AN INTERVIEW WITH DURHAM-EBS EMBA STUDENT • 49
AN INTERVIEW WITH DURHAM-EBS EMBA STUDENT ANELISE MORAES The schedule of disciplines in the programme is very diverse, which gives us a broad knowledge of different aspects in the business administration field. Besides this, the schedule of classes met perfectly with my work schedule. What have been the benefits of studying the Durham-EBS EMBA so far? The fact that the programme is designed for small learning groups enables us to strengthen relations with each other and deepen our learning experience. There are 25 students in our cohort from 11 different nationalities, very broad areas of expertise and background. The high level of work experience and education of my peers aligned with the professors’ academic knowledge make the discussion during classes even more interesting. It is important to mention the development of soft skills, such as leadership, communication and networking. Originally from Nova Friburgo in Rio de Janeiro State, Anelise Rezende de Moraes started the Durham-EBS parttime Executive MBA programme in September 2018 while continuing in her role as a Sales Manager at Pacific Prime working on Middle Eastern, African and Latin American markets at their Dubai office. Please could you tell us about your background? In 2008, I completed my Bachelors Degree in International Relations and started my career in international business as Import Analyst at Oticon Brazil until mid-2010. That year, my life totally changed suddenly. I had applied and was granted a full scholarship by the Chinese Government in July 2010. One month later, I moved to the other side of the world to start my Masters Degree in International Economics and Trade at Shanghai University (China). That was the beginning of the greatest adventure of my life. After graduation, I started my career at Pacific Prime Insurance Brokers as Health Insurance Advisor in their Shanghai office. In 2016, I relocated to Dubai (UAE) to embrace new challenges in my professional career in the Arabic world. Why did you decide to study the Durham-EBS EMBA? After thoroughly researching the market, I concluded that the Durham-EBS EMBA programme was the one which best met all my expectations. I wanted to continue my education in a renowned European university, aligned with my professional career in Dubai. The outstanding recognition of both universities, including Durham’s high position in the Global MBA ranking, also contributed positively to my decision.
Please could you tell us about a typical day/week on the Durham-EBS EMBA programme? Our schedule is extremely well organised. We receive newsletters with the schedule of activities and pre-reading materials for the upcoming module in advance. The classes are very dynamic, and professors use stimulate different ways of teaching from videos to standard power point presentations. Sometimes we have group presentations and need to perform exercises individually. The classes provide lots of interaction between both students and lecturers. After classes, we normally organise a social activity. Please tell us about your favourite highlight/experience and why? My favourite highlight was the first residential week in Durham. We had a lot of fun during our team-building activities in beautiful scenery of North West England. The team building was indeed an opportunity to learn a bit more about ourselves and our peers. The week was finalised with a formal dinner organised at Hatfield College to officially welcome us to the University. Everything was very intense but also very special. Undoubtedly, a nice way to start our EMBA journey!
LINK For more information on the Durham-EBS EMBA, visit www.durham.ac.uk/emba