The Future-Ready Skills for Leaders: New York programme is an exceptional initiative bringing together 25 undergraduate students from across Queen’s University Belfast. These students collaborate on projects, developing skills that enable them to become change-makers both at the university and within the wider community. As one of the participants, I can confidently say that this experience has been transformative for me, both personally and professionally.

Find out more about the benefits of the Future-Ready Award at Queen's

My Initial Hesitation

When I first heard about the programme, I was unsure whether to apply. The opportunity seemed incredible, but the prospect of travelling to New York with a group of students I had never met before was daunting. After much contemplation, I realised that pushing myself out of my comfort zone would be beneficial. I saw it as a chance to collaborate with new people and engage with a project theme that I had limited understanding of but was eager to learn about.

Deciding to apply was just the first step. I wrote a letter as part of the application process, expressing my passion for and interest in the programme. To my delight, I received an email shortly after, informing me that I had been selected for an interview. The excitement was mixed with nerves, but a few weeks later, I learned that I had been chosen to represent Queen’s University Belfast in New York.

Pride and apprehension filled me as I prepared for this new adventure. I had never been to New York before and I was thrilled to be getting this opportunity. I knew I was so lucky, but I really did not know I would be in for a life changing experience.

Programme Overview

The project work begins at Queen's University and is enhanced by a short visit to an international city, which changes each year. This year, the destination was New York. The programme focuses on several key areas: Immersive International Experience – Queen’s Strategy 2030, Student Employability, Leadership from a Global Perspective, Cultural Awareness, Global Networking; and Enhancing Student Experience.

Activities included visits to US organisations, talks by senior leaders, team projects, and training in innovation and Design Thinking. The theme for our year was, "How might students contribute to Queen's becoming a Net Zero University by 2040?" We worked in groups to develop ideas that we would later present to companies and alumni in New York.

Working hard on our theme at the workshops

Before heading to New York, we had four days of intensive workshops. These sessions allowed us to bond with our groups and provided excellent Design Thinking training. The workshops equipped us with the skills and confidence needed to tackle our project and prepared us for the networking opportunities awaiting us in New York. Our itinerary for New York looked fantastic, and we were all excited.

We had free time in the evenings to plan what we liked or relax, but I made the most of my time there! Upon arrival, we had a day to relax and complete a 'cultural challenge.' My group chose to explore Staten Island, Chinatown, Little Italy, and SoHo. We even had an unplanned adventure when we took the wrong subway and ended up at the Brooklyn Bridge!

The Programme in Action

The hard work began on Monday with a visit to KPMG, where we discussed sustainable practices. In the afternoon, we enjoyed an informative sustainability tour of Central Park. That evening, some of us visited Summit One Vanderbilt, marvelling at the incredible views.

Attending a network event hosted by the Irish American Partnership

Tuesday brought a meeting with the manager of Fitzpatrick Hotel, who provided insights into sustainability in the hotel industry. The evening was spent at the Irish American Historical Society and a networking event hosted by the Irish American Partnership, where I made lasting connections.

"My self-belief and confidence have soared, and I am now more prepared than ever to tackle future challenges and opportunities."

On Wednesday, we visited the British Consulate to hear about the Mountbatten Programme and New York University, learning about sustainability initiatives at another university. The evening was capped off with an unforgettable experience at a Yankees game.

Thursday took us to Fordham University, where we discussed sustainability with staff and students. In the afternoon, we visited the Irish Permanent Mission to the United Nations and had a guided tour of the UN, aligning our projects with the Sustainable Development Goals. That evening, a few of us enjoyed the spectacular Moulin Rouge on Broadway.

Guided tour of the UN

Friday morning was dedicated to finalising our projects. Exhausted but fulfilled, we appreciated the time to consolidate our ideas. In the evening, we toured the Irish Arts Center and celebrated our achievements as a group at a local Mexican bar.

Reflecting on the experience and final thoughts

As we headed back to Dublin on Saturday, I reflected on the week. This programme was truly a life-changing experience. I formed numerous connections and am now seriously considering working in New York in the future. My confidence in networking and engaging with professionals has grown immensely, and I will forever be grateful to Queen's, and the Programme hosts for such an amazing opportunity.

Enjoying the Yankees!

If you have the opportunity to apply for the Future-Ready Skills for Leaders programme, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, expanded my horizons, and enhanced my skills in ways I never imagined. The combination of intensive project work, cultural immersion, and professional networking has prepared me to be a change-maker both at Queen’s University and beyond.

My self-belief and confidence have soared, and I am now more prepared than ever to tackle future challenges and opportunities. The project has increased my understanding greatly of sustainability and I have definitely become more sustainable as a result.

Find out more

Future-Ready Skills for Leaders

The Future-Ready Award at Queen's

More blogs about Careers and Global Opportunities

Sarah Geraghty Human Biology | Undergraduate Student | Galway, Ireland Hi! I’m Sarah and I’m from Galway. I’m in my second year of Human Biology. I love studying in Belfast, but it took me a while to settle in! I am outgoing and am always up for getting involved in anything!