Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs (EDGE) Scotland
"Leading a project was also a learning experience for me in time management, work delegation, and conflict resolution. EDGE is definitely unique in this manner; I can't think of any other internship where students are in charge of leading a project."
-Akhil Mehta, SEAS 2011, EDGE Summer Intern
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Program Overview
Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs (EDGE) Scotland is a unique summer experiential education program in consulting and entrepreneurship in Glasgow, Scotland. The program is run by Scottish Enterprise, a government agency that assists small and medium enterprises (SME’s) with economic development initiatives, in collaboration with Columbia University and the University of Glasgow.
The EDGE Scotland program aims to facilitate short and long-term community and economic development. The program brings together 16 students from Columbia University with students from international universities to work together to foster community and economic development through consulting projects with enterprises throughout Scotland.
Working closely with clients and business advisors, student consulting teams are challenged to solve real-world business problems by analyzing the business climate, identifying opportunities for innovation, and proposing solutions to create a more entrepreneurial and economically vibrant culture.
Program Features
As part of the EDGE program, those students selected as participants will receive the following:
- Pre-Departure Training
- Logistical overview of the program.
- ₤150 per week stipend for the duration of the program
- Housing for eight weeks in university residences (Required)
- Meals during first week Immersion Program
- Unlimited transportation cards
- Student flights to Glasgow (on a case-by-case basis, based on Financial Support Application information)
Pre-departure training
Students selected for the EDGE program participate in a one-day, pre-departure training program consisting of an overview of the consulting industry, best practices, problem solving, project planning, client interaction, team effectiveness, research methods and sources, and case studies. Students also get a chance to meet their peer group going to Scotland, speak with past participants of the program and discuss any logistical questions with the program manager.
In-Country Eight Week Program 
Immersion Program: EDGE Scotland participants spend one week learning about entrepreneurship, consulting, enterprise leadership, cross cultural teamwork, and economic development. Presenters for the immersion program include business school faculty, guest speakers and professionals in the consulting field. Seven weeks on consulting projects: Supported by business advisors, EDGE interns work in mixed teams on two consultancy projects for small and medium-sized enterprises. Projects implement strategies and plans for business growth and development. Business plan writing: EDGE interns work in their mixed teams to produce business plans addressing their consulting projects, with the support of business advisors and Scottish Enterprise staff. Client presentations: EDGE consulting teams deliver their business plan and recommendations in a presentation to their clients. As part of the program, all interns go through mock presentations to practice communication, presentation skills and content review. Interns are given feedback to prepare for before final client meetings. EDGE Group Activities: organized by University of Glasgow, cultural activities will include a tour of Scottish Parliament and end of program Awards Ceremony.
Program Benefits
Upon completion of the EDGE program, students will be able to write and create a business plan, conduct client meetings and business presentations. Students will also be able to demonstrate applied knowledge of consulting, project management, teamwork, mentoring and effective communication. Additionally, students will gain the ability to synthesize knowledge and think critically to solve real world problems, as evidenced through their two consulting case projects.
Student Experiences
Colin Sullivan joined EDGE to explore his interest in the consulting and business fields. Read Colin's blog to get a first hand account of what it was like living and working in Scotland for a summer.
Akhil Mehta wanted to participate in the EDGE program to meet and work with people from around the world and learning about the Scottish culture. Read Akhil's blog to find out what he learned.
Ellie Lan applied to the EDGE Program because she wanted to try something new and different. Read Ellie's blog to get a first hand account of her experience that helped her learn, change, and grow.
FAQs
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Contacts
If you have questions about this program, please contact:
Syeda Lewis
Assistant Director of Experiential Education & Student Enterprises
sl3067@columbia.edu