Honoured: Ameeta Virk MBE

International trade expert who created Exeter’s first ‘Professional Pathways’ programme appointed MBE

An international trade adviser who has helped launch the careers of over 200 Exeter graduates was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Ameeta Virk, a Market Leader at the Department for International Trade (DIT), received the honour for her services to the economy.

Ameeta has spearheaded a number of novel initiatives to drive UK international trade, including the creation of the Pathways to International Trade programme with the University of Exeter. The programme, now in its eighth year, sees Exeter students receive practical training from industry specialists and trade advisers in the key areas of global trade, including international marketing and sales, cultural awareness, research, and product localisation.

After a week’s training with the Department for International Trade, the students then undertake an internship at a local SME looking to export, many of which have worked with DIT to grow their international sales.

“To be able to influence our future leaders is incredibly motivating and the fact we’re able to share our real-world knowledge with students from a completely practical standpoint as opposed to an academic one is a real privilege,” Ameeta said.

Over eight years around 200 Exeter students have taken advantage of the programme, ranging from first year undergraduates to PhD candidates, and with degree backgrounds as diverse as law, history and maths.

“Many have gone on to pursue careers in international trade, a few have entered the civil service, and several have gained permanent employment with their intern company,” said Ameeta.

The Pathways to International Trade programme has been so successful that Exeter now offers other Professional Pathways programmes in Arts, Culture and Heritage; Charity and Development; Marketing; and Scientific Laboratories.

Each involves sector-specific training courses delivered by industry experts and paid 35-hour internships

Outside of Professional Pathways, Ameeta has led numerous initiatives that have helped drive UK exports into the US and India and directly impacted the growth of South-West businesses. 

During the pandemic, she designed virtual market visits to India and the USA in the Tech4Good arena, supporting a range of SMEs that offer technology solutions to improve social, environmental and/or health outcomes.

Other export innovations include an accelerator for businesses to launch into fast growing retail markets, a monthly virtual session created during the pandemic for exporters to voice their challenges and exchange ideas and the design of masterclasses to educate SMEs on the critical points of international market entry. 

She described receiving an MBE as a ‘very special honour’, adding: “Being recognised for work that I feel so passionate about means more to me than I can put into words and fills me with energy to do even more both locally and internationally.”

Steven Wallers, Employer Engagement and Student Employment Manager at University of Exeter, praised Ameeta for her involvement in the professional development of so many Exeter students, adding: “We are so pleased for Ameeta that all her work to drive UK international trade has been recognised with an MBE, and are grateful on behalf of the many students past and present that have launched their careers thanks to the Professional Pathways programme she was so instrumental in developing.”

Date: 11 July 2022