MIMS European Strategy Trip
Last week the MIMS group went on the first European Strategy trip. Early Monday morning we left by bus to visit Eindhoven, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Darmstadt and Luxemburg in only 5 days. We were all prepared to visit some very interesting companies, network with the people there and have an amazing time with our class.
In Eindhoven we visited Signify, a leader in lighting technology. We were all amazed about how lighting can influence our moods, work efficiency and consumer behavior. Palo Alto Networks was the first company we visited in Am sterdam, a cyber security company. For most, cyber security is something they are not familiar with. But I am sure, whether we want to work in a company like this or not, we got some very interesting and useful information to protect us against cybercrime.
Next on the list was Kraft Heinz, which we visited after a short (but fun)
night in Amsterdam. Luckily some delicious cakes were waiting for us for the ones that had a little headache from the night before. We were welcomed by the Sales Director for Belgium, Nike Van Landeghem, a Vlerick Alumni. We had the privilege to listen to some great presentations and got information about their EMEA trainee program. Before leaving for a long ride to Frankfurt we had the opportunity to explore Amsterdam.
The next day we left Frankfurt to go visit Merck in Darmstadt. Merck is specialized in Healthcare, Life Sciences and Performance Materials. We had a small bus tour around the grounds and were amazed by its size – it was a village on itself. During lunch we had the opportunity to network with some of its current employees and management trainees. Lunch was also impressive, it was located in an architectural unique building, there were endless buffets and the food was amazing. In the afternoon we went to Lufthansa, where the MIMS students presented their groupworks for sustainability to Lufthansa. We had a tour in the crew area, which was a very cool experience. After this long day we went to a typical German restaurant together with some people of Lufthansa. The food was great – the most amazing Schnitzels, Bratwurst or for the vegetarians Kasespatzle. After a typical German Restaurant, the MIMS group went to a local German bar to round off a tiring but amazing day.
The following morning, we left for Luxemburg to visit the European Investment Bank, after this we had some time to explore the City. The next and final day the MIMS students presented to Amazon. Vlerick alumnus at Amazon gave a detailed introduction of Amazon and their current work, after which the HR showed the application process. Finally, we went to Pwc, where we had some information about audit and consulting jobs. After tis tiring but learning and most of all fun week it was time to head back to our home campus – Brussels.