Emerging Markets student profile: Alexandre Tremblay

To be honest, it seemed to be an opportunity that one should not miss. To begin with, the ever-increasing globalization that we have been witnessing is a fundamental component of today’s economic reality. Then, selection for the course was a highly competitive process, and as such there is an opportunity to mix with and learn from a keen group of students from Management, Commerce and the MBA program. Lastly, while visiting China is quite exciting, we also have the opportunity to apply class material to a real-life scenario and work collaboratively with a local company in order to export their products.

I expect that visiting China will allow for a better understanding of its global influence. I expect to learn quite a bit about the culture as whole, from business practices to tea etiquette. I hope to gain an appreciation for the vast diversity within China itself, from the major cultural differences between regions to the ones between cities.

Well, I can already attest that meeting with business leaders such EDC’s Chief Economist Peter Hall and Clearwater’s CEO Ian Smith has been quite exciting in itself. But in addition to privileged time with business leaders, the course provides an opportunity to take one’s academic endeavour to another level. Lastly, this select experience – exposure to business leaders, working collaboratively with local companies, and applying class material while in China – has to become a significant differentiating factor for anyone and any prospective career.