Formation Continue › Programmes diplômants › Negotiation & Policy-Making › Testimonials › Testimonial Simone Aeschlimann

Testimonial from Simone Aeschlimann

 

Nationality

Swiss

Education  

EHL (Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne) Bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality Management (2003)

Position

Personnel Manager and HR focal point for Asia and the Horn of Africa at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Languages

French / German (bilingual) English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese (Mandarin), Arabic, Thai

Hobbies

Travelling, languages, people and cultures, reading, music, yoga and long distance running.

 

Could you describe your current position?
While in charge of the files of about 100 middle managers working in field missions abroad for the ICRC, I also serve as the focal point for HR related matters at the ICRC Geneva headquarters for the Asian region as well as for the Horn of Africa. I have been part of several emergency task forces, such as the hostage crisis in the Philippines in 2009 as well as for the earthquake in Haiti.  

How do you think the ExecutiveMaster INP will be beneficial to your career plans and projects?
I decided to apply for the INP because it matches perfectly with the topics I wanted to study further. It will hopefully allow me to change my career from administrative positions to more operational ones. After only one module I already notice the impact of my studies on my everyday work. I am able to better understand background information and the very political aspects indirectly influencing my current work. Hence, I am also in a position to use these additional insights meaningfully in my duties and interactions with people at all levels. Studying while still working is an additional attractive feature that the programme offers.

Why did you choose the Graduate Institute?
Because of its reputation, and the way the programme is structured and taught. The fact that it is a Geneva-based school frequented by an international community of students is an additional advantage.
 
How was your participation experience?
It's truly amazing beyond my expectations, an eye-opening experience. Even though the rhythm, while still working full time, is quite intense, the interaction with the other participants is refreshing and very enriching. The level of the lecturers is impressive and the programme is well structured. It is a pleasure to come to every lecture!

 

Read more testimonials