An eXcellent Day

For the non-AIESECers reading this, we use a lot of acronyms and short forms. X stands for exchange, which is at the heart of what we do. It’s what connects all of the countries of AIESEC together. Sharing experiences, cultures, ideas, etc.

So when I say that today is an eXcellent day, now you know what I mean.

Today we had our fourth intern arrive here in Maputo. She is also from Brazil and will be working here for one year in a book company helping them to build and execute a strategic plan. This is the first reception that is planned by the LC members rather than us on the national team, so it is a significant event for them. Their first airport pick-up! Though it turned out to be a little less than ideal when one of her bags was lost and she got stuck in the airport waiting for it to arrive on the next flight. As I type she is still there, but they should arrive soon.

While the members were waiting at the airport I was at home online doing some work. I talked for a long while to a fellow Canadian AIESECer who I know from some conferences a couple years ago and who is interested in applying for a position we have open. We talked for a long time about living in Mozambique and about AIESEC here, and now she says she will definitely apply!

Meanwhile I was also tracking down one of our EPs (Mozambicans going abroad on exchange) to tell him about a really great opportunity I heard about by email yesterday afternoon. It’s a two month position and they are looking for someone who speaks Portuguese and has exactly the background of my EP. It took some doing, because he was a little reluctant and nervous at first, but I convinced him to apply and that this could be a really good opportunity for him. Now I am awaiting his resume and cover letter to send to the AIESECers in the other country. Of course there are other candidates and it’s not for sure that he will be selected, but I think he stands a good chance and I am glad that at least he won’t let the opportunity slip away without even trying. Even if he doesn’t get this position, I think he will be more motivated to look for other options.

Tomorrow I have a meeting with another of our EPs so perhaps the eXcellence will continue!