As part of my third year at the business school of Rennes in South Africa, I had the opportunity to do an international internship for a period of 10 weeks. This course's main objective was to test my ability to adapt. Indeed, during this internship, I had to adapt to a different culture, and also converse in English on a daily basis.
This international course, like any other course, also aimed to synthesize my knowledge, sharpen my perception of the company, to gain experience and a thorough and comprehensive analysis of the company and its environment while allowing me to clarify my personal and professional aspirations.
It was interesting to participate in a whole new industry in South Africa, that of recycling. Although this sector is not familiar to me, and I lack experience in this sector, I quickly felt comfortable since recycling is a phenomenon that has been established in France for many years.
I chose to do my internship in a small company. Indeed, while choosing the company I took the opportunity to see projects through from the beginning to end, to have responsibility and work independently.
During this course I participated in various international activities, all focused on the commercial development of the company, looking for new customers and creating communication events in order to increase awareness about the company but also the concept of recycling throughout South Africa.
VTE Recycling Experts is a startup founded in early 2008. The primary objective of the company was to identify potential markets, future partners (customers and suppliers) as well as identify the competition.
After the first month of adaptation, the main players in this market had been identified and actions were taken in order to know the business and communicate the concept of recycling.
The company revolves around V. Koch, the brains behind this project. As an entrepreneur, Koch holds a special place and is paramount in this endeavor. He is responsible for diversified activities, from recruitment of employees to looking for new partners through the development and execution of corporate strategy.
In addition, the company has been created with the cooperation of Mr. Thabo who owns shares in the company and is thus personally motivated to ensure the success of the company. Apart from being the driving force behind the company, he also functions as the financial manager, and keeps an eye on the commercial aspect as well. The presence of Blacks in the company is almost obligatory in a country like South Africa, since the laws are established to guarantee the presence of employees of African descent or mixed origin in the manner of affirmative action legislation by the states to promote economic integration and representation of minorities.
This government law is called the BEE (Black Economic Empowerment).
This contract between business leaders and the state guarantees the implementation in companies of a policy of hiring Black or Metis people most affected by unemployment and poverty. This contract allows companies to work in partnership with all companies and services related to the South African government and respond to invitations to bid.
Tags: recycling, internship, Black Economic Empowerment
[...] This step proved to our partner that we are serious. Through regular contact, phones or visits to the company we built relational bonds of trust that would eventually allow the company VTE to acquire customer loyalty and reduce competition. My main activity was to seek partners. This refers to two types of partners: - Partners allowing us to collect waste They should pick up the waste at the place of business and for the University of Free State, our main partner for the collection. [...]
[...] This contract allows companies to work in partnership with all businesses and services related to the South African government and to respond to public tenders. Otherwise, companies would not have access to all markets. As part of VTE recycling experts based on business recycling, the state and the public sector are important actors who can develop awareness and encourage their partners to engage in good environmental practices. Three employees are now responsible for collecting waste in different areas of Bloemfontein, besides a truck driver who will transport the waste collected. [...]
[...] The first few months were spent in the establishment of the company in this new market in South Africa. The primary objective of the company was to identify potential markets, and future partners (customers and suppliers), and also to identify the competition. After these first months of adaptation, the main players in this market have been identified and actions to be taken in order to know the company and communicate around the concept of recycling planned. So my missions were quickly created. [...]
[...] It is through the team that the company can get its identity, its message. Sometimes the dress code or style of the staff can help to convey the desired image. Meanwhile, the entrepreneur must take the initiative and approach the relevant agencies. This step is also valid at the beginning of the project. The designer should discuss the project without fear of his idea being stolen. He must share his experiences, doubts, and questions with current or future business leaders. [...]
[...] A new source of income would be available. On the other hand, the fact of having an intern has allowed the company to consider new campaigns and focus on finding partners. I advise the company to continue to open its doors to students knowing that South Africa can be difficult for students to find an internship. The company should also be closer to public services such as town halls and jurisdictions to obtain technical support as well as financial. VTE recycling experts must also put action on customer loyalty by providing for the entry of new competitors on the market. [...]
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