Last night, I was invited to take part in an online networking session with 35 Horizon Scholars.
For some context, since 2011, the Horizon Scholarship Program has been integral in developing and supporting the next generation of ag leaders, game changers and thought makers of Australian agriculture. The program takes the best and brightest university students from across the country and provides them with financial support along with significant opportunities for personal development, growth and networking opportunities.
A key component of the Program traditionally is its annual four-day workshop covering a range of topics including;
- Emerging food industries
- Understanding the Australian agricultural landscape.
- Innovation & agritech
- Community Trust
- Industry networking
This year, COVID-19 meant that the program has had to pivot to virtual. There was a second novel addition to this year’s agenda.
- Understanding the New Zealand agritech landscape and the opportunity for trans-Tasman collaboration.
This is where I came in. Over ZOOM, my sessions were based on a speed networking model where I met 1 – 2 Horizon Scholars at a time in a virtual breakout room. There were multiple rounds of networking, together thankfully with breaks. Given the different time zones, it was a long night. There was no set agenda for each session. Rather an opportunity for the Scholars to ask me questions, explore new avenues and expand their networks.
Thanks to Georgina at AgriFutures for inviting me to take part. It was great to meet such inspiring young ag leaders. To my cohort; Anna, Sacha, Matt, Julia & Andrew, I look forward to staying in contact. The conversations were as informative to me as I hope they were to the Scholars.
In the words of my colleagues in the US. ‘Good job’!
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