Discovering nordic markets: Seminar in Sweden for the students of the MSc IMBD
The MSc in International Marketing & Business Development students recently participated in a transformative seminar in Sweden in December, a pivotal component of their global academic journey. Exploring the Swedish business landscape, characterized by its commitment to happiness, innovation, and sustainability, the seminar provided valuable insights. Victor-Lazar BADIN, an MSc participant, shares reflections in an interview, highlighting key aspects such as entrepreneurship, social welfare, sustainability, and Sweden's role in Nordic dynamics. The experience offered a unique perspective on doing business in a country with distinct cultural nuances and the necessity for adaptation.
Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Victor-Lazar BADIN, and I am currently in my fifth year of business studies in the MSc in International Marketing and Business Development (IMBD) at emlyon business school.
My academic journey has been significantly shaped by its international dimension, with studies conducted in four different countries during my first four years pursuing an International Bachelor's program in Business Administration.
Through various experiences, I have developed a particular interest in the field of sales, a passion that grew during my academic exchanges in Canada and the United States. I aim to launch my career as a sales representative in the technology industry.
Why did you choose the MSc in IMBD for your studies?
To maintain coherence with my previous experiences, I was looking for a Master’s program in a top business school that would align with both my international background and chosen field of specialization. Picking the right Master's program is key for kicking off a successful career, especially as a sales manager. Therefore, I needed to choose one that would allow me to clearly show future employers my specialization and the skills I could bring to their company.
Hence, the MSc in IMBD program seemed like an ideal match for my aspirations. This Master of Science provides a unique opportunity for students to benefit from the expertise of doctoral instructors with diverse international backgrounds and robust professional experiences. The cohort itself represents 21 different nationalities (for the 2022-2023 cohort), fostering an environment conducive to learning how to collaborate and communicate across cultures, particularly for those without an existing international background. Additionally, the program incorporates various international experiences, including a one-week seminar in Stockholm and an international term abroad.
How was the international seminar in Sweden and what did you prefer?
All students from the cohort will fondly recall the international seminar in Stockholm as a valuable experience, both professionally and personally. The seminar schedule strikingly balanced visits to multinational companies with the exploration of the capital of a significant country in the international business landscape: Sweden.
Moreover, this seminar allowed students to get to know each other better and share quality moments. Whether it was discussions about the conferences we had just attended, mutual assistance during the "Scavenger Hunt" organized to make us discover the city, or shared moments around a sauna session on the 18th floor of our 4-star hotel with a view of the city, it was a way to fully appreciate the "Scandinavian business” experience altogether.
Numerous additional activities enriched our week, including a visit to the ABBA museum and participation in the national celebration of Saint Lucia on December 13th. These experiences enabled us to deeply engage with the Swedish culture and embrace their strong sense of community. From the very first day of the trip, some groups opted to explore the city, enjoying the enchantment of Stockholm in December, particularly with the Christmas markets in the old town. To cap off the seminar, a farewell dinner was organized for the entire cohort, providing an opportunity for reflection on the week of exploration and a beautiful conclusion to our time together.
I find it challenging to single out a favorite moment, as it's the combination of various cherished experiences that comes to my mind when reflecting on this seminar. Personally, what I valued the most was the quality of the conferences we participated in, being warmly received at the headquarters of major multinationals by top executives. This experience served as significant motivation for us to pursue careers in such companies.
What are the companies you were able to meet? Which one was the most interesting and why?
During the international seminar, we gained insights into Electrolux's activities through a presentation by Paul Palmstedt, Head of External Corporate Communications and Affairs. The same day, Stefan Hugosson, Director of Marketing and Events at Volvo, welcomed us and shared the company's ambitions and core values, rooted in security and sustainability. We also gained an understanding of the macro and micro-economic environment of the Scandinavian countries through a session by Olivier Cuny, Head of Economic Services Nordics at the French Embassy in Stockholm.
The following day, Jan Malmborg, Global Sales Excellence Director at Dassault Systèmes and President of the Franco-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, accompanied by Jonatan Hyltén Jöhnk, enlightened us on the group's activities in Sweden and the recipe for success in a world of new challenges. Additionally, we had the opportunity to meet Charly Lupart, VP Energy Sweden at Schneider Electric, and Valentin Monteiro, Head of Sustainability. Their presentation was impactful and revealed, among other things, the considerable positive impact that Schneider's innovations in building energy efficiency have on the environment.
Finally, Charles Hubert de Montbel, General Manager Nordics of Groupe SEB, warmly welcomed us and unveiled the achievements of this world-leading small household appliances company.
Once again, it is challenging to single out just one conference as each one held its captivating charm. However, from a personal perspective, the opportunity to meet with Jan Malmborg was truly remarkable. He provided us with insights into the significant presence of Dassault Systèmes in the Scandinavian landscape, collaborating closely with local companies to drive innovation. As Mr. Malmborg also serves as the president of the Franco-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, we gained a deeper understanding of the robust business ties between these two leading European countries. This presentation stood out notably, with both speakers fully dedicated to maximizing our understanding of the Scandinavian business landscape and its opportunities.
Can you share a story of the time you have spent in Sweden?
Certainly! Here's a delightful anecdote: as the entire cohort boarded the same plane departing from Lyon Saint-Exupery airport, the collective excitement was tangible. While taking off, a spontaneous burst of energy led everyone to sing ABBA songs together, enhanced by the iconic piano melody of "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!", creating a great atmosphere. Despite diverse backgrounds and nationalities, a strong sense of togetherness permeated the air, symbolizing the start of a rich journey ahead.
How will this international travel be an asset for the rest of your academic and professional journey? What did you learn?
Three key points that come to mind in addressing this question:
- Firstly, the international seminar in Stockholm provided a remarkable opportunity to discover the richness of Sweden in terms of business and innovation, highlighting its role as a major economic player in Europe. Engaging with insightful professionals allowed us to immerse ourselves in their experiences, enhancing our motivation as aspiring business professionals. From a professional standpoint, we now understand the significance of Sweden in the business landscape.
- Secondly, exploring the city, interacting with locals, and delving into the country's history provided valuable insights into Swedish culture. This cultural exposure has become an integral part of our intercultural awareness, facilitating any future business relationships with Scandinavian counterparts we will have throughout our careers.
- Thirdly, this seminar served as a practical exercise for us, future business developers and marketers, offering a firsthand experience of what a business trip entails in terms of organization and logistics. It underscored the importance of meticulous planning, contacting, and confirming meetings with the people to meet in advance, and effectively managing the unexpected.
In conclusion, this trip was a resounding success, adding significant value to our experience in the MSc in International Marketing & Business Development.
