Our arrival in Zambia was marked by curiosity and anticipation, especially as the Career Starter Week with the University of Lusaka (UNILUS) was set to take place at their new Silverest campus, with a modern infrastructure, located just outside the city. We were deeply impressed by the students’ punctuality and commitment – many of whom traveled long distances or commuted from the old campus by bus.

Over the course of two intensive weeks, we witnessed a remarkable transformation in the students. Initially reserved and shy, they gradually opened up, embraced challenges, and stepped out of their comfort zones. Their growing self-confidence – both individually and collectively – was inspiring. By the end of the program, they had evolved into energetic, confident, and joyful individuals, radiating enthusiasm and gratitude.

Our collaboration with UNILUS was outstanding. The university team went above and beyond to ensure a meaningful and impactful experience. From organizing excellent facilities and providing much-appreciated B360 sponsored lunches, to inviting accomplished Zambian professionals, every detail was thoughtfully arranged. The contributions from local experts in Personal Branding, Human Resources, Accounting, and the business case panel added valuable and relevant insights.

One particularly inspiring moment was the presentation by a Zambian entrepreneur and B360 alumnus who had worked in Switzerland for three months. He used his earnings from Switzerland to purchase a farm back home and talked about his hardships and challenges as an entrepreneur – an example that deeply resonated with the students.

Several other memorable events stood out. During an interview, a young woman shared her dream of becoming the Governor of the Bank of Zambia. While some peers found this ambition bold, the B360 alumni event later that evening featured several Bank of Zambia employees and alumni with similar aspirations. A powerful speech by a successful entrepreneur underscored the importance of a vision and the transformative power of seemingly “impossible” dreams.

From the moment we arrived, we experienced the warmth and generosity of the Zambian people. On our first evening, facing connectivity issues and unable to arrange dinner, we were spontaneously invited by our neighbors – a young family with a three-month-old baby – to enjoy a delicious home-cooked Zambian meal. This spirit of care and hospitality continued throughout our stay.

We are truly humbled by this experience. Witnessing the students’ growth and receiving their heartfelt appreciation was deeply moving. We extend our sincere thanks to the exceptional UNILUS team, the many Zambian professionals who generously shared their expertise, the B360 support team in Zug that efficiently worked behind the scenes and finally the students who honored us with a beautiful local farewell gift.