Grooming the captains

SHANGHAI: Many graduates find it tough to find a good job after completing university. But not Luo Jiali.

In fact, she is well ahead of most of peers her age. At 23, she already leads a team of nine at a major multinational manufacturing company's China operations.

As the operations manager of customer business development for Procter & Gamble in Shanghai, she has to deal with complicated issues between suppliers and retailers on a daily basis.

And, while the stress can be overwhelming at times, she says she never lets it get the better of her.

"Many of my counterparts experienced setbacks when adapting their roles to workplaces right after graduation," Luo says. "But I never did."

But Luo had to work hard to get where she is. She credits her career success to a business program she participated in prior to landing the job.

Students in Free Enterprises (SIFE), is an international network of education and business leaders, who are committed to improving the lives of others by creating economic opportunities in local communities.

For students like Luo, the program offers a chance to pick up practical skills and experience most valuable to employers. Through annual competitions held at regional and national levels, students develop projects that address business and economic issues for communities.

Luo began honing her leadership skills back in 2006 when she led her Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade team to victory at SIFE's World Cup Championship in Paris. Her team won the title for a Chinese craftwork business they set up and marketed for disabled people in Shanghai's Jing'an district.

"The competition allowed me to develop interpersonal skills and sense of responsibility, which is very valuable for my career development," she says.

SIFE students are asked to create solutions tailored to the unique needs of communities by using their background in market economics, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and business ethics.

The students also receive training from faculty advisors and professional business mentors.

"It is such an inspiring program that provides a great platform for university talents and the expertise of business leaders, while at the same time, has a commitment to helping those in need in our community," says Danny Huang, CEO of SIFE China.

SIFE also provides guidance concerning team formation, project feasibility, obtaining funds, cost and profit margins, risk management, media solicitation, presentation and creating community awareness. In addition, SIFE gives each team 3,500 yuan ($500) to 5,000 yuan to carry out the project.

This year, SIFE will hold its World Cup at its China headquarters in Shanghai on May 17.

Students from Shanghai and Guangzhou are working to develop sustainable lifestyles for retired pro-athletes. Many of them struggle to live independently because they suffer from sport-related injuries.

In the meantime, students from Beijing are looking for environmentally friendly solutions to managing electronic waste materials.

Not only do these projects benefit local communities, but also provide students with valuable leaning opportunities to improve their social skills through interactive problem solving, says Huang.

"Chinese students tend to be outwardly shy," Huang says. "They like to do many internal discussions, but are less proative when seeking guidance and resources from outside the group."

"But, you will be amazed at the transformation that takes place in our SIFE students," continues Huang. "They are motivated to assume responsibilities with a greater sense of purpose and are more action-oriented.

"They develop sharpened leadership and business skills, but more importantly, they form a deeper sense of commitment to the world around them."

The SIFE China receives support from 15 internationally renowned companies. Apart from financial support, the sponsoring companies also provide voluntary professionals for SIFE teams. These business advisors mentor the students through the entire process of their community outreach projects.

"Most of our sponsors are large multinational companies," Huang says. "We have a Board of Directors that consist of 10 top business leaders from global corporations. They are responsible for ensuring the quality of the projects the students carry out."

These business leaders also serve as panel judges during annual competitions. Some companies even provide facilities, catering and office space to assist SIFE teams.

"What we are doing for SIFE students and what they are doing for their communities is incredible," Bernie Milano, president and trustee of KPMG Foundation, says. "They are taking their energy and passion out to the community. It is a terrific model."

This exposure benefits both the students and donor companies. Employers are given access to outstanding students and students gain the chance to network with real world business leaders.

"We have a valuable talent pool for recruiters and a job fair held annually with the competition," Cathy Ren, program director of SIFE China, says.

Well-known companies such as JPMorgan, McKinsey & Company, Procter & Gamble, KPMG, PepsiCo and British Petroleum, have employed SIFE students, says Ren.

"It is an innovative model. We are spreading charity through business strategies. While students, educators and business professionals are all getting a valuable insight in this quality network created by SIFE," Huang says.

Today, over 80 universities and more than 5,000 students have participated in SIFE. More than 500 projects to date have helped 800 communities across the country.

SIFE hopes to continue growing, but Huang says the organization needs more assistance to help it reach future goals.

"We are receiving many phone calls from students requesting to join our family, but our sponsorships are limited to meet the increasing demand," Huang says. "Our endeavors still need more support and resources from institutions and governments working together to create a better world with greater opportunity for everyone."

(China Daily 04/17/2008 page19)