Hello, my name is David Kennedy. I’m a first-year undergraduate student studying Politics and Economics at the University of Exeter. After a competitive application process, I have won a place on the ‘New York Experience.’ This is a 4-week internship in New York city provided by the charity The Amos Bursary.

The first week of the internship will consist of an introduction to New York. During the next 3 weeks I will be working in the financial sector with KPMG. Having the chance to work with one of ‘the big four’ auditing firms will benefit me personally and professionally. 

Professionally, I will gain a first-hand insight into the financial sector and discover what it takes to thrive in such an environment.Through working alongside experienced employees, I can learn from their expertise to hone my own skills. What’s more, by forging relationships with my colleagues I can build on my own network. Studies have shown that 65% of employers find candidates with  international work experience more employable. So, this opportunity can increase my future career prospects.

The benefits of such an opportunity aren’t limited solely to career progression; this will help to bolster my personal development also. By embarking on this journey I’ll be stepping out of my comfort zone and will have to adapt to the new circumstances accordingly. Such an immediate transition is bound to enhance my soft skills like organisation and time management.

Furthermore, in an increasingly globalised world, spending a month in New York will help to increase my cultural awareness, as I immerse myself in a new country and culture.

Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated. They will go towards the costs of flights, accommodation, and living expenses.

This experience wouldn’t be possible without the Amos Bursary. As a charity they seek to empower young men of African and Caribbean heritage to realise their full potential. I’ve been with the Bursary for just under two years now and through this time I’ve made huge strides in terms of progress. This progress was rewarded as I was upgraded from an associate to a scholar last year (meaning that I’m now part of the main programme.) Despite these positive steps I have made so far, there is still a long way to go.

However, through your donations and support I know that this programme will take me a lot closer to fulfilling my ultimate career goal of going into management consultancy.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.