The business aspect of the NAHSS
By Nina Kannekens | Delegate NAHSS 2019, Hong Kong
Hi! My name is Nina (22), and I will l tell you more about the Business aspect of the ABC program of the NAHSS. As a student with a keen interest in medicine, nutrition, and sustainability, the NAHSS was my first substantial introduction to the business world. In addition to the many company visits (behind-the-scenes at major multinationals), you work in multidisciplinary teams on a consultancy project for one of the NAHSS partners. Each student brings their own interests and academic knowledge, making the collaboration dynamic and yielding surprising outcomes. I found that this multidisciplinary allows you to delve deep into many areas, providing a comprehensive view of the actual solution that holds practical value. Moreover, through the Business aspect, you get the opportunity to explore what you could contribute to the business world with your own specific background, which has been valuable for me! During the NAHSS, I discovered that it might be interesting for me, as a future doctor, to bridge the gap between the medical world, medical scientific research, and the business world. Due to the diversity of partners, there is something for everyone, giving you a good idea of what suits you and what does not.
The theme of the NAHSS 2019, Sustainable Growth, seamlessly matched the challenge presented by A.S. Watson Group: countering the plastic emissions from ASW in the world (Closing the Plastic Loop). Through training sessions by McKinsey & Company, De Kleine Consultant, and Young Advisory Group, we were prepared to shape our own consultancy project. The numerous presentations and pitches ensure that as a group, you learn to substantiate and sell your ideas, a useful skill for your future career. In addition, you gain experience in identifying and interviewing parties or individuals who can be valuable for your project. You not only learn from your own project but also from the challenges and solutions of other project groups. The central theme of the NAHSS also got me thinking about sustainability in my own field of study.
All in all, in the past year and a half that followed my participation in the NAHSS, I have experienced that what you did, learned, heard, tasted, and saw during the NAHSS stays with you. This unique introduction to China pulls you out of your own bubble, providing new insights and inspiration for your future career, directly and indirectly linked to China. Moreover, intensive collaboration, activities, trips, (business) visits, and social events create valuable friendships and a valuable network even after the NAHSS.