Sachpreet Chandhoke (right), a third-year student at York’s Schulich School of Business, is one of 27 young Canadians to receive an International Studies scholarship from Export Development Canada (EDC). Made available by EDC’s Education & Youth Employment (EYE) strategy and administered by EDC’s Partner Universities, the scholarships, valued at approximately $14,000 each, were announced in December.
“I am incredibly honoured to be the York recipient of the EDC scholarship. A work term at EDC offers a great learning and growing opportunity, both professionally and personally,” said Chandhoke. “This experience will allow me to learn from leading trade finance experts about international trade and will also help me to further define my career objectives.”
The scholarships are awarded to top undergraduate students in business and economics and to MBA students, based on their demonstrated interest in finance, international business or international relations, as well as their leadership potential and academic achievement.
“EDC is proud to support these students as they pursue opportunities in the world of international business,” said EDC President and CEO A. Ian Gillespie. “We offer students relevant work experience in addition to scholarships to better prepare them for the challenges they will face in today’s competitive business environment.”
In addition to a financial award of $3,000 for undergraduates and $5,000 for graduates, all students are also offered a four-month work term opportunity at EDC’s head office in Ottawa, bringing the total value of the award to about $14,000.
“I will be doing the work term, and will be living and working in Ottawa next summer. I have asked to work in the International Markets Research Division. I chose this area because it would enhance my understanding of international business and because I enjoy research,” said Chandhoke. “In addition, there will be several students from other universities in this division and EDC offers a profusion of learning opportunities including training on Bloomberg, Reuters, and even language classes. I am striving toward a career in consulting, and I am confident that the experience I will gain from my EDC work term will strengthen my skills and prepare me for a career as a consultant.”
Since 1999, more than 90 students have benefited from EDC scholarships and work terms and many have used the experience to pursue careers in international trade. For additional information about EDC’s EYE Strategy and International Studies Scholarship, please go to www.edc.ca/youth.
EDC provides trade finance and risk management services to Canadian exporters and investors in up to 200 markets. Founded in 1944, EDC is a Crown corporation that operates as a commercial financial institution.