Bertrand Jabre
I was raised in a French-Lebanese household, with one foot on each side of the Mediterranean Sea. This is probably why cultural diversity and open-mindedness are the themes by which I would define myself. Traveling has also been part of my upbringing, and I have been lucky enough to visit and discover countries on all continents. All of these interests have definitely played a part in my academic and professional path and ultimately my decision to enroll in this dual degree program at IE University.
“I came to IE University to discover this unique institution and diverse community, but I will leave with a new family.”
Learning the tools of negotiation alongside the political intricacies of the Middle East
Bertrand Jabre is someone who has taken a great interest in the rich history and cultural complexities of his family’s homeland of Lebanon, and he has used this interest and knowledge as a motivating force in his work and career. From a young age, Bertrand took an interest in the rise and fall of empires, particularly Lebanon, which has seen many important civilizations come and go over thousands of years. Nowadays, Lebanon and its neighbors are grappling with a variety of complex geopolitical conflicts. For Bertrand, it was only natural that he wanted to focus his life and career on understanding these conflicts and working to resolve them.
Before coming to IE University, Bertrand completed his bachelor’s degree at two different universities on two different continents. He started his degree at the University of Edinburgh, where he studied Economics and Finance. However, he decided to complete his degree at the American University of Beirut, where he studied Business Administration and Political Science. He made this switch because he felt strongly that he needed to spend some time getting exposure to the geopolitical and socio-historical intricacies of the Middle East.
His end goal is to work in an international organization where he can develop diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East. However, first he knew he wanted to complete a master’s degree. He grew up watching his family run a business together, and he learned early on how essential management and business skills are for any type of negotiation or deal. This is part of the reasoning for Bertrand choosing a dual degree program. First, he developed his strategic thinking in his management courses as a part of the Master in International Management, and then he applied what he learned to the geopolitical sphere during the political science part of the Master in International Relations.
“IE University truly values what makes you unique, and provides a supportive community that ultimately becomes your family. The institution allows me to develop the international outlook needed to thrive in a global workplace.”
He chose IE University because of its unique learning environment; one that allows students to develop the international outlook needed to thrive in a global workplace. However, he did not expect how close he would become with his cohort. He appreciates the community that the university fosters, both amongst students and with professors. IE University professors have unique backgrounds that they often use to the advantage of their students, providing them with exposure to the different kinds of work they may want to pursue upon graduation. This is one of the many things that Bertrand says IE University taught him: the ability to develop an innovative vision and entrepreneurial spirit by leveraging the power of networks.
IE University helped Bertrand grow both inside and outside the classroom. It allowed him to build his international network and make the most of his experience in Madrid. He says he came here for the highly regarded institution and diverse community, but he will leave with a new family.
When asked what a new student coming to IE University should know, Bertrand tells them to be ready to engage with students from all around the world and with different yet enriching points of view. He concludes that they should be prepared to learn about many different topics, develop analytical skills, and graduate with the necessary tools to excel in the professional world.
