The Master Thesis Process

Since January I have been concentrating on the final stage of my Master education. The Master thesis writing process. It is a 70-120 page paper that represents a graduate student's skills for research, critical thinking, and analysis on a topic of their choice. Often times, companies have a problem they would like investigated or professors have identified an area needing more research, which graduate students are welcome to write about. Other times, it is a chance for the student to dig into their passion and interests for six months to hopefully shed some light on a current topic or business challenge. Some grad students pair up to write the thesis together to add discourse and depth to the topic at hand. Others choose to write alone to test their skills or meet a tight deadline. I have chosen the latter route on both accounts.

I have decided to write about something I am passionate about on a personal level in order to potentially explore the professional opportunities later on in life. Additionally, I am using this opportunity to test my research and writing skills, both of which I have always enjoyed. My first article was published in the local paper at age 11. While I was receiving my Bachelor's education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the States, Professors would ask whether they could use my papers as examples for future students. Once I started working, I naturally ended up in Marketing where there were lots of writing and communicating opportunities. First on proposals or presentations, later on websites and blogs. However, it wasn't until I moved to Denmark and started my Master's education at Copenhagen Business School that the true test of my writing and discourse began.

Receiving an education in Denmark is not like anything I have ever experienced in the U.S. The level of learning, depth of discussion, and preparation for argumentation and oral presentation that students are expected to have truly prepares them for holding their own with senior members of any organization. Experiencing this during my final stage of education is something I am truly and entirely grateful for, as I know this is pushing me to expand my abilities beyond anything I could have done on my own. Culture plays a big role in the education system in Denmark where a flat organization and group decisions are common practice in the business world. In this type of an environment, senior leaders want to hear employee's thoughts, and employees are expected and (thankfully) prepared to eloquently share them using the appropriate strategic or management terms. Quite the opposite in America where a fighting spirit, hard work, and (sometimes, but not always) a higher education is all that is required for success. Otherwise known, and typically admired throughout the world as "The American Dream." In most cases, a Bachelor degree is all that is needed in the U.S. to ensure professional success. However, a Master degree is an absolute requirement to be successful in a knowledge economy like Denmark.

In both cultures, having a good network and knowing the right people are needed to get your foot in the door professionally. Once in the door however, it remains to be seen whether knowing the right people is still a qualification required for getting a seat at the table, or whether having an additional level of academic skill is the secret ingredient to ensure an upward mobile path (if that is your determinant for success). For me, finding a job that does not feel like work is the ultimate goal. Merging passion and skill, and adding value to an organization and/or society is key. The best way I can describe what I hope to achieve professionally is otherwise known as the "state of flow" in theory. Where loss of time and consciousness occurs because you are so emerged in something that is the right mix of challenge and skill, intrigue and interest, keeping you coming back for more, or looking forward to the work day ahead. First thing's first. Right now I just need to make it through the thesis process and cross my fingers the writing flows over the next few months. Apologies if this means my blog posts are even more spread out, but at this moment in time it's about the destination. I just hope I will enjoy the journey!

Empire State of Mind

Two of my closest girlfriends and I were fortunate enough to meet in New York for a weekend of laughs and quality catch up time. They came from Chicago, and me from Copenhagen. The reason for the trip was to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of my friend Lori in June and the inspiration was an opportunity to go wedding dress shopping at Kleinfeld Bridal. The wedding dress boutique with one of the largest selections of couture dresses, also known by the TLC show, "Say Yes to the Dress!" That was merely the excuse. The rest of the weekend was a tribute to classic New York.

We kicked off the weekend with brunch at a local diner for a quick catch up on family, jobs, and life in general and then the shopping began. We walked Fifth Avenue, stopped by Rockefeller Center, visited Saint Patricks Cathedral, and took a picture with the Atlas or the "30 Rock statue." Our first official wedding event, or the 'Bridal Shower' was high tea at the Russian Tea Room, and it was worth all the pomp and circumstance. Endless tea served with three tiered trays of blinis and desserts accompanied by champagne and complementary shots of vodka. What's not to like? (Ok, the vodka was perhaps a bit much, but "When in Rome!")

Next was the 'Bachelorette Party' at Buddhakan. The scene of the first SATC movie rehearsal dinner. The food was phenom, and the location amazing. Although we weren't seated in the famous dining room downstairs, the ambiance and service in addition to quality of the meal is definitely worth a return trip. Afterwards we kicked up our heels at Hotel Gansevoort. There was a fun vibe, and great music, topped off by a Whitney Houston mashup that was very apropo for the timing of our trip.

Soon it was Saturday, and the "reason" we were in New York. The day of the dress! But first, we had brunch at one of my all-time favorite places in New York city, Pastis in the Meatpacking District. Even though I did not make the best brunch selection (just say no to Eggs Hubbard, go for Benedict instead) I would go back again and again and again. The vibe, the style, the people, the service, all very New York with a French twist. Très chic! After brunch we took a stroll through the best part of Manhattan. The neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, Soho, Noho, Grammercy Park, and the list goes on. Such cute tree lined, brownstone walk up, cafe corner streets that one could spend hours in. And that is just what we did, until it was time for Kleinfeld's. 

Soon Lori said yes to the dress which was the icing on the cake of a pretty spectacular weekend already. But we saved the best for last. Sunday brunch at the Plaza. It was everything you think it is going to be from the doormen that swoop in to take your bag and open the door, to the Sicilian waiter who has lived in New York for the past 30 years. I opted to have a Plaza classic instead of my healthy egg white frittata and was not disappointed. The lobster and waffles topped with caviar was worth every single calorie! As was the luxurious transatlantic weekend in NYC to make some unforgettable memories. 

Culture of Trust

One of the things I have come to truly appreciate about Danish culture is how trusting the people are. In their government, fellow citizens, and even strangers on the street. I remember listening to a speech from a well known anthropologist in Denmark about this phenomenon known to be common in countries with larger welfare societies, like Scandinavia. In this part of the world, there is concern for society as a whole, corruption in government is low, and people follow the rules. I remember the last line of his speech (which covered many other Danish quirks) like it was yesterday:  "You may not understand the culture, but if you live here, you should try to respect it."

It's hard not to respect a culture where babies are left outside to sleep in their prams, and parents let their little ones take the bus, train, or bike to school on their own. Where you can have a girls night out in the city, and not feel scared to walk home alone if it gets a little later than you expected to stay out. But my favorite little sign of trust has to be the missing items left exactly where they are found on the street. Or perhaps picked up and propped on something more at eye level, so the person who lost it can find it again when they retrace their steps.

Like the glove shown in this photo. I was getting off the Metro one day and saw it and it made me smile. Just like the graffiti that was once perceived as a sign of an unsafe and rough neighborhood when I first moved to Copenhagen has now become a form 'city art' in my mind. Each time I see a missing item laying on a bush, bench, or ledge I don't think it's odd or strange, but see it as a reminder that I am living in one of the most trusting societies in the world. And that little piece of knowledge is comforting.

For the Love of Eurovision

As the years go by in Denmark, my monthly blogs get less and less frequent. That's to be expected due to the fact that what was once new has now become an ordinary part of everyday life. However, there are still those moments that suddenly strike me as extraordinarily different, or very European, not that they are necessarily one in the same. Either way, the Eurovision Song Contest is one of those moments for me.

I remember the first time I experienced it with my husband two years ago. I could tell by how excited he got when he was explaining what it was all about. It was one of those growing up experiences that is so ingrained in a person's past that they almost can't believe you have no idea what they are talking about. Those moments literally feel like an out of the body experience because you thought there was everything to know about this person, and then all of a sudden out of nowhere, a completely new world opens up that you had no prior knowledge about. 

The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual contest where countries from all over Europe compete for the best song. Sort of like American Idol, if each State was represented, and it only happened one time per year. As the legend goes, ABBA became famous after winning this contest in 1974, so some winners do make it outside of Europe. But first, each individual country needs to select their winner for best song so they can go on to compete against all other European countries. Denmark's annual song contest in order to select their Eurovision contender is called Melodi Grand Prix and it was on TV this past weekend. 

People from all over Denmark (and some representing European countries) vote for their favorite Danish singer to represent them to the rest of Europe. The style of song is anywhere from traditional music in the local language, to pop music sung in English, to alternative, to really, really weird (as the picture on this blog shows). Fortunately, this year's winner was my favorite. Her name is Soluna Samay and she reminds me of a Danish Sheryl Crow. It was just her and her guitar, with great backup singers, and set, but the best part of the story is that she was a street singer just two years ago. To me, the song and all of the singers, represent urban Copenhagen. The style, the chill vibe, and the matter of fact way of just being. 

Check it out for yourself: Should've Known Better by Soluna Samay 

New Year, Old Friends

For as long as I can remember, New Years Eve has been an exciting and festive occasion each year. Of course I am talking about the years when I wasn't single and anxious about where to go, what to do, and who I would kiss at midnight. What I figured out long ago was that New Years is a time to be with those you love. Old friends, new family members, current boyfriends, whoever!

If I recount the past 5 years, they were spent with pretty much the same people year after year. All of whom have been a part of my life for many years, and this year is no exception. I met my friend Beth in a Copenhagen café in November of 2009 and both of us knew without even speaking that we would be very good friends. Our lives and loves had put us in the same place, and pretty much on the same timeline, that would seal our fate as friends for many years to come.

When you marry a Dane and decide to live in their country, there are many things about the life you once had that you will miss, while you learn to let go of the past so a new life and future can begin to take shape. Those are the moments when you need a friend to confide in. It can be confusing to learn new customs and culture, and frustrating as hell to learn a new language that does not sound the way it is spelled. Those are also the times when you need a friend to relate to what you are going through. That was the role Beth and I played for each other.

Besides being hippies at heart, and loving live music, wine, gossip magazines, and painting our nails, we embraced each others differences and helped one another through the dark and dreary days in Denmark. Sometimes all you need is someone to listen, even if they don't understand. But most of the time, we understood each other perfectly, or at least were able to put ourselves in the other person's shoes which is priceless and irreplaceable. Of which, I will be forever grateful.

While our lives have now taken on different paths, Beth back in the US, me still in Denmark, we now make time for our chats via email, Skype, and in person visits whenever possible. Like the two weeks she was back in DK for Christmas and New Years. We assumed the same routine of long talks, TV show updates, and taking turns being good (healthy lunch) and naughty (liquid lunch). Even though I miss her daily presence in DK dearly, I know there are more exciting visits in our future. That's the thing about new old friends.

"After all, seasons change. So do cities. People come into your life and people go. But it's comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart. And if you're very lucky, a plane ride away."
Carrie Bradshaw

Yuletide and Julegave

This year was my 2nd Christmas in Denmark and it truly is a magical time. Hearts and stars fill the streets, stores, and homes all over the country during Christmas-time. This makes sense after learning the Danish saying: "Jul er hjerternes fest" or that "Christmas is the festival of hearts."

The Christmas season officially begins in Denmark on the first Friday of November when Tuborg releases the Christmas brew. All stores are decorated on that day and the bodegas are filled with people wanting to get the first Juleøl that night. Since Thanksgiving is not celebrated here, there is no debate or conflict about when to decorate or celebrate Christmas, which is often the case in the US. For two entire months Danes are excited about and anticipate the holiday to come, with various traditions leading up to the 24th. The evening Christmas is officially celebrated in Denmark.

The first tradition of the season (although not a true holiday) is Morten's aften. Saint Martin's day is the 11th of November but often celebrated the evening before with a feast of goose in the old days, or duck during present day. The date marks the day Saint Martin became Bishop of Tours, which he apparently was trying to delay by hiding in a goose-house. Because the geese gave him away, the day is marked by feasting on them. Martin Luther was also baptized on this day, and Lutheranism is the official religion of the country.

Another tradition is gløgg og æbleskiver. Gløgg is warm wine spiced with raisins and almonds and æbleskiver are small round donuts eaten with powdered sugar and jam. These are often served at work events to celebrate the holiday or when guests stop by to visit during the season. They can also be served on the 23rd, but that day's dinner is most notable for risengrød which is a warm rice pudding with a slab of butter in the middle and a sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top.

The Christmas Eve meal itself is duck, three types of potatoes, and red current. The dessert is ris a la mande which is cold rice pudding with chopped up almonds served with warm cherry sauce on top. A whole almond is placed in one dish and whoever gets the whole almond gets a gift. The meal is followed by the lighting of the candles on the Christmas tree where we dance around it and sing before opening gifts. Then the "julegave" or gift opening begins which is a special treat for me. My family is so big in the US that we stopped exchanging gifts among the adults, as we would rather spend time catching up with each other instead of unwrapping. However, the Danish tradition of making a list and checking it twice is taken very seriously, and I have come to enjoy being pleasantly surprised at receiving gifts again.

Christmas day lunch on the 25th or Julefrokost (which is also celebrated throughout the season with friends) consists of the typical Danish smørrebrød which are open faced sandwiches with all kinds of yummy toppings. My favorite is fiskefilet, which is a breaded white fish with lemon and capers, frikadeller (Danish meatballs) and tarteletter, which is a lovely mixture of chicken and asparagus in a crispy pastry shell. Absolutely divine. No Julefrokost is complete however, without Juleøl and schnapps, and lots of Skåls!

Free at Last!

After a pretty intense last semester at Business School, I have reached the point that I nearly thought impossible at the beginning. I am done forever with class exams. My final oral exam was this morning, and right after that I handed in my last written paper, technically due tomorrow.

The only way I was able to stay sane, and meet all the deadlines was by working ahead the entire time. The first paper was finished approximately two weeks ahead of schedule, same with the second. Then I went back to the States for a week for Thanksgiving and lost a little time, but still managed to hand in paper number three four days ahead of schedule. Paper number four was done five days ahead of schedule, so I had time to study for two oral exams before it was due. Whew!

I went through all the phases of grief when I first realized my schedule. First I was numb, then came denial. There was no way all of this was possible. Then came anger and depression. I hated how demanding school was and questioned why I was doing this to myself many times over. I missed my evenings at home relaxing with my husband. Then came bargaining. I had to stop going to Danish lessons in order to save my academic career. Something had to give. Once that was over, I went straight to acceptance. I knew what I needed to do in order to survive the semester.

I had to celebrate the tiny successes. After the first paper was handed in, my husband and I went out to dinner. After the first oral exam was over, I treated myself to cupcakes. After the second paper, a trip back to the US was a pretty cool reward. After the third, there was the Maroon 5 concert. Immediately after the fourth I had a glass of wine and now that the 2nd and 3rd oral exams are over, I am treating myself to a facial tomorrow. Right after I meet the girls out for some drinks tonight.

The stress is slowly leaving my shoulders....balanced life can begin again.