International experience
Brendan Lee Young, a UNB graduate and current master of business administration student, is applying his experiences in New Brunswick in his native country of Trinidad and Tobago.
In addition to his studies, Lee Young has worked for BIDS, a Fredericton-based firm that distributes bidding opportunities, provides vendor registration services for the Canadian offshore oil and gas sector and public sector procurement opportunities for most Canadian provinces and many U.S. state governments.
”BIDS provides one-stop shop service that helps buyers and suppliers connect more efficiently,” says Lee Young
BIDS, a privately owned firm with several franchises in Atlantic Canada, is considering expanding its services outside of the region.
And that’s where Lee Young is eager to help.
“Trinidad and Tobago is experiencing a great deal of economic growth. It has a thriving oil and gas sector and growing government needs. I believe BIDS could provide a valuable service that could help both the private sector and government.”
Expanding BIDS to a new area would also provide Atlantic Canadian companies with more exposure to international opportunities.
While home in Trinidad and Tobago for the summer Lee Young is developing business contacts for BIDS.
“This is a great opportunity for Brendan and for BIDS,” says Hart North, BIDS President.
This project will allow BIDS to benefit from Brendan’s education and for him to gain experience in developing this important Caribbean market
Applying business knowledge
Lee Young earned a bachelor of business administration from UNB in 2009. During his undergraduate studies, he also participated in export partnering program through the Faculty of Business Administration. He returned in January 2012 to do his MBA at UNB Fredericton.
“I enjoyed my undergraduate experience and I decided to return and do my MBA so that I could further develop as an entrepreneur. UNB is quickly becoming the go to place in Atlantic Canada for entrepreneurial education with a number of great programs such as Activator.”
Lee Young also noted UNB’s International Business and Entrepreneurship Centre, the Wallace McCain Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership and the Pond-Deshpande Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship as other examples of UNB’s growing focus on entrepreneurship.
“If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur UNB is becoming the place to be.”
Putting theory into practice
For Lee Young, this summer initiative represents a chance to gain valuable experience in business development, government relations, marketing and sales.
“I’ve learned a great deal in the classroom at UNB and through real-life experience with BIDS. I’m eager to continue to apply what I’ve learned and to gain even more experience,” he adds.
Contributed by David Shipley, UNB Communications & Marketing.
