How the organizational team of Next Step Connections furthers the mission of preparing future generations for the world

At the heart of Next Step Connections , a visionary organization committed to global education, the organizational team within the company exemplifies the mission of equipping young individuals and future leaders for an increasingly interconnected world. By facilitating overseas internships, the team not only fosters professional skills and practical know-how but also enhances cultural understanding and personal growth among students.?

This mission is embodied by Jihan Davincka and Ria Lestari , whose dedicated efforts ensure that each internship is more than just a learning experience – it's a transformative journey into global citizenship for today’s ever-changing, fast-moving, and increasingly ambiguous world.

Jihan, based in Jakarta, Indonesia, has been with the company within the organizational department since early 2022. Her background as a remote worker and mother of three enriches her understanding of the flexibility and support needed in modern educational endeavors. "This job is like reviving my younger self’s dreams by helping students achieve the experience they desire," Jihan shares, highlighting her personal connection to the organization's goals.

Ria, a fellow colleague within the same department, operates from Bandung, Indonesia, and brings a wealth of experience from her previous nine-year tenure in the finance department of a luxury hotel. Transitioning to Next Step Connections two years ago, she found a new avenue to impact young lives. "I was excited about the chance to work with a global team and help facilitate meaningful learning experiences for students from around the world."

Day to day, both Jihan and Ria's responsibilities at the company showcase the extensive work and meticulous care required to create the best experiential learning opportunities for students. Their days are a blend of administrative excellence and proactive engagement, ensuring every internship is not just a placement but a stepping stone to greater understanding and personal development.

For example, Jihan begins her day by reviewing applications from potential interns and carefully assessing each candidate's qualifications against the available work opportunities. Her role requires a keen eye for alignment between a student's career goals and the educational opportunities provided by internships. Beyond just matching profiles, she conducts preliminary interviews and provides the students with preparatory advice to ensure they are fully equipped for their roles. "It's about understanding each student's needs and how these align with our mission to foster global competence," Jihan explains. She also frequently communicates with partner companies, discussing placement opportunities and tailoring each internship to meet the educational and personal growth objectives of the students.

Ria's day-to-day is equally dynamic. "My role involves a lot of coordination – from scheduling interviews to managing the necessary documentation for admissions and placements. Our responsibility is to connect the next generation of leaders with tailored learning experiences throughout Asia, empowering them to realize their full potential."?

Jihan's personal touch in her work, especially her interactions with students from diverse backgrounds, underscores the transformative potential of these work opportunities. She recalls one especially memorable moment helping students in Africa who lacked confidence and international work opportunities, explaining, "I shared several technical skills with those who needed them, and they were very happy with my help, it brings me a lot of happiness that I can add value for them."

Ria also highlights the organization's innovative approaches to enhancing student learning experiences, such as the Virtual Career Event she coordinated in 2023. This event not only provided networking opportunities for alumni but also allowed Ria to hone her event-planning skills.?

Ultimately, though, the importance of experiential learning resonates strongly with both Jihan and Ria.?

"Experiential learning is essential for students today because it gives them real-world experience, helping them learn by doing," explains Ria. This philosophy aligns perfectly with Next Step Connections' overarching goal: to prepare students not just academically but also practically for the challenges of the global marketplace and world.

“Our organizational team is fundamental in sculpting the framework through which students can gain invaluable global insights and practical skills, preparing them for the complexities of the global landscape,” explains the founder of Next Step Connections, Jér?me Le Carrou .?

"In education, prioritizing experiential learning over traditional memory-based approaches is pivotal. We actively engage participants in a practical, sensory-rich process, urging them to identify what genuinely resonates during their learning journey. This isn't just an intellectual exercise; it's about connecting on a physical and emotional level. Whether it's navigating a new job or a foreign country, these experiences leave a lasting impact.”?

"My advice is to take as many opportunities as you can while you are young. When we get old, we will regret more for the things that we didn't do than the things that we did," encourages Jihan.?