
Changing food security with my own business
- Job title
- ESG Officer
- Company
- Viberoptix
- Programme
- MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Graduation year
- 2021
The course
Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS)?
While finishing my undergraduate degree in 2019, I started my own business and realised I needed a deeper understanding of the business world. This led me to let go of my scientific interests and decline an offer to study plant biotechnology. Instead, I chose the University of Edinburgh Business School because of its innovative curriculum, strong focus on entrepreneurship, business leadership, sustainability, and impressive global networking opportunities.
Before starting my programme, I attended a global networking session led by Business School alum Alan Jope, who at the time, was the global CEO of Unilever. The session convinced me that Edinburgh was the place for the professional growth I was seeking. Additionally, Edinburgh's renowned entrepreneurial spirit and vibrant start-up scene made it ideal for providing the business exposure I was looking for.
What was it about the degree programme that particularly attracted you?
I was drawn to the programme's holistic, experiential learning approach, especially the hands-on consultancy business deep dive and teamwork-driven group assignments. These experiences have armed me with the skills to drive growth and manage change in my business and career.
Courses like Managing Innovation, rooted in real case studies, have been pivotal for mastering systems change in my venture and workplace. Reflective essays have also been crucial, helping me draw lessons, refine strategies, and improve the implementation of systems change.
Your career
Can you tell us about your career before and after graduating?
Before starting my Master's at Edinburgh, I was the Product Development Director at my start-up, Chashi Foods. Simultaneously, I managed my charity, Life Hope Future Association (LiHFA).
During my studies, I worked part-time as a Climate Innovation Intern at Solidaridad Network Organisation, aiding in sustainability initiatives, nationally determined contribution (NDC) assessments for COP pledges for different countries in Africa, and exploring business opportunities for grants.
After graduation, I became a Graduate Environmental Officer at Dunbia Group in South Wales, where I merged my undergraduate and master's skills. I focused on environmental compliance, waste management, ISO certifications, employee behaviour change towards sustainability and environmental management.
Currently, I work as an Environmental, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) Officer at Viberoptix, a principal designer in the UK Government's Gigabit project aiming to connect rural communities across the UK. I handle environmental compliance, maintain ISO accreditations, implement sustainable practices, foster cultural change, and manage different project work including biodiversity and sustainable procurement.
Edinburgh's renowned entrepreneurial spirit gave me vital business exposure.Forget Shareka MSc
How did your degree prepare you for your career?
The programme equipped me with essential business knowledge, crucial for running my venture and in my career. I apply skills from various courses to analyse business systems, propose cost-effective changes, and promote sustainability. Critical thinking, teamwork, and reflective essays prepared me to work seamlessly in diverse environments while being flexible and open for change. The reflections continue to aid me in implementing systems change and staying open to other people's ideas and adapt to new changes.
Outside the curriculum, programmes like compassionate leadership sessions, really equipped me to work with others. Compassion is at the centre of my work.
Masters of Change
What are the changes you have been able to make in your chosen field, of which you are most proud?
Through Chashi Foods and LiHFA, I've empowered over 500 young and smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe, across Africa, and in Costa Rica with agribusiness skills, helping them achieve food and nutrition security.
I co-authored the smart agriculture guide for Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) used to train more than 100,000 women and created 770 jobs for young women in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Ghana.
In my daily work, I champion sustainable development, planetary protection, and public health. It fills my heart to know that my efforts are making a positive impact today and for future generations. The time to balance business success with saving our planet and caring for people's health is now.
What key things that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?
Strong support systems and networks are crucial for success, be it personal or career-wise. From the academic side, it is systems thinking, which is crucial in everything we do in any institution if we are to promote change and effective systems for positive outcomes.
Course highlights and advice
What are your best memories on the programme?
My 12 months at the Business School were absolutely unforgettable. The first amazing moment was receiving the message from the Mastercard Foundation that I was given the scholarship to pursue my further education at the globally renowned university.
Winning the 100-second pitch competition at the Business School was a standout moment and securing invaluable business accelerator support from Edinburgh Innovations. Additionally, receiving the Ellie Maxwell Award for my charity work and participating in global platforms like COP26 were significant highlights. Being honoured with the Being Edinburgh Award 2024 was the icing on the cake.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support system and amazing people at the University of Edinburgh. They are my greatest treasures, making every moment at Edinburgh truly special.
What one piece of advice would you give to current students and recent graduates?
Make the most of your programme and time at the University of Edinburgh. Dare to go the extra mile to achieve something meaningful to you. When you are given the opportunity to serve, do an excellent job.
For recent graduates, the world is your oyster; spread your wings and be open-minded. If things fail to work accordingly, embrace the opportunity to learn from what went wrong and start afresh.
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