South Africa Emzingo Internship Jessica Nadolski

Excerpts from Jessica Nadolski's "MBAs Beyond Borders: The Emzingo Experience in South Africa"

Thanks Jess!

"What happens when you take 13 MBA students from a top international business school, representing 12 different nationalities, and immerse them into the South African culture?  To be honest, chaos!  We have had moments of frustration that pierce the laughter...personal interactions with some of the most impoverished communities in the world...wild animals that have forgotten their role in our picture-taking tour...and moments of high emotion and personal reflection in this 3rd world country which is as challenged as it is enchanted. 

 On Working with NGOs

....At times the goals are unclear, or the organization may not know exactly what they want or need.  And it is our challenge to understand their needs, deal with the ambiguity of the situation, and provide them with an end product that is both practical and sustainable.  For some of us, this is our first consulting role.  It is very different coming into a situation, being careful not to point out shortcomings, but rather focus on selling a beneficial solution in a non-threatening manner.  

It requires the use of a different skill set, one which we have not used much during our team interactions during the MBA.  So practicing and building our negotiation skills and mastering the art of persuasion to inspire and accept change is fascinating.  For some of us, the working conditions facilitate a business-like approach to our communication and teamwork.  For others, who are working in impoverished neighborhoods, lack the infrastructure that is typically present and therefore must become more resourceful in their approach.

On Continuous Change

... How does an experience like this change you?  It is difficult to tell exactly.  Sometimes you can feel it, sometimes others can experience it, but usually it is a continuous process.  This experience is some ways is a catalyst for a certain type of personal change that we all desired.  Sure we all wanted to experience South Africa in terms of wildlife, culture, and beaches.  Yet there was something grander driving us to seek and accept this challenge brought to us by Emzingo. 

Andrew and Ramon selected 13 individuals who are all fascinating and dedicated to learning, experiencing, and reflecting.  We have created a unique team dynamic and are sharing an experience, full of ups and downs, that will shape our personal lives and leadership styles.  Experiencing this type of culture, poverty, and working environment first hand will have a lasting effect on each of us.  And although it may not yet be clear how we are changing as individuals, it is clear that what we have seen here, what we are doing here, will have an impact on our lives and the lives of the individuals with whom we are interacting. "  --Jessica Nadolski

More to come..