An Afternoon of Innovation and Business Planning

Tuesday afternoon at the International Leadership & Business Internship shifted the focus from diplomacy to business development as interns continued preparing to support their Nigerian business partners. Through professional development workshops, collaborative team sessions, and mentor guidance, participants strengthened both their consulting projects and the practical skills needed to create lasting business solutions.

The afternoon began with LinkedIn and Resume Building led by Carmen Danley. During the workshop, interns learned how to create resumes that effectively highlight their accomplishments, tailor their experiences for different career opportunities, and develop LinkedIn profiles that showcase their professional strengths. Carmen also shared strategies for networking, building an online presence, and communicating leadership experiences in a way that leaves a lasting impression on future employers.

Following the workshop, interns returned to their consulting teams for dedicated group work time. Teams continued refining their recommendations, organizing research, assigning responsibilities, and discussing new ideas to better address the needs of their Nigerian business partners. The collaborative session allowed students to build on previous feedback while strengthening communication and teamwork as they moved closer to their final presentations.

Next, interns attended Advertising, Effective Sales Techniques, and Customer Service Excellence, presented by Nakera Dumas. Throughout the session, students explored how successful businesses attract and retain customers through effective marketing, strong communication, and outstanding customer service. They discussed ways to build customer trust, increase brand awareness, and create positive experiences that encourage long-term loyalty. The workshop challenged interns to consider how these marketing principles could be incorporated into the recommendations they are developing for their partner businesses.

The learning continued with Financial Management, Budgeting, Pricing Strategies, and Managing Cash Flow, led by Adedoyin Akande. During this presentation, interns examined the financial practices that support sustainable business growth, including creating budgets, setting competitive prices, and maintaining healthy cash flow. Students gained a greater appreciation for how thoughtful financial planning contributes to long-term success and were encouraged to apply these concepts as they finalized strategies for their consulting projects.

The afternoon concluded with another round of mentor meetings, where interns met with experienced professionals to discuss their project progress and receive individualized feedback. Mentors offered guidance on strengthening business recommendations, refining presentations, and approaching challenges from a strategic perspective. These conversations allowed students to ask questions, gain new insights, and leave with clear next steps as they continued preparing for presentation day.

By the end of the afternoon, interns had expanded both their professional and consulting skill sets. Through career development, business-focused workshops, collaborative teamwork, and meaningful mentor conversations, they continued building the knowledge and confidence needed to deliver thoughtful, impactful recommendations to their Nigerian business partners.