Scholarship Essay Entry – Kelsie O.

Many people would show disbelief if I were to say that I am studying management to change the world. So how will studying management make a difference in the world around me? Well, for starters, I am not just studying "management" - my focus is International Management and the world is closer than you might think.

I am in my final year of the Bachelor of International Management Degree Program at the University of Lethbridge with a minor in the Japanese language. I have participated in a six week Malaysia Work-Study program and will be participating in a four month study abroad semester in Japan. Taking part in these international programs is giving me the opportunity to immerse myself in cultures very different from that of Canada.

Canada is an epicentre of multiculturalism; therefore, cross-cultural management capabilities are rapidly becoming a must for companies to compete inside and outside of Canada's borders. Pursuing a degree in International Management has given me the opportunity to learn skills that I can use to integrate myself into any culture around the world. One of my ambitions is to learn and understand the language and culture of as many of the countries around the world as I can. I will then be in a great position in which I can maintain positive relationships between Canada and the rest of the world.

People always say to keep your options open and with an International Management degree I am keeping my doors open. My field of change is the world where needs can change constantly. I have gained skills and experiences that give me the flexibility to travel the world or work from within Canada and make a difference in whichever career path I pursue. I can make a difference in a number of ways - from working cooperatively with international companies or agencies, to promoting change in how the world looks at the environment around us, and even to spurring economic growth in less developed countries giving citizens an improved standard of living.