Jennifer Livingstone - Hyderabad
Jennifer spent 2005 interning in Hyderabad, India, learning the ropes of microfinance.
About Jennifer
Who are you?
My name is Jennifer Livingstone and I am from Ottawa, Ontario. I graduated from Queen’s with a degree in finance. My previous overseas experience includes a summer internship with Chubb Insurance in Paris, France. I’ve also worked for Industry Canada and traveled to Tanzania, Kenya, Costa Rica, Spain, Switzerland and England.
Where were you posted?
I was posted with APMAS (Andhra Pradesh Mahila Abhiuruddhi Society) in Hyderabad, India.
Why did you decide to take part in AKFC’s Fellowship in Microfinance and Microenterprise?
I learned about the IMM program while in my fourth year of a Bachelor’s of Commerce degree and immediately knew that this was a program in which I wanted to participate. As a finance major, I was interested in working with numbers; however I have always had a strong desire to pursue a career in international development. The IMM program seemed the ideal way to accomplish both of these seemingly incompatible goals.
What did you learn from your fellowship experience?
My internship with APMAS in Hyderabad, India, was undoubtedly the best learning experience I’ve had, both personally and professionally. Personally, I learned that I am capable of living and working in a developing country – something I plan to do again in the future. Professionally, I learned about the joys and difficulties of grassroots development and project implementation. My experience in India cemented my desire to work in international development, and provided me with a strong foundation from which to build my career. Upon my return to Canada, I accepted a role as a financial analyst with a leading global corporation, where I am enhancing my financial and business skills. I plan to use the both the skills I gained in India and in my current role to pursue a career in microfinance.
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