From the ancient past to the present, doing business in Egypt has always been an international affair. Today, AUC’s School of Business continues this tradition as part of the CEMS network.
CEMS — the Community of European Management Schools, now known as the Global Alliance in Management Education — is a network of elite business schools and corporations across the world, which cooperate for joint programs and allow students to gain hands-on business experience in foreign countries and companies.
For six years now, AUC has sent young Egyptian business graduates abroad to study at some of the world’s top universities, and welcomed some 25 foreign students to Cairo to show them how business is done in the Arab world’s largest economy.
One such student is Angelique Nies, a native of Germany and graduate of the CEMS Master of International Management program at the Norwegian School of Economics in Bergen.
When choosing a host school for her CEMS semester abroad, AUC stood out clearly from the rest with its promise of something truly different from already-familiar European business schools. “What was most important for me when choosing my exchange destination for my term abroad was having a unique cultural experience and exploring a new part of the world,” says Nies.
Aside from the change in climate, Nies noticed differences in AUC’s teaching system compared to schools in other countries. The AUC School of Business environment is “much more intimate in comparison to European grad school programs,” she remarks.
Nies recounts that her class sizes at AUC ranged from just five to nine students, allowing more focused teaching and making professors “much more accessible” than at other schools around the world. “Professors at AUC really care about your personal development and learning journey,” she explains.
AUC faculty, along with students, are just a few of those who make up what Nies found most charming about Egypt: the people. “Every Egyptian I met was extremely welcoming and went out of their way to make me feel at home and share their rich culture with me,” she says.
Hindsight has not changed her opinion. “If I could go back, I would choose AUC all over again!”
Global Networking
When CEMS decided to expand to the Middle East and Africa, AUC was invited to join as the region’s leading University.
Since becoming a member in 2017, AUC has joined the ranks of famous business schools and universities such as HEC Paris, National University of Singapore, London School of Economics and Political Science, China’s Tsinghua University, Türkiye’s Koç University, HKUST Business School in Hong Kong, and Brazil’s FGV EAESP.
As of 2023, AUC is the first and only CEMS member school in the Arab world and Africa, and has established a range of cross-school initiatives with fellow CEMS members in recent years.
One of the most prominent programs is the CEMS Master of International Management (MIM), a one-year program offered to graduate students at all CEMS member schools. The program focuses on international business operations, from global marketing strategies and finance management to navigating worldwide supply chains. It seeks to equip business students with the skills needed to lead the globe-spanning industries of the future.
Students accepted into the program study for one semester at their home university, one semester at another CEMS school and one final semester of at least eight weeks interning at a CEMS corporate partner, gaining real-world experience to launch their business careers. AUC students have interned in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, says Hakim Meshreki (MBA ’05) director of the MIM program.
“AUC aspires to become a pivotal member of CEMS, developing and spreading the CEMS culture of business across the whole region,” adds Meshreki.
Aside from the valuable experience of studying in a foreign country, the CEMS program also allows students to get their foot in the door of global business through internships at major companies. AUC student Malak Fayed, for example, spent her internship term working hands-on with Coca-Cola’s marketing department.
The internship experience and the MIM reputation can also boost resumes; according to Meshreki, MIM students have a 98% recruitment rate after graduation.
“The CEMS MIM is a compelling choice for those seeking a truly versatile and geographically mobile international career,” he says. “AUC students who take part in this program have many benefits, the most important of which is belonging to a very strong network of corporate and social partners, in addition to the 34 academic members of CEMS.”
Hosted in collaboration with AUC’s School of Business and School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, the Leadership for Government Excellence Programme (LEP) was awarded the prestigious Excellence in Practice Award – Silver Award from the European Foundation for Management Development. Developed by AUC, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and King’s College, this program aims to hone the skills of civil servants in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030, including the National Administrative Reform Plan and the Sustainable Development Strategy.
The EFMD Excellence in Practice Award is a prestigious recognition that celebrates outstanding and impactful learning and development initiatives from around the world. The winning LEP case was developed by AUC's School of Business' El-Khazindar Research and Case Center.
“Receiving the EFMD Excellence in Practice Award is not only a recognition of the hard work but also a motivation to continue to deliver together this gender-sensitive co-designed program, which contributes to a shift in mindsets, modernization and change of government machinery for effective public service delivery,” stated Sherifa Sherif, executive director of the National Institute of Governance and Sustainable Development in Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
LEP is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills they need to lead effectively, manage change and drive innovation in their organizations. Delivered through a blend of classroom-based instruction, online learning and practical assignments, the program covers leadership theory and practice, strategic management, project management, data analysis, communication skills and more.
“We are proud to be part of this nationwide effort to improve the effectiveness of government work through investments in human resources, competence-building and talent development in the public sector,” said Mohamed AbdelSalam, executive director of Executive Education at AUC’s School of Business. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our instructors, staff and partners who have contributed to the success of this program. It is also an acknowledgment of our commitment to excellence in education and our ongoing efforts to make a positive impact on society.”
“We were delighted to be selected to work with AUC on this important programme for the Ministry,” said Tim Sellick, director of Custom Programmes at King’s Business School, King’s College London. “The program demonstrated ambition, not only in the learning outcomes required, but also in the real and practical change in behaviors they required of the participants as they went about this major transformation.”
Since its launch in 2019, the program has trained 120 government personnel from 24 ministries, including 40 women and 80 men. Its goal is to produce the leadership cadres to guide public service operations in the New Administrative Capital.
Mazen Tawfik, electronics and communications engineering senior, ranked third worldwide in Capsim’s Spring 2023 Foundation Challenge, competing with nearly 1,000 students from different countries, including Australia, Canada, China, England, India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey and the United States.
This year’s biannual international business competition asked students to work through a recession to mirror a market environment of escalating complexity. At the competition, Tawfik’s simulation was running a virtual, multi-million-dollar company head-to-head with peers from 15 countries. The final competition required decision rounds every hour for eight continuous hours. According to Capsim, Tawfi’s success is proof that he “can succeed under pressure and make winning business decisions in the midst of economic uncertainty.”
“I was so thrilled and glad to receive such recognition for my hard work,” Tawfik said. “This challenge will boost my confidence in future work as it makes me believe I have the skills and tenacity to succeed in business under any conditions.”
Tawfk’s first encounter with foundation business simulation was during a class at AUC. “I have always had a competitive spirit, as I believe it drives me to be better,” he said. “Having heard about the challenge from Dr. Irene Shaker, whom I happen to be her teaching assistant in the Introduction to Business course, I immediately joined as I wanted to reach my potential in Capsim and compete with top-notch students all over the world. The most valuable thing I learned from the challenge is the ability to be flexible in an uncertain economy and that consistency is the key to success.”
With an engineering background, Tawfik doesn’t shy away from a business challenge. “Being an engineering student, it was difficult to allocate time to prepare for the competition,” he said. “However, I managed to do so because, in my opinion, business is the key to thriving in every field, and this challenge will add a lot to my mindset. Engineering helped me prevail over other participants, especially when I encountered unexpected results each round, and understand how to use my problem-solving skills to bounce back and compete.
The AUC School of Business Executive Education open-enrollment program jumped an impressive five places in the Financial Times (FT) rankings. This year, the program ranked at 62, maintaining its position as the only ranked business school in the Arab region and one of only three in Africa. This achievement highlights the program's commitment to providing relevant, practical, and high-quality education to business professionals worldwide.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and instructors, who have worked tirelessly to provide relevant and innovative programs to our participants,” says Mohamed AbdelSalam, executive director of Executive Education at the AUC School of Business. “Maintaining our position as the only ranked business school in the region is a great honor and further motivates us to continue providing world-class executive education to business professionals across the globe."
FT rankings are based on data provided by learners and institutions alike, assessing ten criteria from participants and six from schools. AUC’s ranking is a testament to its service to its world-class executive education experience, which offers an array of open-enrollment programs designed to meet the needs of business professionals at all career stages through an up-to-date curriculum, experienced instructors, customized learning, interactive teaching methods and an array of networking opportunities.
Whether seeking guidance about careers, academics, creativity, entrepreneurship or life in general, students in all stages of their AUC journey — as well as alumni — can find help in the form of a mentor under the University’s Life Mentorship Program (LMP).
Launched in 2017, the program connects AUC students with faculty and alumni mentors, forging powerful relationships that last well beyond University. Michael Hanna ‘20 joined LMP initially as a work-study video editor and director, but shortly thereafter began to be mentored by Hakim Meshreki (MBA '05), assistant professor and CEMS Master in International Management academic director. Hanna is now an electrical engineer in Orlando, Florida.
“My first impression of Dr. Hakim was how accessible and relatable he is,” Hanna recalled. “I felt like he was an older sibling, a really smart one.”
After undergoing a revamp following the coronavirus pandemic, the LMP was relaunched last November by May Ramy, senior director for cocurricular programs at AUC. It now operates under five clusters: entrepreneurship, civic engagement, arts and culture, athletics and well-being. In addition to one-on-one matches, the LMP is also offering group mentoring sessions as an introduction to the program.
“The program complements everything that happens inside of the classroom,” Younes explained. “It aims to build well-rounded mindsets and skill sets that will help students jump-start their careers. Moreover, it is a lifelong relationship — people always remember a mentor who has helped them realize their potential and overcome challenges.”
Though Hanna studied electronics and communications engineering at AUC, working with Meshreki, who teaches in AUC’s School of Business, taught him the importance of making connections and being relatable in conversation. “I ended up taking Dr. Hakim’s Introduction to Business course, and later on, he recommended me as a teaching assistant to different professors.”
This interdisciplinarity is a key component of the program, Ramy explained. “The LMP engages AUC learners from different disciplines in quality mentoring relationships and development experiences that create meaningful and sustainable connections and enable them to lead an intentional and professional life,” she said.
Making a Mentor
Intelligence, empathy, experience — according to Meshreki, these are three characteristics that are essential in being a good mentor. Having been with the program since 2018 and mentoring students on his own before joining, Meshreki sees mentorship as an invaluable practice.
“We're living in an era of instability, so talking to others and building relationships with more experienced people will open up ideas and opportunities,” he said. “Having a mentor can help students discover their full potential and steer them toward better avenues for personal growth.”
Hanna reflected on what made Meshreki an ideal mentor. “He's young at heart and knows how to immediately connect with students,” he said. “Dr. Hakim consistently provided helpful, relevant information, continually exercised critical thinking, was willing to be proven wrong and loved being challenged.”
Hanna is grateful for the program’s impact on his career trajectory. He’s also still in touch with Meshreki, who is taking on new mentees with the program’s relaunch. Since November, nearly 300 mentors and mentees have signed up for the program. “This is a network, and the benefits of a network are huge.” Meshreki said.
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