Todd Wierenga

The most important thing I’ve gained this year is the experience of, and exposure to, international cultures. SKEMA is like a mini-United Nations. It’s been fascinating to meet people from all around the world, work with them, learn how they operate, how they think, benefit from each other’s strengths while managing each other’s weaknesses as best we can. Aside from the programme of study, I’ve learned a lot this year about the real importance of relationships in business; you’re not going to be able to do business unless you develop strong and trusting relationships with your partners. So in a cross-cultural context the question is how you can make yourself understood and communicate effectively, then you establish trust and have a beneficial working relationship. We’ve had projects working with companies here, and our professors have contacts with businesses here. The professors here have good networks with the local economy. I’m going to take my career in the direction of sustainable energy. It’s not only the right thing to do in terms of the environment and social responsibility, it’s also the next trend in energy. I’m writing my dissertation on that subject and talking to my professors who are getting me connected with businesses in the area.