First Visit to Fonty...

An eventful couple of days so far! After a fun-packed 14-hour layover in Dubai that witnessed a mass nostalgia session (for me at least) at Calabar, I hopped on the plane to Paris, and from there on a couple of trains to finally reach Fontainebleau (affectionately known as Fonty)...

Although INSEAD does not offer full-time housing facilities for students, the on-campus Ermitage residence for the visiting executives/faculty were available for the student attendees of the Open day...

A quick walk around town revealed the charmingly simple surroundings I will be calling home for the next year or so, starting in Jan 2010... An ice-cold Chardonnay at the Grand Cafe did not disappoint... and so didn't the sumptuous dinner of Escargots a la Provencale, and Tartare du Boeuf at a local eatery, with a glass of Bordeaux... After all, I rumour has it that INSEAD stands for: I Never Stop Eating And Drinking... :)

My depleted energy levels ensured that I slept well through night... My first full 8-hours in a while... That was a well needed recharge that equipped me for the nexr item to cross off my to do list... And so, I rented a bike... 15 minutes was enough to reveal to me that I still needed to build up my fitness level to biking standards... I have wisely decided not to attach any images of me on a bike... it is not a pretty sight... :)

Having found only 1 out of the MBA program's required pre-reading books in Lebanon, I set out to find Footnote, the on-campus bookstore. I am now the proud owner of: Essentials of Accounting, Principles of Microeconomics, Finance for Executives, and Blue Ocean Strategy (an INSEAD bible authored by 2 prominent faculty members), in addition to The Basics of Financial Management, which I am sure by now misses me from my desk in Beirut...

The time just flew by in the common area while I was chewing threw smoothly through Blue Ocean Strategy, in the process realising how valuable the concepts in it really are... Close to campus lies the Blue Ocean Institute, in front of which I posed for a product-endorsement shot... :)

I am supposed to visit my house-to-be in the next couple of hours... The Brazilian couple living there were very helpful and flexible, and so was the land-lad coordinating the process remotely from Paris.

More to come on Residence Royale Parc, and tomorrow's Open Day soon!

A very excited...

...MooN

Habib Foundation - INSEAD Scholarship!

It's been awhile, but it was certainly worth the wait!



I got awarded the Alexis and Ann-Marie Habib Foundation's scholarship to INSEAD :)
(www.habibfoundation.org)

One of my application essays to INSEAD focused on the importance of getting a liberal education, especially in Lebanon, and other 3'd world countries. The scholarship application essay continues that theme, and ties it to the foundation's goal, after a brief intro about yours truly.

Habib Foundation Scholarship Application Essay
Having worked for two multinationals in the communications function, in an international environment, thus realizing my midterm career goals, I am ready to take things to the next level. I believe attaining a degree from INSEAD will bolster my prospects of achieving my career objectives by further widening my skill-set through the practical teaching method it is renowned for.

The multinational experience of getting an MBA from INSEAD would also play a big role in further broadening my world views and global outlook, a continuation to a trend I have been actively experiencing in the past five years. In addition to that, it would provide access an invaluable business network of talented individuals keen on playing there part on the world stage as leaders, opinion shapers, and captains of industry.

My priority will be to hone my entrepreneurial skills, and re-equip my financial tool-box with skills I have not fully practiced in my current communications role. Hopefully, after attaining my MBA, I will aim at filling a senior position within the communications function in the automotive industry for four to five years. With this role will come more responsibilities, exposure, and most importantly business acumen.

When the time is right, after getting that necessary experience, and achieving both professional and personal objectives, I hope to make a transition to an entrepreneurial role. Part of me wishes for this transition to be expedited. I have always kept a folder of interesting business ideas, and am constantly researching their viability. The most appealing one to me so far is ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ :p (u thought I’d actually post it here??!!)--------------------------------------------------------------------------..

One of my life-long goals is to aid, in any capacity I can, the Arab-Israeli peace process. I now have a clearer understanding of the role I might be able to play; connecting like-minded, peace-seeking youth from both sides of the struggle in online forums, with a vision to create interactive experiences and workshops in Europe and the US. There are of course many challenges to overcome when aiming to implement this without breaking existing laws that govern the relations between warring nations.

To truly make an impact, I believe I have to continue the same path in following my career goals, and truly believe an MBA from INSEAD will accelerate this path by providing me with the right foundation to build upon.

I believe that my unwavering dedication to serve my country makes me an ideal candidate for the Alexis and Anne-Marie Habib Foundation Scholarship. I am a great proponent of liberal education, and appreciate the foundation’s generous contributions to open doors for the Lebanese youth, so Lebanon can prosper through the efforts of its most valuable resource: its people. Whether or not I succeed in securing this scholarship, I hope I can one day be in a position to extend my support to the foundation’s noble goals and promote the culture of supporting promising compatriots.

Happy and thankful...
MooN