Devany Garza
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My Past Brigade:
March 2023: La Candelaria and El Escobal What I gained: It's really difficult to summarize everything I gained from this trip in a single paragraph. Going into the trip, I expected somewhat surface-level interactions with clients; however, this was not the case. My team and I were able to connect with our clients at a personal level. This enabled us to more effectively help their businesses, learn about the culture in La Candelaria, El Escobál, and Panama as a whole, as well as gain new perspectives on international business affairs and life in general. Seeing them shed tears of happiness as we handed them our final deliverables was truly heartwarming. It was an empowering experience not only to the members of these communities, but also to our A&M team. Global Business Brigades allowed me to get my first hands-on experience in the business world which allowed me to land an internship with EY my freshman year! Additionally, this trip was an eye-opening and humbling experience that gave me a true insight of the business world outside of the United States. This trip was an excellent blend of professional and personal growth. I look forward to returning to Panama in the spring with Global Business Brigades, but this time as a student-leader! |
My Past Brigade:
March 2023: La Candelaria and El Escobal What I gained: I absolutely loved my experience with Global Business Brigades in Panamá last year. It was a transformative journey that had an impact on both my personal growth and professional development. The exposure I was able to get from a different culture as well as their business environment was truly eye-opening. Interacting with local entrepreneurs in Panamá allowed me to broaden my perspective and understand different approaches to business. I am forever grateful for the exposure to diversity and the new perspectives I was able to obtain. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in traveling abroad, because this is the only study abroad that consists of hands-on experience with clients. This is truly what sets us apart from any other organization at Mays. Additionally, since all the lessons and required knowledge are taught here pre-departure, we have the opportunity to devote 100% of our time to our clients and work on real business projects while collaborating with our teammates. |
Jaylenn Holmes
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Chris Reyna
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My Past Brigades:
January 2022: Altos del Coco March 2023: La Candelaria and El Escobal What I gained: This year will be my third time traveling with Global Business Brigades to Panama. Every year I do a brigade, there's always something new and enjoyable to my experience! When I first went as a freshman, I really felt like I had no knowledge to bring to the table, especially when various team members were several classifications higher than me--some were even graduate students. Regardless, I was able to be an asset to my team by sharing the knowledge I learned in my introductory business classes and throughout the pre-departure meetings. Even though I had extremely smart and experienced teammates, I still felt I was able to contribute as much as they were! Additionally, the individuals on these trips truly make me feel like I formed a significant part of the team and I wasn't not just another person. The close-knit relationships I developed with other students on the abroad program transformed into life-long friendships. Not to mention, the memories I made on the past trips are timeless and genuinely something I will never forget!! |