My name is Gregory Allen and I am very excited to have the opportunity to work in Swaziland over a span of 10 months as a marketing officer and administrative assistant for three partnered organizations known as Swaziland Fair Trade (SWIFT), the Canadian and African Business Women’s Alliance (CAABWA) and Trade+Impact. My combined responsibilities include marketing the products of small to mid-sized fair trade business working in the craft and natural cosmetic sectors as well as promoting fair trade practices both in Swaziland and across Africa and other markets through the use of social media, trade shows and promotional events. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program as well as the Scarborough-York Region Chinese Business Association for financially supporting this internship.
It’s still hard for me to believe that my placement experience is about to begin. At the start of my first year in this program, I had no idea about where I wanted to go or about what exactly I wanted to do on placement. It’s thanks to the support, the insights and the inspiration that I have received from everyone who I’ve met along this journey so far that I’m positioned to enter what I now see as a dream placement (so thanks everyone!). If I can give some advice to those who are working towards their placement (or anyone going through university or a similar journey) it would be to take your time, stay close to your friends and stay open minded! (and join utsc dragon boat!) If you want to see what I’m up to feel free to follow me on Instagram @gg__allen. I promise that I’ll stay in touch!
Take care,
Greg