Advancing Ideas Through Collaboration and Lectures

As the week continued, Wednesday morning challenged interns to sharpen both their consulting abilities and their communication skills through collaborative work and expert-led presentations. By combining collaborative work sessions with expert-led presentations, participants gained practical knowledge they will apply as they continue developing recommendations for their Nigerian business partners.

The morning began with dedicated consulting time as teams met with their Nigerian business partners to discuss project updates, ask follow-up questions, and gather additional information about the challenges each business is facing. These conversations allowed interns to clarify ideas, receive valuable feedback, and continue building strong working relationships with the entrepreneurs they have been supporting throughout the program.

Following the partner meetings, Libby Casey presented Fundamentals of Effective Public Speaking, helping interns prepare for the presentations that await them later in the week. She shared strategies for organizing ideas, speaking with confidence, and connecting with an audience. Through practical advice and engaging discussion, students learned that effective communication is one of the most valuable skills a leader and consultant can possess.

To close out the morning, Bob Koopman led a lecture on Global Trade, Tariffs, and Exporting: Effects on Business, introducing interns to the broader economic forces that influence businesses worldwide. Students explored how international trade, tariffs, and exporting impact business operations and learned why understanding global markets is increasingly important in today's interconnected economy.

After a productive morning filled with collaboration and valuable business lessons, interns headed to lunch ready to build on what they had learned during the afternoon's activities.