With plenty of research to do, phone calls, meeting with potential sponsors, and attending the National Youth Caucus held this week in Ottawa, this 22 year old International Business Student said there is little time to waste.

"I now spend most of my free time meeting with government officials and business leaders, making phone calls and researching companies in the Ottawa Area. There are not many students that get the opportunity to do something like this but it is hard work. I have to get the word out about the benefits of the program to our community and to the companies/organizations, while learning a lot along the way. Actually, it's a great warm-up for the real world"

In addition to her fund raising, Jennifer is currently working two jobs, one full time summer job as a marketing assistant at Carleton University and the other part-time as a research intern for Canadian Council on Africa, along with her other volunteer work.

During this 19-day trip, Jennifer will travel to Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia with 28 other students from schools across canada in order to meet with industry leaders to realize new business opportunities for their important Canadian Sponsors

Jennifer was one of the selected Delegates by the Global Vision Program from over the 800 applicants across Canada. Each applied following orientation at the Junior Leaders Centers in the Spring

The global Vision Program has many great sponsors and is designed to provide student leaders interested in international business and affairs with practical experience in the global marketplace.

It will serve as a great stepping-stone for Jennifer who will be spending her third year of university abroad studying in Paris this September.

Each student is required to raise $4,500 from companies and organizations to cover their transportation costs< and Global Vision matches that amount witht their partnews such as Forign Affairs Canada and the canadian International Develoopment Agency.

Jennifer will be focusing on Biotech, IT and the Education sectors.

"Ottawa is the hub for IT and Biotech right now. These sectors are important areas with so much opportunity for growth. As well, with the progress and simplification of distance education, more and more school boards and faculty technology has made to the education process. Schools are increasing the number of foreign exchange institutions and more and more students are looking to travel and learn a new language to compliment their university education. I'm looking forward to exploring new opportunities in these sectors."

It's a great arrangement for both parties: sponsoring organizations/companies get to enlist me as an ambassador and consultant to build contacts overseas, research business opportunities and receive global exposure. in turn, I get to meet all the other talented delegates from across Canada, network and build contacts with industry leaders, all the while learning about a whole different part of the world."