We are delighted to celebrate the milestone success of Locunda Karam, CEO of Strategic Project Services Ltd based in Cape Town, South Africa, the first graduate of the Institute of Export’s innovative two year Foundation Degree in Professional Practice of International Trade.
Locunda receive her degree from Professor Michael Thorne, Anglia Ruskin University’s Vice Chancellor at the graduation ceremony at Anglia Ruskin’s Lord Ashcroft International Business School in Chelmsford. Developed by the IOE in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University, the ground-breaking degree is designed specifically to meet the needs of businesses and their employees trading in a competitive global market.
Locunda Karam, who has more than 25 years’ experience in international trade and specialised international development, particularly in Southern Africa, says: “The IOE and Anglia Ruskin Team take a personal interest in each student and are most supportive. Anybody in international trade or those wishing to expand their existing experience should strongly consider taking this degree.
“The course includes innovative information about the ever changing global environment. It is especially beneficial for experienced people wishing to up-skill and expand their knowledge in the international business and the global trade environment.”
The graduation ceremony also saw entrepreneur Frank Van Wezel, founder and chairman of sports brand Hi-Tec, receive an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration.
IOE director general Lesley Batchelor comments: “We are really proud of Locunda’s achievements as our first graduate to receive her degree.
“Students and employers know that we are not simply ‘number crunching’ when they sign up for our degree – we are providing long term support to help them to develop and grow their expertise in exporting. Our students praise the pastoral care we give along with the flexibility of the qualification that enables them to fit their studies around work and family lives. Student satisfaction rates are high – on some modules they are 100 percent and to be honest that would not happen if it wasn’t for Kevin Shakespeare our Director of Education and his team at Export House.”
This year the IOE further strengthened the Degree with an additional module which aims to develop analytical, technological, communication and learning skills. The new module covers areas including study skills, work-based learning, personal development and sector specific elements.
Lesley concludes: “It has never been more critical for British companies to match the level of commitment to professionalism in international trade, training and education made by their European and worldwide counterparts.”
For more information of how to apply for the Foundation Degree starting in September 2014 and to download an application form go to http://www.export.org.uk/professional-qualifications/foundation-degree