Kaliia Kubatbekova: "AUCA provides its students to realize their dreams"

May 31, 2016

Kaliia Kubatbekova, a junior in Journalism and Mass Communications at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), took a moment to talk to us about how her SILC funding helped develop her as a social entrepreneur and prepare her for future leadership in Kyrgyzstan.

"I was selected to take part in the World Business Dialogue (WBD) 2016, the largest international student-run business convention, which took place in Cologne, Germany. The convention connected open-minded students, world-class speakers, and outstanding companies from all over the world to discuss socially and globally relevant topics. The World Business Dialogue is an annual event, and this year’s topic was “Globalization: Disrupted?”. At the conference, we discussed the status quo of globalization, as well as the broad definitions of globalization across the contexts of the global economy, international business, and entrepreneurship.

Although several great speakers gave lectures, the WBD 2016 was not a passive event. We were involved in several talks, panels, and other interactions with a variety of executives. Different business leaders shared their visions, predictions, and insights so that we could deepen our discussions with their unique perspectives. Representatives from Evonik, Bayer, Henkel, TUV, Accenture, and Munich RE provided “action spaces” and workshops to give us, potential employees and interns, more information about their work. I really enjoyed putting my knowledge of chemistry, technology, and business to the test at the “Battle of the Brains;” I even won a USB drive from Evonik Industries.

Another memorable part of WBD 2016 was the Bayer company tour, showing us the life sciences involved in healthcare and agriculture. I was very impressed with Bayer’s success in improving human, animal, and plant health through their research. It was interesting to see giant robots at work in the factory itself as I had never seen that before. I would say Bayer is doing truly innovative work for sustainable and profitable business endeavors.

I had the opportunity to develop my entrepreneurial skills through a workshop led by an organization called Ideas in Motion. In small groups, we discussed the ways one could transform Rwanda, a small country in central Africa, from a country of poverty into a global competitor. The real-world example encouraged us to develop our own social enterprises. It was very interesting to get to talk through these issues and share experiences and knowledge with students from all around the world.

The WBD 2016 trip would not have been possible without support from SILC. I received the grant one month before leaving for Germany. It was my second time applying for SILC funding; it is definitely a unique opportunity AUCA provides its students to realize our dreams. I would encourage students to apply for a SILC grant. If you have a strong project and fill out the application step-by-step, you will get the grant you need to turn your dreams into reality. Take a chance and show your potential!

I am very grateful to AUCA and to the SILC donors for giving me the opportunity to take advantage of such a great networking, educational, and inspirational conference. With the new ideas and skills I learned taking part in these talks and panels, I can finally work out my personal career opportunities. Thanks!"

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