| Howdy, my name is Makayla Becker, and I am a management major at Mays. I am studying sustainable entrepreneurship in beautiful, bonnie Scotland, which has been a fantastic experience so far! We have officially been in Glasgow, Scotland, for a whole week, and I have enjoyed every minute of it! The people here have been so lovely, and I have loved learning more about Scottish culture as well as its history!
Through our program, we have been able to explore Glasgow and travel to two different companies that both deal with preventing waste and ensuring that sustainability is at the center of everything they do. Meeting with these businesses and learning about their management methodologies and business processes has allowed me to see the practical application of my studies. It also has given me further insight into how to run a business sustainably and observe some of the different business models and strategies they use. An example of this would be how one of the companies uses a closed-loop movement system in their business model, which is simply the reuse of the same materials repeatedly to create new products for purchase. Seeing some of these concepts from the classroom being applied and used in everyday business management is proving to be an excellent opportunity that helps expand my understanding of how entrepreneur-focused business models can be applied to a specific industry, such as sustainable energy. Something that has stuck with me was what the waste data analytics company said during our visit with them “If you can measure it, you can change it.” This shows how committed they are to changing how people think about waste and how they more effectively and efficiently handle it using more sustainable methods. Glasgow, Scotland, has been such an incredible sight, from its historical buildings and architecture to its people and food. One of the differences that have been interesting to see is how in Scotland, after a meal out, the servers do not immediately bring the check to you because they do not want to rush you and want you to enjoy your time at the restaurant. Compared to the USA, where they want to rush you and will bring the check to you quickly after you finish your food, hoping to get the next customer at the table. Plus, the need to tip is not necessary in the UK, but in the USA, there is a suggestion at the bottom of your check on how much you tip. With that being said, I am so excited to learn more, not just about this country and its rich history but, most importantly, how sustainability and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand. I cannot wait to tell you all more about our fun adventures in the coming weeks! T?oraidh an-dr?sta! (Cheerio for now!) |
