For our “Going abroad” series, Hugo Guyader interviewed Fares Khalil, who moved from Lebanon to Canada, and to Finland. This is the second part of the interview with him. Read part one here.
Fares G. Khalil comes from Lebanon but he did his undergrads 2002-2011 in Montreal, Canada (John Molson School of Business at Concordia University) where he worked in the marketing industry for a couple years before going back to Lebanon. Fares is now enrolled as a PhD candidate in Marketing at Hanken School of Business in Helsinki, Finland since 2019.
Let’s ask him a few questions about his experience from living on three different continents.
What do the people you’ve met abroad want to know the most about you?
I guess people are kind of predictable in that they always ask three generic questions like where are you from, what do you research, and I get why Finland a lot! But we also like to inquire about the research topic if we find it interesting, such as an experimental design which may not necessarily garner ethical approval!
What would you recommend to them if they want to apply for a PhD in Finland?
I believe in getting a feel of things before jumping in, so I liked that I was able to read up on the work and then meet face-to-face with a potential supervisor(s). This also helped me in drafting a solid proposal because I received some guidance to their interests. Also, if the understated Nordic vibe appeals to you, then you are in for a nice experience as they can be super accommodating and easy to work with. But I think it takes a visit to get the feel of it as it can be quite different than other capitals.
Concerning your PhD candidate position at CERS, are you part of a project or financed by the school?
In our program, our first 2 years are financed by the school – a nice incentive! And most of us have to then fund their following 2 years through scholarships, that is if they are not part of any project. Having now obtained a scholarship for my third year, I might be coming into a project towards the end of the year.
What would you say are the main differences between the European and North-American academic systems?
Well, I can only talk about my ‘European’ experience in Helsinki, but I noticed some cultural and academic differences with the American system. You soon find out that it is more ‘balanced’ in Europe, in general. Quantitative doesn’t seem as favored over qualitative, and there seems to be a more humanistic approach. Of course everyone now is interested in sustainability and greening of the economy, but the American system seems a tad more performance-oriented.
Also, I experienced much encouragement to chart my own research path and come up with my own ideas and concepts, but I feel this is quite particular at Hanken, and not necessarily in all European programs.
And how is the academic community at Hanken?
Well, Hanken, and particularly CERS, is pretty international. It is also triple accredited to the world-class standard. As a PhD student, you get the feel of being part of an international community with very close ties to many leading universities across the world like Sweden, Portugal, US, Australia, etc. You also get a variety of perspectives with different researchers rooted in qual, quant, service, b2b, b2c, behavioral economics, supply chains, sustainability, etc.
Such an international network seems great! What is the best part of being a member of this community of international scholars?
These days everything feels oddly more global. More confined, but more global! I was attending and presenting at two conferences last year, in France and in Australia, but then everything spiraled down quickly – they were postponed, or moved online. And yet, this presence online brought me into more regular contact with colleagues across the globe. The best part I think is the international exposure, whether in person or virtually, you feel like a global citizen – a true cosmopolitan!
…and what is the biggest challenge?
I guess the biggest challenge is finding my footing as a young researcher, and not being afraid to pursue ideas and opportunities with uncertainty at the other end. I think it also requires flexibility in traveling and relocating because one needs to find a job after graduation!
You’ve accumulated work experience as a marketing manager in Canada and entrepreneur in Lebanon — does this international career helps you in your research (e.g. getting access to data)?
I guess being entrepreneurial helps! Some say it is programmed genetically in Lebanese people, but I have found it helpful when reaching out to a research company and a government-subsidized program for some field exposure and empirical data, as well as to other universities for collaboration. I do have an inclination for applied work, so I was drawn into the technology field which is quite advanced in Finland. Also, being comfortable with the language and research spirit of managers helps.
Do you consider visiting another academic institution during your PhD program (e.g. as a visiting scholar)?
In fact, I would most likely have been in Portugal this month, at Universidade do Porto, for an exchange period. Instead, the covid situation has moved us online into a virtual group for collaboration and sharing ideas. It is awesome to meet fellow esteemed as well as inspiring researchers from different research groups, and I imagine being there would have only reinforced this co-creative and stimulating aspect.
Hopefully you can plan a visit there soon. Now, where do you see yourself pursuing an academic career?
It’s hard to tell now. I am open to the possibility of staying in Finland, or perhaps moving to Australia, or anywhere else. It sometimes feels like a big village!
And I don’t really think too much ahead, but I hope that we will shift to a new gear where things are making more sense in a holistic and sustainable logic. I think we all suspect we will have at least some work done with global others virtually.
What advice can you give to scholars considering moving to a new country?
I guess cultural alignment is important. If one is ready to move and adapt, then they will be taking on the local culture. Some people like to remain in their own expat bubble, but even so, it helps a lot if one has an appreciation for the local culture.
How is your Finish?
I can introduce myself in Finish and ask if you know English. That’s where my Finish ends, and their English normally starts. Luckily, everyone speaks English here!
Congratulations for winning the AMS Review Doctoral Competition for Conceptual Articles recognition!!
Thank you so much! I am indeed honored and intimidated because now I have to work on an ambitious paper for potential publication. As my amazing Finish mentor and friend, Ulla Koivukoski tells me, “aim for the stars and shoot, you never know where you land”.
[You can read about Fares’ research here: On conceptualizing ‘alignment with customers’]
Fares G. Khalil
PhD candidate, Hanken School of Economics, Helsinki, Finland
