A cohort of 21 first year undergraduate students from Ulster University’s Department of Global Business & Enterprise and School of Computing recently returned from a trip to San Francisco, as part of the Global Business Leadership Programme 2024.
The enriching educational, business, and cultural trip was funded by University WAP and the ROI Student Mobility funds and was developed in partnership with Employability and Graduate Futures, academic staff from UUBS and CEBE, and DARO.
Throughout the week, students visited various global organisations including Invest NI, Grant Thornton, Handshake, Meta Logistics, Facebook and Google.
These visits offered students invaluable opportunities to connect and engage with industry leaders, gaining insights into the workings of each organisation, their clients and ongoing projects. The employers shared their own career opportunities and provided expert advice for standing out in job applications.
Ulster University Graduate Development Coach, Shauna McGrath said:
"It's fantastic for Ulster University students to be afforded the chance to travel to San Francisco and engage with industry leading organisations. The insights, guidance, and network they acquired during this trip will prove beneficial for their ongoing personal and professional development."
An Alumni Networking event, hosted at the Consulate General of Ireland, allowed students to interact with influential alumni and create professional networks. General Consul Micheál Smith addressed the group, further enhancing the significance of the event and emphasising the value in making connections for career growth.
In addition to the business visits and networking event, the students also had an incredible opportunity to visit Stanford University and experience the D School exploring innovative design concepts for extreme affordability.
Homelessness is a major issue in San Francisco and the group partnered with OutsideIn a purpose-driven clothing business on a mission to help people experiencing homelessness. The group visited three homeless organisations and distributed beanie hats generously donated by OutsideIn, enabling Ulster students to show their support for live local volunteering initiatives.
The itinerary provided time to explore renowned attractions in San Francisco such as Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.
A structured daily educational component enabled students to meaningfully engage with international business figures and learn new perspectives on global leadership. The students showcased themselves as exceptional ambassadors for Ulster University by developing professional connections and networks that will prove valuable for further collaborations.