Signed, Sealed, and Delivered!

On May 31, 2012 I completed my graduate education at Copenhagen Business School. I handed in my Master thesis one day ahead of schedule completing 5 months of research and writing. I technically had until August 27th to hand in the thesis per my contract, but due to travel plans and visitors, I worked ahead so I could enjoy the Summer. The plan was to be done before travels began in June however, CBS had other plans for me.

In Denmark the written paper is not enough, every Master student needs to orally defend their thesis in front of an advisor and a censor. This way of testing begins at a very early age in Denmark and is done for two reasons. Due to the fact that many projects and papers are done in groups, the oral exam verifies whether individual students actually put in the work. It also tests a student's proficiency and knowledge on the topic. Even though I wrote my thesis alone, this test will still be done. If I can anticipate this experience based on past ones, it usually ends up being an intellectual conversation about the topic. One censor even said that their overall goal is to make our last day/experience at CBS a good one. That doesn't mean it will be any less anxiety ridden, given it is the final grade I will receive and count as an entire semester. However, I'm hoping after my vacation in the States I will be relaxed and at peace with whatever the outcome is.

The presentation is already prepared (as my oral exam was supposed to be yesterday) so I have decided to put it out of my mind over the next two weeks. I was told in January that if I handed in my thesis by June 1st it would be possible to be done early, but the rules state that the oral defense date and search for a censor cannot be made prior to hand-in of the thesis. I've lived in Denmark long enough to know that rules are rarely, if ever bent. My advisor is not the normal Dane which means he was willing to work with me, but unfortunately the person in charge of finding the censor is like the majority of Danes. However disappointed I am in the administration, it is almost fitting that I will be leaving CBS the same way I came in. I am just grateful the academic program is so strong.

Different but Good

I've often been asked how life is living abroad and the best way to sum up the answer in one line is: different, but good. It took me a long time to get to this point, however. Living in a foreign speaking land is very different than traveling to a foreign land. The former is real, the latter is only temporary. Therefore your mindset is completely different. If you know you will never see people again you may act differently than if you know this will be your life for the next few years. Integration becomes important which means getting a job and meeting people. However, when you don't know the language that is the first step which will determine how life in your current land turns out. Marrying into the culture also has different implications. On the one hand you have the rest of your life to learn about the language and culture, and on the other hand you can't wait for the rest of your life to begin. There is also a subtle nudge from society and your loved ones to join in on the fun.

So onto Danish class I went, and in many ways it saved me during the first year. A new world opened up which in many ways I had no idea existed. I met many friends from foreign lands, all going through the same cultural pains. We were all highly educated and skilled people suddenly without a network or job and it felt like we were back in grade school again. But we embraced it and learned the language like it was our job. Slowly little things began to make sense and the daily hum started to become clear. Like the sun breaking through the clouds, which when living in Denmark, you begin to appreciate in an entirely new way. These bursts of sunshine are appreciated and celebrated in small ways. Asking for something in Danish and having the person understand you set the tone for the day. Soon all the weird and strange cultural differences start to make sense. Scandinavia may look the same as many western countries on the outside, but the tone on the inside is very different. It is humble and honest. Outspoken and educated. Debate is embraced and work-life balance is expected. Help is not offered, unless asked. Meals are meant to be enjoyed, not rushed. Friendships are not casual, they are life-time investments.

It wasn't until my second year in Denmark when I began studying at Copenhagen Business School and started working that I met and interacted with Danes on a daily basis. This changed my entire perspective and life experience. Work attire and attitude in general is much more casual and relaxed than in the US. Employees are expected to have an opinion and share it, not just go along with the decision. Education is much harder. Going to all the classes and reading all the material is no longer the requirement needed to do well in a class. The depth of understanding and level of analysis becomes the measure by which students are judged. Oral debate and discussion is part of the grade. In many ways, these working and learning experiences changed my entire outlook on Danish society which led to my greater understanding and appreciation of the culture. Which leads me to a something a Danish anthropologist once said: "You may not agree with the culture, but if you choose to live here, you should try to understand it."

The Home Stretch

I have entered the final stages of the Master Thesis process. That means case company interviews are nearly finished, with the final one scheduled this week. Transcriptions are almost done, which means for each 30 minutes of interview the result has been 3-4 hours of reiterating verbatim what was said via a word summary. I have done this six times, and have two final summaries to write.Transcriptions are written so the research can be dissected and analyzed and compared with theory, ultimately providing the direction and conclusion of the thesis.

Three sections of the thesis have been written, leaving two major sections and two summary sections left before I hand it in on June 1st, completing my business school education. If my calculations are correct, that would involve writing approximately one section per week in May, leaving the last week for final edits and review of the paper. The findings, analysis, conclusion, perspectives and an executive summary are all that remain. This is where things start to get interesting and my personal favorite part of the process. Where you start to make sense of everything you have gathered. Categorizing the data, matching theory with practice, noticing the gaps, identifying the patterns, or creating new theory or recommendations for further research.

Anyone that knows me well, knows that I am the type of person who has always tried to make sense of my environment, or experiences, comparing reality with expectations, and coming up with recommendations for the future. How to cope, how to create the reality you want, how to be a better person, how to get in shape, whatever it may be. This has been done mostly through discussions with friends or by writing ideas down. Although, I have always been a writer at heart. Writing allows you to take the time to think, reflect, communicate what you are really trying to say, in a thoughtful and meaningful way. Too many people just talk without thinking and for those who are able to think and talk strategically on their feet, I salute. That is a gift in its own right.

Inspiration for ideas comes in many forms. Sometimes it is enabled through discussion, other times it is facilitated through quiet reflection, and most times it is a combination of both. Working in projects, like is the norm at Copenhagen Business School and the Danish education system in general, has allowed me to put my idea generation and professional project management experience to use. No all-nighters were necessary and each project was delivered on time, or ahead of schedule. My education has enabled me to utilize my writing skills and strengthen my presentation skills as each project, including the master thesis, needs to be orally defended. Something I will take with me into my professional career for years to come. The home stretch is here. Where it will lead, is anyone's guess - but the future is certainly looking bright.

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