A New Year

Hello to one and all, near and far. As we see in the New Year, there’ll be some taking trains and planes to return to the alma mater, here in Lille and others on their way to pastures new be it for an overseas internship or a partner institution to study. As for me, I’m wading through learning agreements and it occurs to me that far from being something administratively mind-numbing, these documents underline the fact that the world is now truly a global village and that to work and succeed in this environment, we need to be sensitive to the cultural and professional dynamics that surround us. This we can only gain through personal experience. Anyone living or having lived in a foreign country for a certain period of time, exposed to its culture and behavioural patterns; their relationship with the environment, their attitude to problems and problem solving, their notion of time and deadlines, in particular the concept of ‘no’, how they communicate with each other and how they view us back here, will have seen many of their own preconceived, stereotyped views dragged into the quagmire of oblivion. Within this context, the term culture shock takes on all its meaning. Living, working, studying abroad can be intimidating, lonely and disorienting but also exhilarating and a real renaissance. Survive this experience and you will return with the skills and experience to better understand and interpret this global market place and its business environment. After all, few of you will spend your future professional lives in one country only. So my new year wish to you all is Go North, Go South, Go East or Go West but GO! Live the challenge to the full, enjoy the serendipity of new experiences and know that whatever the problem or the opportunity, we’re always here for you back at the ranch. Out of sight, maybe but never out of mind.
SEMPER IMIM !
Happy New Year to you all