Quentin Vermont North Carolina State University (NCSU)
Quentin is an engineer studying at NC State University to broaden his job prospects. But unlike most other engineers on campus, Vermont is getting a Specialized Master’s in Market Finance and Technology Innovations from the SKEMA Business School, which opened its newest site on NC State’s Centennial Campus this past January. As one of the newest members of the Wolfpack family, Vermont makes sure his school pride is clearly on display.
“I bought a new Mac book recently, and I bought an NC State case for it and an NC State sticker that I glued on the top of the laptop,” he said.”Also I couldn't resist buying a new NC State backpack for school and several NCSU outfits.”
Vermont graduated from a French engineering school in Paris and has worked in Russia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and even in the United States. He hopes to leverage his experience and the opportunity to study at NC State into an internship with an international bank this summer.
“I think it would be much easier to find an internship or job when I’m studying here,” Vermont said. “It’s a huge plus for my CV.”
Vermont is one of about 210 students participating in the inaugural semester at SKEMA’s U.S. campus. Most of their classes are being taught by SKEMA Business School faculty, but NC State’s College of Management professors have also given lectures during their Thursday evening class, which is organized by the Global Training Initiative (GTI). This past Thursday, General Hugh Shelton spoke to the students about leadership.
SKEMA students have also formed international cultural leadership groups with NC State students. These groups meet regularly to work on a group project as well as participate in cultural, recreational, service, and business activities. For example, Vermont’s group plans to dine out together, visit the rodeo, watch a baseball game, and take country dance lessons. The French students are excited about interacting with American students. “In my future career, I want to work in America or with American people, so I think we need to understand their culture,” said Alioune Diop, who’s studying in the Master’s in International Business program. “I think it’s necessary for us.”
Bob Flynn, the president of NC State’s MBA Student Association, also sees this as a great opportunity for American students. Flynn is also the graduate assistant for the GTI’s Intro to US Culture and Business course that the SKEMA students are required to take.
“It will give us a better global perspective on international business,” Flynn said. “The SKEMA presence even improves the lives and experiences of students who are not business majors by enriching the culture on our campus.” Many of the students also plan to get involved in the business, arts, and sports clubs on campus. There are even talks about forming a French football (soccer) group. SKEMA graduate student Luke Truong would also like to see NC State’s basketball team in action.
“I think here, it’s really an important part for the students and the university,” he said.
Many students also expressed a desire to share some of their French culture with Americans.
“I would like to exchange cultures with American people, and maybe cook for American people because French cooking is very good,” said Emeline Mottet, another SKEMA graduate student.