shortly afterwards on our way to meet with heads of state, CEOs, community officials and other leaders. Our days often finished back in our hotel rooms, where we worked on reports and planned for the following day. On average we were sleeping between four and five hours a night.”
With the busy schedule came a wealth of learning opportunities. “This mission taught us a great deal about the structure of foreign trade,” said Benge. “Not only were we representing a company and its products, but also our country, which was a little overwhelming at times.”
Both students felt that they were extremely well-prepared for this mission as a result of their studies. The young ambassadors also developed a new perspective on the importance of gaining international experience - a key goal of Vision 2010. “I truly believe that in today’s world, we have to look outwards to the rest of the world and take our place on the international stage,” said Swance. He added that “all programs at the University should consider adding an international element.”
With that in mind, Benge is now considering pursuing a master’s degree in Hong Kong, while Swance is exploring the idea of doing field work in a developing country. Wherever their paths take them, the skills they developed on their mission to China will contribute greatly to Maryse Benge’s and Chad Swance’s future successes.
