EU Switzerland students recently had the pleasure of welcoming EU Alumnus Neil Longson to give a Career Development Seminar in Geneva and Montreux. Currently Vice-President of Business Development for the Canadian Division of W.W. Grainger Inc., Mr. Longson finished his MBA at EU Montreux in 1988. EU Today took the opportunity to talk to Mr. Longson, ask his opinion about how the presentation had gone and to comment on the value of EU education.

EU Today: What was the highlight of your presentation? In other words, what did you like most about the time you had with our students?
Neil Longson: For me the highlight of the day was spending the last 45 minutes answering questions from the students and hearing about their key issues in moving their careers forward. While each individual student had different questions and issues based on their experiences and the countries they come from, they have a consistent goal of wanting to learn and grow their careers whether it be through the corporate world  or as an independent entrepreneur.
EU Today: When did you realize how important your education from European University was in your career path?
Neil Longson: Prior to attending European University I realized that going back to earn an MBA was going to be an important part of my future as I had clear goals of the level of responsibility I wanted to achieve with an organization, and I felt that an MBA was an essential part of the path in achieving these goals. About three years after graduating from the European University MBA program, I was asked to return to Europe to complete an international assignment. The education I received at European University was an advantage as I had been exposed to many different types of students and business situations from different countries. This experience assisted me with this assignment as
well as having my employer view me as being open to relocating for international assignments.

EU Today: How do you feel as you look back on your time in our MBA program?
Neil Longson: For me, one of the most important aspects of the EU MBA program were the friendships I formed with my fellow students. Many of these relationships I still maintain today. In addition, the diversity of EU faculty truly brought a global perspective to the program.
EU Today: Where was the campus located when you were studying with us, and what do you remember about the location and your colleagues?
When I attended EU it was at the Montreux Campus in Switzerland. In 1987 the MBA Montreux campus was located on the Grand Rue. Mostly
I remember that my colleagues and I worked on case studies during the day and then attended classes at night. There were about 20 students in
our class and in addition to working on class programs we also celebrated each others’ birthdays and the different national holidays.

EU Today: Why do you feel the Alumni Network is an important part of the Career Development Program?
Neil Longson: Throughout various companies and organizations, I have seen where the relationship between the school and the alumni has been beneficial in building a global network which continues to support and invest in the school. Many companies continue to have a preference for certain institutions and it is up to the alumni to continue to build on the reputation of EU with their outstanding work and thus continue to  provide new opportunities for graduating students. Current and future alumni can be valuable in helping graduating students enter the  workforce and for providing introductions to new organizations. Overall I really enjoyed spending time with the students on career development and would welcome the opportunity do so again or to come back and occasionally teach. EU is continuing to attract exceptional students and with the continued efforts of the staff and the alumni I am convinced its students will continue to be highly sought by employers in the years to come.