Annette Humes

Roche, Chief of Staff

Andrea Pedrett

LGT Bank, Teamhead Operational Pricing and Special Functions

Career Starter Week
Department of Environmental Health Sciences,
Namibia University of Science and Technology
February 16 - 27, 2026

As we walked through the golden door curtain into the laboratory now transformed into a celebration space full of balloons and streamers, our hearts were full.  Full of gratitude and pride in the students we had come to know over the past week. This evening was the certificate award ceremony for successful completion of the Career Starter Week. The students' mutual support and joy for each other as they received their certificates was intense.

Cooperation with university staff

Our 2.5-week assignment at NUST was defined by a deeply supportive collaboration with the university staff. While the start of our stay presented some logistical challenges regarding our accommodation, we were immensely impressed by the NUST team's response. They went above and beyond, putting in their greatest effort to resolve these issues and ensure we truly felt "welcomed". This dedication to our well-being strengthened our trust in the partnership from the very beginning and created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made us feel like an integral part of the team. The exceptional food and hospitality provided by the Hotel School staff offered a delightful interlude during the lunch breaks.

A significant highlight of our cooperation was the visit from a local HR professional from Windhoek. Their guest lecture provided the students with realistic, first-hand insights into the Namibian job market. This collaboration between international lecturers and local experts proved to be highly effective, as it bridged the gap between global perspectives and local requirements

Cooperation with students

Working with the students at NUST was a truly rewarding and dynamic experience. We were struck by their intense curiosity and the genuine interest they showed in the program from day one. The students demonstrated a remarkable willingness to engage deeply with the material, especially during group work and practical exercises.

We needed to find flexibility and adaptability as our European corporate expectations were exposed to the reality of Namibian university life. We quickly realised that some of our students had to travel long distances to get to NUST and that there is no public transport. Some students have children to care for or appointments with the university administration. It is important to be understanding and flexible whilst still achieving the learning goals of the CSW.

The progress they made in such a short time was impressive. Many students who initially appeared insecure developed the confidence to present their ideas clearly and handle challenging Q&A sessions by the end of the course. Their enthusiasm for topics like CV writing and interview preparation was particularly evident, and they clearly appreciated the practical value these skills add to their future careers.

Impact and win-win

This assignment was a clear win-win situation for everyone involved. For the students, the impact was visible in their increased professional confidence and the refinement of their "soft skills". Seeing them move into the "safe space" of trying out new behaviors and succeeding was incredibly fulfilling for us as lecturers.

For us, the experience was equally enriching on a personal and professional level. While we came with the intention to teach, we found ourselves learning just as much from the students about resilience, community, and the unique cultural perspectives of Namibia. Additionally, the assignment allowed us to gain valuable experience in a diverse classroom setting, which has provided us with a fresh perspective on our own professional approaches.

Personal Message

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to B360 and NUST for this unforgettable opportunity. A very special aspect of this journey was the bond formed within our group of guest lecturers. Despite not knowing each other before the assignment, we grew together into a very tight-knit and supportive team.

The time spent together beyond the classroom – especially our weekend trip to a lodge – allowed us to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Namibian landscape and the "big sky" that leaves such a lasting impression. These shared experiences and deep discussions made the assignment even more special. We leave Namibia with lasting memories, a strong sense of community, and a deep appreciation for the warmth of its people.