So the title is kind of random...but when given the chance, it's hard to resist a late-70s Eddie Money reference
As promised, I have a few entries from Nielsen students who participated in various international trips over the winter holidays. We start with tales of Dubai from Veronica Kehoss and Giustina Parisi. And then Dennis Hull relives his time in Japan.
Enjoy!
Veronica Kehoss
Over the winter break thirteen Wisconsin MBAs, including four Nielsen Center students, convened in the world's fastest growing city: Dubai. They spent 10 days learning about business in Dubai and participating in the city's many tourist activities. Company visits included The U.S. Consulate, P&G Dubai, Emaar, Nakheel, the World Trade Center, the Dubai International Financial Center, and more. Their main contact in Dubai, Esaam Al Tamimi of Al Tamimi and Company, secured meetings for the group with some of Dubai's most influential companies and individuals. For example, the group got an insider's view of Halliburton from its CEO, David Lesar, who happens to be a UW MBA alum. Other notable company visits included those to development companies Emaar and Nakheel, who are responsible for much of the futuristic-looking buildings and for the man-made islands in Dubai. The group also scheduled many fun activities, including a trip to Ski Dubai, a desert Safari, a Dow cruise, and plenty of time on the beach. The group agrees: it will be fascinating to see what comes of this exploding city in the future.
Giustina Parisi
I feel very fortunate to have travelled with the MBA program to Dubai. The most memorable part of my experience was the company visits. I learned a lot about business and culture in Dubai that I would not have discovered on my own. We got a flavor for the hospitality industry, oil production, consumer packaged goods, real estate development, financial operations and art galleries in the United Arab Emirates. This wide range of topics added depth to Dubai a city of superlatives. Dubai is an Emerald City of sorts, building the tallest, biggest or only attraction, and were able to go behind the curtain for a true understanding for business and culture.
A country only 30 years old seems to be growing too fast and tripping over its own feet. There is little infrastructure for a city that was essentially been built in five years. Malls are open without parking lots completed and half the stores not open, traffic is horrendous because the rapid influx of expats and new businesses burdening the roads and buildings are not able to have occupants because the water and electric capabilities are not available for the building.
I will be interesting to see how the city progresses in the next couple of years. The housing market needs to correct itself and the city needs to spend time analyzing and planning for what the city needs for long term success.
Dennis Hull
To realize I saw the sun rise at dawn over Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market only one year after watching that same sun set on the Great Wall outside Beijing is an incredible feeling. Yet, when looking over my photos from my trip to Japan, I still cannot believe how lucky I was to even have such opportunities. This January, I spent nearly two weeks of my winter break in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo with eight classmates and a faculty chaperone (who just happens to be my center director!), and I continue to tell friends and family tales from that trip. Hearing about Trek's regional plans from the Director of Asian Business, climbing up the hills outside Kyoto to the Kyomizu Temple and overlooking the city - I told everyone about these events but know I have so much more to cover. From the culture of Kyoto to the commerce of Osaka and bustle of Tokyo, we had an outstanding experience thanks in no small part to the support of both our friends and the UW alumni located in country. Now if only I could find another excuse to go back!
