Heather Lawson is the National Sales Manager for the PRO Pillar of Royal Canin in Canada. She is currently pursuing an MBA in Executive Management at the Royal Roads University, Canada. As part of the program, she had the opportunity of following an International Residency program at Grenoble Graduate School of Business (GGSB). This three-week intensive program is focused on two main areas: The business environment of the European Union and Innovation Management.

Why did you opt to come to GGSB for the MBA International Residency program?
Working for Royal Canin, a French company, the opportunity to study business with a focus on the European Union was perfect.
 

What are the benefits of coming to study at Grenoble Graduate School of Business?
The level of instruction and academia is excellent. In addition, the overall experience of living abroad is phenomenal. Having the chance to broaden my horizons and immerse myself in a different culture was extremely valuable.
 

How do you think the training you are receiving in Grenoble will help you in your career?
A broader understanding of the European Union will help me to understand the business environment outside of Canada. Having the opportunity to study innovation management within a different culture and from professors of different nationalities has broadened my understanding of the subject.
 

On what aspects do you think GGSB stands out?
High level of academic instruction.
A class structure and scheduling to allow for a demanding program, as well as the time to experience a different culture and country. I have been so impressed with GGSB that I am now seriously considering a DBA (Doctorate of Business Administration) for the next step in my personal development.

Please tell us about the most interesting anecdote since your arrival in Grenoble?
The cooking class event at "La Frise" Restaurant was phenomenal, this was an opportunity for the class to get to know each other better as not all of us were from the same cohort, as well as reconnect with old friends from the previous residency in Canada. Having this event early in our residency helped us to build bonds that enabled both our team work and camaraderie in class.
 

What aspirations do you have for your career?
I am extremely lucky to be working for Royal Canin, they are very focused on personal development of their associates and have been incredibly supportive of my MBA endeavour. In future I hope to have the opportunity to move internationally within Royal Canin and take on a more senior management role. My ideal would be moving to one of the BRIC countries as I think being involved in business in an emerging world economic power would be fascinating.