Shanice da Purificacao - Bachelor of Tourism Management (3rd year )
Brief: Recently attended the Future Leaders Forum at Meetings Africa Johannesburg, South Africa
How did you get to know about the Forum you recently attended, what was it about and how did you become a part of it/ how were you selected? During my first year, the 3rd year Students had the opportunity, to go to the Future Leaders Forum, they came back all excited and told us about it, I was truly amazed with what they told us, and how the experience was for them, I knew right there that I wanted to attend this conference and experience what they did. During my 2nd year we did a course called MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) and our lecturer, Ms. Isobel Green introduced this opportunity and I knew right away I had to work hard at it. The whole class had to write a proposal where only the 5 best proposals would be chosen, we were required to “arrange” a conference for Young Brain Specialists and put every detail on paper which was extremely challenging as it required a lot of creativity but at the same time thinking realistically. I was thrilled to hear that I was one of the chosen 5.The Future Leaders Forum is a unique opportunity for you to gain expert insight into the meetings industry, learning from and connecting with inspirational industry experts and students from other universities.
What knowledge/experience have you gained and how is it beneficial to you and the NUST community at large? Meeting these experts and having the opportunity to talk to them, and ask them how they got where they are today, has motivated me to work harder and reassure me that anything is possible if you believe in yourself. I’ve learned a lot about the meetings industry and possible careers to pursue, how to stay focused and ‘market myself’. Sharing the knowledge I gained with my fellow students can potentially change the mindsets of us as young professionals, and motivate them to be their best selves and to see the positive in any situation, as a positive mind finds opportunity in everything.
What is the Future Leaders Forum in your own understanding and how will you use it to motivate others? The Future Leaders Forum is basically an opportunity for you to network with professionals which gives you loads of opportunities, expert advice and may even change your future goals. If anyone else gets any sort of opportunity like this I would highly advise them to go for it, this really opens doors for you, and it gives you a step ahead of others.
What are your plans for the near future?After my studies I would like to do the 365days tour around the world as travelling is the best education anyone could have. Meeting experts from all over and broaden my knowledge which I could eventually bring back to Namibia and make a difference in our community.
Share with us your success quote! The expert in anything was once a beginner.