WHAT IS YOUR DAY JOB AT HBS?
My job title – Educational Programs Manager Europe, is quite cryptic and it doesn’t say much of what I concretely do, as it often happens. I’m based at the Europe Research Center in Paris and I work for the MBA program 90% of my time. I work for Admissions (organizing MBA presentation all over Europe and engaging with the European admits) and for CPD (consolidating and developing our relations with European companies and I am a Career Coach). I also manage the HBS European Advisory Board, which is mainly composed of CEOs that are alumni of friends of the School and advise us and help the work of the Center in Europe.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN A PROGRAM MANAGER BEFORE?
Yes, I have been a PM three times: in Istanbul, Chengdu and Jakarta. It has always been for FIELD, this is my first time working for the IFC.
WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT TRAVELING WITH STUDENTS AND FACULTY?
Travelling together, exploring new countries and discovering new cultures is a great bonding experience. I work daily with students, from the moment they think of applying to HBS until after they graduate through coaching and alumni events. It will be great to have shared this experience. On top of that, under the guidance of HBS faculty, I’m always amazed at how much they teach and share and how approachable they are at the same time.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO LEARN IN CHINA?
China has always fascinated me and I’m hoping for a deep dive in this ever changing culture. I’m also very curious of discovering Taiwan, the differences between the 2 countries and what is currently changing in their relationship.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU CAN’T TRAVEL WITHOUT?
I think my music. I travel a lot and from time to time I just want to relax and isolate myself from the turmoil around me in airports, planes, subways, trains…
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A TRAVELER, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
- Jet lagged: I deal very badly with it.
- Curious: The first things that attract me are the history and traditions of the places I visit.
- Well-organized: I’m definitely not a-“hey, let’s find a cheap ticket and fly out today”-type of person, I plan my trips months in advance.
IF YOU COULD SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE, WHICH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Heavens no, I’m shocked my brain has room for the 6 it comprehends now.