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 theEuropean 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 Montreuxcampus 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.

A successful alumnus of European University’s MBA program in Montreux, Mr. Chura was born in Moscow, Russia and has been educated primarily in the United States and Switzerland. As a natural continuation to his international education and career to that point, Mr. Chura joined EU in order to equip himself with the tools required for a career change and enrolled in theGlobal Banking & Finance MBA major in 2006.

Even before his 2007 graduation he was asked to join Eurogestion, a hedge fund based in Geneva. He is currently a financial analyst whose duties include acquiring new investors from his native Russia, following-up from fund managers and reporting to the investment committee.

An alumnus from European University Geneva, Mr. Juichi Nagano is currently applying his MBA skills in the political arena to pursue a very successful career in the Trade Policy Bureau division of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Currently Director of the Multilateral Trade System Department, Mr. Nagano is responsible for free trade agreement negotiations and for international investment systems within METI. More specifically, Mr. Nagano is accountable for new areas in the context of the World Trade Organization, the Doha Development Agenda and so-called ‘Singapore Issues’ including investment, competition, trade facilitation and transparency in government procurement. He is responsible for research and negotiation in free trade agreements with Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and The Philippines. He is also involved in the study on the possible modality of trilateral investment arrangements between Japan, China and Korea. Prior to joining the Trade Policy Bureau, Mr. Nagano was extensively involved in activities of standards and conformity assessment, including a secondment to the International Organization for Standardization Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland.

Mr. Damien Oberholzer returned to European University Montreuxto give a talk entitled “Making a career in wealth management”. Mr. Oberholzer graduated in 2007and holds an MBA degree with amajor in Banking & Finance from EU Montreux.

Thanks to the flexible EU study options, he was able to complete this MBA part-time and combine his buy professional life as a Portfolio Manager (2007–2009) and Client Advisor (Private Banking, 2009 to present). After an informative and engaging session for the students, EU Today caught up with Mr. Oberholzer and asked him to give his views on the values 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?

Mr. Oberholzer: First of all, it was a pleasure to come back to European University as anAlumni. The most interesting part was trying to bring to students information about job opportunities in the financial industry. After being a student at EU, I felt it was the right thing to come back and to give valuable advice about what you can expect from working in banking. The main goal of my presentation was to create an interest for the financial sector and answer important questions about choosing banking as a career path.

EU Today: When did you realize how important your education from EU was in your career path?

Mr. Oberholzer: I completed my MBA part-time as I was already working. Therefore, my education at EU gave me all the necessary theoretical skills that I needed in order to respond correctly to my employer. Furthermore, the international environment gave me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. I learned essential skills needed in a global environment such as cultural differences, differences in working styles and how to network internationally. But learning never ends. Once in a company you constantly needs to participate to new internal or external education sources in order to be on top and demonstrate your willingness to progress.

EU Today: How did you feel as you looked back on your time in our MBA program?

Mr. Oberholzer: When I look back at my time at EU, I feel I had an enormous chance to meet certain professors who did not only teach me a subject but also motivate me to reach specific goals. I also feel really proud of being part of a powerful and international network such as the Alumni network.

EU Today: What do you remember about the time you were studying and your colleagues?

Mr. Oberholzer: I remember the time I had to rush out of work to be in class at 18.00–21.00, then going back home, eat, sleep and go back to work. It was a tough time but really rewarding. I also remember the time we spent in Mokachino in Montreux debating different subjects during breaktime with teachers and students. Last but not least, I remember the weekends in Gstaadt with some alumni and students. Great fun and parties.

EU Today: Why do you feel the Alumni Network is an important part of the guest lecturer program?

Mr. Oberholzer: As I explained during my presentation, networking is really important in today’s business world. The Alumni Network is a large base of connections that a graduate can use for finding jobs or develop a business. That is the reason I encouraged all the students to be part of the Alumni Network through the website or through Linkedin.com where EU has a group and several sub-groups. By introducing Alumni through Guest Lecturer Program, it enhances this merger process between students and alumni and also between alumni themselves. If a more people across all working sectors and with hierarchical positions went through European University, imagine all the possibilities and opportunities thet could create. For example, as a Private Banker this network is a superb potential partner. It opens a gate on the international environment that no one would have without EU.

On 7th August, at Villars Golf Club, over 20 former EU students joined together for the 2nd Alumni Golf Event.

It was a wonderful day and guests enjoyed the stunning views of Mont Blanc and Les Dents–du–Midi mountains, which can be seen from the magnificent golf club idyllically located in the middle of the Alps.

Such an enjoyable event – we can’t wait for next year’s tournament!

For information about other alumni activities, please see the Alumni Grid pages, or check out our links on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets.

European University (EU) is proud to announce its new memberships to both the European Foundation for Business Development (EFMD) and the Society for Advancement of Management (SAM), which strengthen EU’s position as one of Europe’s leading business schools.

The EFMD is an international membership organization, based in Brussels, Belgium. With more than 730 member organizations from academia, business, public service and consultancy in 82 countries, EFMD provides a unique forum for information, research, networking and debate on innovation and best practice in management development.

EFMD is recognized globally as an accreditation body of quality in management education and has established accreditation services for business schools and business school programs, corporate universities and technology-enhanced learning programs.

The SAM is a non-profit organization run and advanced by hundreds of volunteers. Its members come from a variety of disciplines (productions, finance, marketing, accounting, research and development, and entrepreneurship), but share a common bond of interest in becoming stronger managers. SAM builds bridges among academicians, practitioners, and students not only to better share management expertise, but also to develop and promote new management ideas.

European University’s Swiss campuses held their Commencement Ceremony on 16^th June, at the elegant Château Maison Blanche, seat of EU’s Executive Center. Thevenue overlooks the stunning mountain range Les Dents-du-Midi, the surrounding vineyards and the neighboring of Yvorne. Students from the Bachelor, Master and PhD programs, representing 37 nationalities, were hosted alongside special guests, friends and family members, to help celebrate their achievements and mark the start of their new lives.

Distinguished guests included former Prime Minister of Lebanon, His Excellency Najib Mikati, Dr Rhonda Mack from Charleston College, Colonel Morisod of the International Military Sports Council, a representative of the Chinese Ministry of Education, and several ambassadors.

After the ceremony, graduates and guests attended the cocktail reception, held in the Executive Centre, where live music, wine from our Trustee and local Mayor Philippe Gex’s vineyards along with delicious dishes from Chef Philippe Guignard awaited them. Celebrations continued into the evening ensuring a special night to remember for the proud alumni.

For more information about the event, watch the video!

EU's 2010 Graduates

The Yirwal Women’s Association, a village in the West African country of Burkina Faso, wrote to give the university some very positive feedback after an EU donation enabled the community there to construct two flour mills.

They report that they have created a trust to generate revenue from the mills, which are also used by inhabitants of nearby villages. This is bringing revenue to the Association, helping them to advance agricultural projects and pay for the maintenance of the mills.

Chicken is a staple of the Burkina Faso diet and as they are fed with corn extracts, it is a profitable business. Money raised has been invested in solar powered electricity to the village school. This means that the building can be used at night, and an Association representative will approach the local Minister of Education to see if a project to enhance adult literacy in Yirwal can be approved.

Previous articles can be found in the February 2010 EU E-Newsletter and EU Today 15/Summer 2010, available in both print and online versions.

On 30th April, 23 students from the Geneva and Montreux campuses took a trip to Nestlé’s international headquarters in Vevey.

The group was welcomed by Mrs Guarnero who gave a  presentation on the group activities and further development. It was then followed by a Q&A session. Students were guided through the exhibition area where all of Nestlé’s products were on display and had the possibility to sample some of the products.

Students had the opportunity to see how successful companies and organizations put business theory into practice.  Such visits also provide excellent opportunities for students to fine-tune their business etiquette and networking skills, something which will prove invaluable to them in their future careers.

Second year Project Management students and third year Total Quality Management students were lucky enough to be invited to an industrial visit at Frank Muller’s headquarters in Geneva. This was an exceptional event as Frank Muller rarely extends such invitations to students. Professor de Grandbois was with the students who received a tour of the site, saw the manufacturing of the watches and were given a detailed insight into their complicated  workings, as well as enjoyed a presentation on the Frank Muller group.