Previous studies:
Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Lebanese American University (Lebanon)
Spoken languages:
Arabic, English, French
Hello! Salut! مرحبا!
My name is Charbel and I'm currently pursuing my MBA in Strategy & Digital Leadership. I am Lebanese, born and raised. Growing up, I was always passionate about basketball and fascinated by how complex mechanical systems function. Therefore, I completed my undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering at the Lebanese American University in Beirut where I developed a real interest in powertrain systems. In parallel, I played basketball both professionally and at the varsity team levels.
Upon the completion of my undergraduate studies, I took the decision to take the engineering route and move to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2018. I joined the BACS Consortium on the Riyadh Metro Project, the biggest infrastructure project in the world at the time, as an Interface Engineer. I got to experience, first-hand, the operation and management of a mega-project with large EPC companies such as Bechtel and world-class transit systems companies such as Siemens Mobility. As an Interface Engineer, I was fortunate to lead and manage the proper installation works of both Civil/MEP teams and transit systems teams to ensure important project milestones are met.
In August 2020, I was promoted to Interface Manager and became responsible for the implementation of special systems, like: Automatic Fare Collection system and IBS & WiFi system. In this new role I took a more senior role of developing the strategy, schedule, and installation plan of both systems. I got to experience working in a more professional and international environment by representing the consortium in discussions with external stakeholders such as: The Client (Royal Commission for Riyadh City), The Consultant (Parsons, Systra, Egis), Dorsch GmbH, SNC Lavalin, and others.
As a manager, I realized that great communication skills and a balance between business and technical know-how is a necessity to ensure success. In my bid to do just that, I took on the new challenge of applying and eventually getting accepted into the ESSEC GMBA program – Strategy & Digital Leadership Track.
The constant moving and working in international environments have made me an extremely ambitious, open-minded, and resilient person. The rough past couple of years back home in Lebanon have made me more determined than ever to make the most out of my time in the GMBA program.
The boutique-style program and cohort have really helped make this a truly personalized experience. I got to meet classmates from 18 different nationalities and the exchanges and bonds we are forming both inside and outside the classroom are priceless. I believe this is what an MBA is all about. In addition, the continuous support we receive from the GMBA team and career services help provide the needed guidance during the intensive 1-year program. The networking events, webinars, workshops, and consultation support provided by the career services team are well-integrated in the curriculum and one of the best assets the program has to offer.
Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions at all. Whether it be related to the GMBA program or the move to Paris in general.
