FOR AND BY BUSINESS STUDENTS
January 2015
TIPS FOR:
TRAVELLING THE WORLD + ALL ABOUT
DIVERSE FOODS CULTURES CUSTOMS
INTERVIEW WITH THE PARTNER OF INCITE
DAN PARK
MARKETING GURU AND BUSINESS SOCIALITE
want to be on our next cover? IF YOU ANSWERED YES— Visit our website at lazyfaire.com or our Facebook page, Lazy Faire Magazine, for more information.
TUDENTS
INESS S S U B Y B D N A R O F
MAGAZINE
CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rachel Lee
CREATIVE
January 2015
CONTENT EDITORS Kawthara Shire Lindsay Hofer Tammy Leung WRITERS Bonnie Truong Felicia Liang Garry Deng Ilhaam Jiwaji Kara Hauca Kyra Cusveller Louis Liu Nicole Hammond Rebecca Okrainec Robyn Paches Thomas Yonan Travis Garner Tsega MacDonald
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Editor’s Note
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What’s Up
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ACADEMIC TRAVELLING: JUST DO IT! Busting all the myths about internships abroad
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AIESEC: WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
COMMUNITY CENTRE
ART DIRECTOR Carol Wong DESIGNERS Bonnie Truong Christina Stefaniuk Deanna Bains Erin Struble Michael Baker Shannon Fidler Shirley Du
PRODUCTION
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DISCOVERING A WHOLE NEW WORLD All about the business etiquette of other cultures
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SHOULD I BE TRAVELLING ALONE OR WITH FRIENDS? Weighing the pros and cons of both
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TRADITIONAL CLOTHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD Where our fashion inspiration originates from
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SIMON SORENSEN Through the eyes of an exchange student
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LAZY FAIRE TRAVEL GUIDE Travel tips on Denmark and Thailand
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CERTIFICATE IN INTERNATIONAL LEARNING How to expand your horizons while earning your degree
FASHION TRENDS
SPONSORED BY Priority Printing PwC Xerox Canada SPECIAL THANKS TO Diana Wyley
DOUG McLEAN Marketing your company, your products, and yourself
THOUGHT VS. THOUGHT
EXTERNAL DIRECTOR Leslie Chiang SPONSHORSHIP COORDINATOR Kelsea Zalaski
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NETWORKING SMARTS
EVENTS COORDINATORS Zhayate Meng Steven Co MARKETING COORDINATOR Amy Yang
DAN PARK Marketing guru and business socialite
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Kevin Espenido
12 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
PHOTOGRAPY COORDINATOR Galee Khau PHOTOGRAPHERS Arianna Biasini Cassian Soltykevych Felicia Liang Michael Zhang
abroad with the world’s largest student organization
CLUBS CORNER
LAZY CHAT
CONTACT US uofalazyfaire E-MAIL @gmail.com WEBSITE www.lazyfaire.com
cover designed by CAROL WONG cover photographed by FELICIA LIANG
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WHAT IS IT ABOUT STARBUCKS? Is Starbucks coffee actually worth all the hype?
EDITOR’S NOTE
designed by CAROL WONG
H
ave you ever craved change? A drastically different experience, a change in scenery? Have you ever had the unquenchable thirst for adventure and diversity? Travelling
excites
me
because
it
possibilities. Traveling is the epitome of change – a change of environment, change of people, and a change of life. I crave travelling for this experience of change. When the adrenaline starts pumping and the imagination true travel rush kicks in for me. Whether you are leaving for the ruins to have an Indiana Jones adventure or to the beach for a nice sun tan, you know that the step outside the door is not just a mundane step headed to school or work. It marks the beginning of what could be an exciting, enlightening, dangerous, or an unpredictable adventure.
That unknown potential of what could be and what will become a new chapter in life makes me crave travelling. Whether you want to travel for because it’s your hobby or whether you’re looking to de-stress and search your soul, this issue focuses on everything about travels and gaining international experiences. From different cultures to travel tips, the Lazy Faire team is out to get you with the travel bug this month! Best wishes,
RACHEL LEE Editor-in-Chief
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U P , U P & AWAY ! students share their experiences abroad
WHAT’S UP
I went to Marseille, France for an academic exchange in the winter semester. The best part about exchange was meeting people from around the world, traveling to different countries around Europe for cheap, eating amazing food and living life by the Mediterranean Sea! It was an absolutely amazing experience and I encourage everyone who is interested in going on exchange to just...go!
Sanchit Vachhar I went to a lot of places and the best part about travelling is experiencing unique cultures in different parts of the world. It’s interesting to see how the people live, what they eat, where they go, and how they dress. One time in Italy, I had the chance to attend these random concerts in the summer (they were free!) and it was awesome.
MIKE VO I’ve only been in Copenhagen for two and a half months but it’s been quite an adventure so far! This city is really alive. There is always something to do here regardless of the day of the week. Since I’ve arrived, I’ve been to two start up company launch parties, a 1920’s Gatsby themed party, a city-wide festival called Culture Night Copenhagen, an FC Copenhagen soccer game, and a Christmas beer tasting tradition called J-Dag amongst other events. CBS also hosts a lot of events for young entrepreneurs where they get the chance to meet start up companies looking to expand their teams and businesses. The program itself is wonderful. They definitely give us a lot of flexibility to discover our entrepreneurial spirit. And of course, the bakeries! I just love the bakeries here.
TRAVEL CHECKLIST Survey question: “If you had to choose one thing you MUST have with you when travelling, what would it be?”
å å å å å å å å å
Stuffed Plushie Makeup Laptop Cell Phone Camera Condoms Money Passport Hand Sanitizer written by BONNIE TRUONG designed by DEANNA BAINS
Sherin Noroozi
TRAVEL SURVEY!
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How MAny ContInentS HAve yoU been to?
HAve yoU Done An InteRnSHIP AbRoAD?
How MAny CoUntRIeS HAve yoU been to?
HAve yoU Done A Co-oP AbRoAD?
1 CONTINENT- 13% 2 CONTINENTS - 37% 3 OR MORE CONTINENTS- 50%
YES - 25% NO - 63% MAYBE - 12%
1 COUNTRY - 12% 2 COUNTRIES - 25% 4 OR MORE COUNTRIES - 63%
YES - 12% NO - 88%
What is your major and what is your role in Lazy Faire? My major is East Asian Studies and I am one of many writers on the LF team.
What is your major and what is your role in Lazy Faire? I'm a BUEC & BLAW Major and an NREE Minor. I'm currently a writer for Lazy Faire.
Have you ever studied abroad? I have. I studied abroad in Beijing, China for five months. I wouldn't be doing the experience any justice if I narrowed it down to just one best part, so I'll give you a short list of three best parts instead: (1) Getting to meet other exchange students from all over the world, (2) the life and culture of another school in another country (did you know biking to get around campus is a thing in Beijing?), and (3) THE FOOD.
Have you studied abroad and if so, what was the best part about it? If not, where would you like to go and why? I haven't studied abroad, but if I could, I would love to study in Barcelona! It is one of the best cities I have ever visited! The food, the music, and the people always draw me to Spain! If you can live anywhere, where would that place be? I would choose to live in a city that experiences all the seasons and that has a vibrant social atmosphere, such as Chicago or Boston.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? A year ago, I would've picked anywhere else to live in other than Edmonton. But being away from home for a year made me realize just how much I see Edmonton as my home.
Name one thing that attracted you to Lazy Faire. I love working alongside passionate people to achieve a goal, and with Lazy Faire we work together to push out an amazing magazine every month!
TSEGA MACDONALD
GARRY DENG
Name one thing that attracted you to Lazy Faire. The opportunity to write; I'm the kind of guy who can have fun writing an essay, and I personally love how words can be combined in certain ways to create what I would say is a form of art as well. Needless to say, the opportunity to write for Lazy Faire was, in a way, sort of like a nerd dream come true for me.
MEET THE TEAM
MICHAEL ZHANG
ZHAYATE MENG
written by BONNIE TRUONG designed by MICHAEL BAKER & CAROL WONG photographed by MICHAEL ZHANG
What is your major and what is your role in Lazy Faire? My major is currently accounting, but I’m considering changing it to marketing! Also, I’m the Event Coordinator for Lazy Faire. I basically bring people together and create events so I can try to make everyone feel like they are a part of a family! What is your major and what is your role in Lazy Faire? My major is MIS (Management Information Systems) and I am a photographer for Lazy Faire. Have you ever studied abroad? I have not studied abroad, but like to travel abroad frequently. The best part about travelling is of course meeting new friends and seeing and experiencing new things! I would like to go to South Korea, because I'm very interested in Korean culture and of course food! If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I would live in Barcelona, best city ever! Name one thing that attracted you to Lazy Faire. The awesome people on the team! Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.
Have you ever studied abroad? I have yet to go somewhere to study abroad! BUT if I could choose any location, I would LOVE to go to Korea because of the beautiful culture, busy city lifestyle, and the food. Kimchi Jjigae (stew)... is my life. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Tokyo was my hometown before I came to Canada, I would love to go back there and be closer to my family! Name one thing that attracted you to Lazy Faire. Excitement! Being in first year business and seeing all of the activities, information, and backgrounds of people is actually entertaining! I feel like I’m getting more involved because being part of the club exposes me to different experiences.
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COMMUNITY CENTRE
academic TRAVELLING: JUST DO IT! Are you one of those people that has that insistent desire to travel? or maybe you see yourself travelling one day but don’t know where to begin!
This month, Lazy Faire met with Amanda Martin from the University of Alberta Go Abroad Office and Mic McCollum from the School of Business International Programs Office to discuss the different programs that are offered in order to help you to decide what adventure is best for you! We also discussed these international experiences with Jessica Ireland, a recent BCom graduate, who took the opportunity to go abroad three times during her degree. Not only is she known for being a travel guru, she also works as a Marketing and Events Coordinator for the School of Business International Programs Office! written by TRAVIS GARNER designed by CAROL WONG
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The Go Abroad Office offers several exciting programs, each focusing on something different to enrich your university experience. Exchange Programs These programs allow students to study abroad at more than forty partner institutions anywhere from a semester to a full academic year. Students are able to take a full load of courses with the credits transferring back to the U of A. The best part is that you continue to pay tuition to the U of A, but without the market modifier fee! Summer Programs These programs are short-term, focused experiences. By taking three to six weeks throughout the summer, students have the opportunity to take part on one of over fifteen partner programs. Summer programs are a great way to meet new people as the programs tend to be done in groups as opposed to individually. International Internship Programs Students have the choice in over fifteen countries to gain work or research experience. While the duration varies, it’s usually anywhere from two to eight months and can take place in any semester; spring, summer, fall, or winter. International internships are a great opportunity for students to see the world, experience the business climate in different cultures, and get paid while doing so. E3 The E3 program is fairly new and relatively unique to the U of A. The focus is to combine three aspects of the global world; languages, academics, and internship experiences. While this program lays the groundwork for all three, students can also customize their program by engaging in only some of the experiences. The program takes place over the summer and is currently offered in three locations: Berlin, Germany; Curitiba, Brazil, and brand new this year is Washington, D.C., USA. This is a great opportunity for students who are seeking to fully immerse themselves into a foreign culture by being able to study, work, and live in another country.
The School of Business International Programs Office provides students with business focused international options applicable directly to your degree. International Exchanges Similar to the exchanges offered by the Go Aboard office, students have the ability to
study at one of the many partner institutions around the world. By taking the exchange through the SoB International Programs Office you will attend another business school ensuring that most of the courses you take will be transferable to your degree. Again there is the benefit of paying U of A tuition while studying abroad. Summer Study Tours There is also the opportunity to partake in a faculty led study tour to either Europe or China. This program consists of lectures during the winter semester followed by a twoweek trip in May. During the trip there will be site visits and excursions, all with purpose of enhancing your cultural experience. This program is perfect for anyone who wants to travel but is unable to go for an entire semester.
Now that you know of the international programs available to you, let’s discuss some of the most common student concerns. Why should students travel? What’s the benefit? Amanda: From an academic perspective it is incredible to take the same course you would take here – Accounting, or psychology – and gain a totally different perspective on it. From a professional standpoint, having this immersive cultural experience will be key in making yourself stand out among your peers, especially as the world become more globalized. Mic: There are huge advantages to participating on exchanges. A lot of it is intangible such as personal development and individual growth. While soft skills such as problem solving, adaptation, and communication are not always things you can put on a resume, the skills still are very, very employable and add benefit to the students both in and out of work. Jessica: You change so much when you gain a global perspective. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone allows you to see what you’re made of. Looking at my own life I can see how different I am now that I’ve experienced different ways of living. How can students with a tight budget still afford to travel? Amanda: One of the biggest messages we communicate is that there is so much funding available to students who want to go abroad. Last year we had over $500,000 to give out in financial assistance and we couldn’t even
give away $100,000. All our scholarships are available on our website (www.goabroad. ualberta.ca) and we also have a full time Scholarship Coordinator in our office who is more than willing to help find resources. Mic: The Travel Award Fund is a guaranteed $1,000 award to any students going on exchange, no strings attached. The undergraduate office also has funding available on a financial needs basis for students who might not be able to participate without it. We’ve also done cost comparisons looking at the basic cost of an exchange and found that you could end up paying less on an exchange than if you stayed here, especially if you’re already paying for housing and living expenses. Jessica: I am a firm believer that you should apply for scholarships even if you don’t think you are eligible. I applied for everything I could which resulted in three quarters of my trip being covered. If you don’t have a lot of funding you can strategize: certain destinations have more funding that others, if you are worried about cost you can pick one of those locations. What if students don’t know a second language? Amanda: Some students feel that they have to go to an English speaking location and that is not the case. 90% of the courses students can take are taught in English. Mic: Language is never an issue. In some places, like Scandinavia, most people speak English better than many people here. In other places where English comprehension is fairly low you have the benefit of learning a new language. Jessica: Most of what you say is body language and tone. I found that overcoming language barriers really helped me to enhance my communication skills. It’s also nice to go to a country where the language is different so that you are exposed to it. Do you have any advice for students considering travelling? Amanda, Mic, and Jessica: Just do it! It’s the time of your life.
So there you have it. TravelLing can be beneficial both personally and professionally, and with so much funding available there’s no way you can’t afford it. Take the advice of these three experts, pick one of the above programs, and just do it!
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LAZY FAIRE TRAVEL GUIDE Thinking of exchange? The Alberta School of
THAMMASAT UNIVERSITY Another culturally intense city is Bangkok, home to over 40,717 Buddhist temples. It is a massive city in its own right with a population of over eight million people. Within the surrounding Bangkok metropolitan region live over fourteen million people. The city is known for featuring arguably the world’s most exotic night-life alongside its cultural marvels.
written by LOUIS LIU
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LAZY FAIRE QUICK TIPS
COPENHAGEN BUSINESS SCHOOL Commonly known as the capital of the happiest country on Earth, the city of Copenhagen is also noted as one of Europe’s oldest cities. A crosscultural hybrid, the city features ancient medieval locations such as castles and museums alongside a progressively modern lifestyle. LAZY FAIRE QUICK TIPS Copenhagen is a fairly expensive city to live in, so be weary when considering a full academic year of studies here. Denmark is also not part of the Eurozone, which makes it slightly more Copenhagen.
major form of transportation in Copenhagen. The infrastructure of the city roads are well attuned bikers than drivers. Be sure to check out the Tivoli Gardens, a theme park located right beside Copenhagen’s main train station that also hosts plenty of live music and shows. Or, if ancient 16th century relics are more your type, you will want to pay a visit to Rosenberg Castle to see Christian IV’s marvelous work.
THAILAND
DENMARK
designed by CAROL WONG
Don’t disrespect their king and queen, as this is a very serious and honored part of Thai culture. Using the king or queen’s names in vain is punishable by arrest but is usually just highly looked down upon. For example, it is illegal to physically alter bank notes because the bank note has an image of the king printed on it. Get ready to sweat. Voted the world’s hottest city by the World Meteorological Organization, 34 degrees centigrade. The sheer volume of people only adds to the heat and humidity, so if you aren’t one for hot, sweaty crowds you might want to rethink your destination of choice. Bangkok is well known for its nightlife and a prime example of that is the Lebua Sky Bar, famously recognized for hosting the cast and crew of tend to gravitate towards to Bangkok’s more popular destinations, such as Khao San Road and the aforementioned Sky Bar, but if you’re feeling adventurous, take a day trip to Chiang Mai just outside of Bangkok for a deeper Thai experience. Elephant rides, tiger zoos, snake farms, and monkey pens are just a few of the attractions only
WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT? Do you want to develop and enhance your leadership potential? Or have you had the urge to engage in a global business experience? Well AIESEC aims to help any individual meet these goals by providing opportunities to work abroad or volunteer internationally.
the course of 6-18 weeks you will undoubtedly undergo a cultural learning experience, and contribute positively to society. The Global Citizen volunteer programs include areas of focus such as the environment, health, social entrepreneurship, cultural understanding, and education.
As the largest internationally student run organization in the world, AIESEC aims to promote global understanding, and aid students in gaining new experiences abroad. Founded in 1948 in Europe, AIESEC stands for Association Internationale des etudiants en sciences economiques et commerciales, which in English means International Association of Students in Economic and Commercial Sciences. AIESEC’s reach extends across 50 countries, impacting 4000 students at 30 leading universities, and 100 organizations throughout Canada.
AIESEC’s Global Talent section provides internship opportunities to work abroad. Being part of an international professional company allows you to gain cultural knowledge, and develop skills that can directly aid you in forwarding your education and career goals. Within the duration of 3-18
Global Citizen, and Global Talent. Global Citizen is an internship program that focuses on volunteering abroad to gain entrepreneurial and leadership skills. Working on
focus such as information technology, marketing, sales, or teaching. But what does someone who is part of AIESEC have to say? Jay Turchansky, Vice President of Marketing and Communi-
“AIESEC Edmonton is one of over 2600 university chapters facilitating volunteer and paid internship opportunities worldwide lasting anywhere between 6 weeks
CLUBS CORNER
to 18 months. Founded in 1948, AIESEC serves as a platform for youth to develop their leadership potential through both membership and exchange. Current volunteer opportunities abroad are available in Entrepreneurship. Current paid internships are available in Teaching, IT, and Marketing. Register at aiesec.ca/register to be directed to our database of internships available to students like you!” “Having been in AIESEC for a bit over a year, I’ve been exposed to a plethora of experiences that have transformed my university experience. Whether by networking with like-minded students from across Canada, achieving results that others once thought were impossible, or going on an AIESEC exchange of my own to Poland, AIESEC has enabled me to develop many hard and soft skills to make me ready for the professional world. Through AIESEC we also have the chance to interact with business professionals and be part of a youth voice to create the dialogue between us.”
written by REBECCA OKRAINEC designed by SHIRLEY DU & CAROL WONG
AIESEC FAST INTERNSHIP FACTS
5 STEPS TO GOING ABROAD WITH AIESEC
Internship opportunities are available year round.
1. APPLICATION – sign up online at http://aiesec.ca/globalinternships/
Initial cost is $465 to receive the support services provided by AISEC at home and abroad.
2. PREPARATION – AIESEC helps you prep for your cultural exchange prior to your start date.
Students are responsible for paying for Must be a Canadian student at a university, or a recent graduate of two years between the ages of 18-29.
3. FINDING AN INTERNSHIP – An AIESEC member will set you up with an internship abroad. 4. GO GLOBAL! – AIESEC members at your internship destination will be there to provide you support as you begin your journey. 5. REINTEGRATION – The organization helps ease you from your experiences upon your return.
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DP DAN PARK MAJOR Marketing
YEAR IN THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 3 AGE 19
FAVOURITE COUNTRY VISITED South Korea BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION New Zealand
FAVOURITE STARBUCKS DRINK Caramel brûlé latte
FUN FACT Worked in radio and television in Korea
BEST ADVICE “Market yourself, and think about your own brand image. There are lots of people out there, so it’s up to you to ensure that there is one thing, or a lot of things, separating you from the rest of the world.” written by KYRA CUSVELLER designed by CAROL WONG
photographed by FELICIA LIANG
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DP STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
This month, Lazy Faire is featuring one of the School of Business’ most well-known students, Dan Park. He is a man that requires no introduction—just read on and you’ll see why. JUST IN CASE THERE IS ONE PERSON IN BUSINESS WHO HAS NEVER MET YOU, DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS.
Passionate, connected, and everywhere.
WHAT TYPES OF ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THIS YEAR WITHIN THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS?
I’m part of the Business Students’ Association; I’m VP Marketing this year. I’m also a co-president of the University of Alberta Marketing Association. And I’m also on the JDC West Entrepreneurship team. I think that’s all of it. (laughs) Is that too little?
YOU WERE ON THE MARKETING TEAM FOR JDC WEST LAST YEAR, AND YOU’RE KNOWN WITHIN THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS FOR BEING A BIT OF A MARKETING GENIUS. WHAT IS ONE THING ABOUT MARKETING THAT YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW?
Well, there are a LOT of things about marketing that I think everyone should know, but… I think the word “marketing” has more meaning, additional to what people typically think it is. When people think “marketing,” they think of advertising. But there’s a lot more to marketing than that.
Brand management is an important aspect of marketing, and you don’t need to be super creative to do it. I’ve talked to lots of students who say that they aren’t creative; they can’t use Photoshop; they don’t like PowerPoint; so they don’t want to go into marketing, even though they have an interest in it. I want people to know that marketing is a very broad subject, a broad industry, and you can really do a lot with it. WHAT, SO FAR, HAS BEEN YOUR BEST MEMORY FROM THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS?
Oh, there have been way too many good memories from the School of Business, but I think case competitions have had the biggest impact. I was fortunate enough to travel to Toronto in my first year (for Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec), and I went to Spain last year for an international case competition. We brought home second place from Spain, and were actually the only Canadian team to make it to the finals, so that was really exciting too. ARE YOU PLANNING ON DOING ANY MORE TRAVELLING IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE?
I do want to go on exchange next year. I feel like I’ve done a lot of important things at the School of Business, but one thing I haven’t done yet is go on exchange. I’m thinking about going to Spain, since I was just there, and the school was so beautiful. I’m also considering going to South Korea, because I do see myself working there in the future at some point. I want to make
sure I know the business side and the education side of things in South Korea, so it will be easier for me to adapt and understand the culture there. WHAT ELSE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING IN THE FUTURE, PROVIDED YOU EVER DECIDE TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS?
If I graduate…I don’t want to graduate! I love school! (laughs) When I do graduate, I want to go into, obviously, the marketing field. I’d like to work with a creative agency at first, to see what it is like in that world, and what I can bring to the table. But I’d also like to touch on corporate marketing and work with in-house brand management. I also want to go back to Korea and work in the entertainment industry there. In the end, I would really like to start my own company. I’m very passionate about men’s fashion, and I want to see how the tools I’ve learned can be utilized to make a successful business. (laughs) I have it all lined up. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SOURCE OF INSPIRATION?
To be honest, my biggest source of inspiration would be the people I’ve met within Business; through associations and competitions, or even coaches and professors. The inspiration that they each have within their own fields inspires me to do what I love. So I get my inspiration from these people, and also from the School of Business itself, because it has been such a great experience.
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EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Doug McLean Getting to know yourself
Doug McLean is a School of Business grad with a diverse background. His unique set of marketing skills have taken him across Canada and Europe and brought him back home to the Edmonton based firm Incite. We got the chance to talk to Doug about what it means to develop a personal brand. Thank you for taking the time to sit down and talk to us. Let's start off with you telling us a little bit about yourself. I grew up in St. Albert and came to the U of A to do a Business Co-op degree; I didn't major in anything because in those days, we didn't have to. Since graduating, I've worked as a recruiter for the U of A, visiting high schools across Canada. I've had the chance to go to Turkey, Italy, China, and Russia while working an internship with the International Sports Federation in Belgium. I still do some work with the University, broadcasting for the Golden Bears and Pandas. For the past 7 and half years, I've been with Incite and currently; I am the Director of Account Management as well as a minority partner in the company. What kind of responsibilities does an Account Manager have on a day-to-day basis? I have a team of 6 account executives that work with Incite's clients on a daily basis. For me it's not so much direct client work anymore, but rather internal work with my team. This means developing strategies and coaching my team members to grow them into leaders, not just for our clients, but for the company as well. I do get to work in a few other roles from time to time in terms of strategic planning and management, but my main responsibility is to develop and support my team.
Being a student at the School of Business, we hear a lot about building and managing your personal brand. Could you give us some advice about what that is and how to do it effectively? There are quite a bit of people talking about this topic lately, and it's interesting that we've put that tag on it, because at the end of the day, it's really your personality. It's who you are. People are very good at recognizing when you're not being genuine. If you're trying to present something that isn't fundamentally about you, people see through that. Getting a really good understanding of your values, what matters to you, and what you want to do will help you create the best personal brand. If you're focused on that, you'll always be doing things that match you, and when that happens, the concept of authenticity and being genuine is a no-brainer. It's automatic. On that note, a lot of university students are baffled by uncertainty. Understanding yourself and knowing what you want to do. They change their majors all the time and don't exactly know what they want. Did you experience that and what would you say to students experiencing that right now? Yes, I definitely experienced that in university. Co-op was really good because it helped me figure out a bunch of things I didn't want to do. I'm not going to lie to you, I'm 39 years old and I'm still not 100% sure what I want to do when I grow up. I think for students going through uncertainties, it's important to know that it's pretty common, and you kind of have to just let it be. If you try to pigeonhole yourself in something and you can sense in yourself that something isn't quite right, don't be afraid to embrace the uncertainty again. You just have to let things happen, and if that means moving around to a
lot of different places at the start of your career, so be it. There is nothing in my whole time since I've graduated that I would change. From everything that I've done, whether I liked it or not, I gained something. Detours are all right. There's a stigma that the industry size and the availability of career opportunities in the marketing industry are limited in Edmonton. What sort of advice do you have for students considering a future in marketing? I think, slowly but surely, companies are starting to realize that marketing is really important and adds a lot of value. They're starting to realize that, they just can't do it off the corner of their desk. They need people who are more dedicated to it. For people who are thinking about entering the marketing world, there may be more opportunities in Edmonton and Alberta than there have ever been. What I would suggest to people is that the skills that you leverage in marketing can come from a variety of backgrounds. What do you look for when hiring people and how can students gain that experience? When I hire people, the biggest thing for me is that you have very strong relationship management skills, and you can get that from a lot of different places. Volunteering is a great. Find an organization that you're interested in and see what you can do to help them out. There are lots of ways you can build your skills up. Think a little bit more broadly. Your title doesn't have to say “marketing� for you to gain marketing skills from it.
written by KEVIN ESPENIDO designed by CAROL WONG photographed by LESLIE CHIANG
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NETWORKING SMARTS
DISCOVERING A
WHOLE NEW WORLD “A whole new world, a new fantastic point of view!” To those of you who started singing along, I give you 10 irredeemable Lazy Faire points and a big, fat thumbs-up! To those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, situate yourself on a comfy sofa with a bowl of popcorn and watch Disney’s Aladdin. Like, right now.
Dress Code
Chances are, if you’re reading this, then you’re probably a business student— and we all know how important networking is in the world of business. Much like the lyrics in A Whole New World however, it really is a whole different world out there when it comes to networking in another country. A seasoned business person adept in the art of networking knows the specific etiquette and customs associated with their environment, but that can become a trap if too much reliance is given to only what they’re familiar with. As boundaries continue to diminish in our increasingly globalized international community, one would be wise to recognize the different business etiquettes and customs that vary from place to place. The worst thing one could do when networking in another country is to assume that what worked back home will work abroad as well.
Germany: Formal and conservative; conservative business suits or dresses; avoid loud accessories
Below is a short list of different business etiquettes and customs from a few countries around the world. Note that this list is by no means a complete or comprehensive overview of each listed country’s networking practices; it is merely a quick-guide to refer to should you ever network in these countries. Refer to this guide at your own discretion, but don’t forget to properly research the different business etiquettes and customs of other countries when networking abroad as well!
China: Neutral colours, avoid bright colours; dark coloured, conservative business suits or dresses France: Subtle but stylish; good quality accessories acceptable; conservative for the initial meeting
Japan: Business attire that is more formal oriented; men, avoid black suitwhite shirt-black tie combination Canada: Business formal attire required for networking, largely based on personality of company
Gift Giving China: Do not give cutting utensils, clocks, handkerchiefs, straw sandals, green hats, or 4 of anything France: Give flowers in odd numbers except 13; wine gifts should be of highest, affordable quality Germany: Take note of symbols associated with flowers; wine should be French or Italian imported Japan: Gifts usually given with every visit and on special occasions; gifts presented to a family as a unit Canada: Do not give white lilies or cash as gifts; gifts generally given for birthdays and Christmas
Meeting Etiquette
Punctuality
China: Look at the ground when greeting someone; offer and receive business cards with both hands
China: Punctuality is seen as virtue, tardiness is seen as insult; arrive on time or slightly early
France: Friends may greet with light kisses on the cheeks; avoid using first names until asked to do so
France: Arrive on time; do not arrive more than 10 minutes late without telephoning with an explanation
Germany: Wait for the host to introduce you to a group; quick, firm handshakes with everyone in a room
Germany: Punctuality taken extremely seriously; scheduled times and agendas are strictly adhered to
Japan: Bow when greeting someone; avoid physical contact; treat business cards with extreme care
Japan: Arrive slightly early (at least 10 minutes); confirm attendance 1-2 hours prior to meeting up
Canada: Maintain eye contact when greeting someone; appreciates politeness and proper protocol
Canada: Scheduled times are generally well-organized and expected to be adhered to
written by GARRY DENG designed by BONNIE TRUONG & CAROL WONG
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written by FELICIA LIANG designed by CAROL WONG
Do you enjoy travelling? Love learning about new cultures and languages? Have a global mindset? Want to gain an expanding worldview? If any of these intrigue you, you may be interested in embedding the Certificate of International Learning into your undergraduate degree. The Certificate is offered by the University of Alberta International in conjunction with the Faculty of Arts, but is open to students of all faculties and is particularly complementary to the degree of students interested in International Business. As the marketplace becomes increasingly globalized and interconnected, having an international experience provides you with a competitive advantage that helps you stand out to employers. Not only is the Certificate a great academic credential to have, but it also helps you foster a global perspective by providing opportunities for cross-culture exposure, developing intercultural communicational skills, gaining knowledge on global issues, and learning how to employ a multi-dimensional perspective while problem-solving. Whether you are actually travelling to another country, getting involved with internationallyoriented groups domestically, or simply learning about other cultures and languages, you are sure to develop yourself both personally and professionally, learn how to be more adaptable and open-minded, and create what will become some of the most cherished moments of your degree.
There are four main components to the certificate: 12* units of approved “UAlberta Global Courses” Courses from various faculties can be used to meet the requirements of the Certificate, but must come from two different disciplines (ie – cannot have all 12* units of coursework in only BUEC, need to have, for example, BUEC + BLAW Business “Global Courses” include: ACCTG 442 BUEC 342/442/444 BLAW 442/444 BUS 466 FIN 442 MARK 442 Choose one from: 6 weeks abroad (study, work, or volunteer) 100 hours of employment/ volunteerism in Canada with a crosscultural agency 1 year living in International House Choose two from: 15 participation points in co-curricular activities, which can be attained by: Serving as an executive for an internationally-oriented student group (such as the Business Exchange Association or AIESEC) for one academic year Volunteering with University of
Alberta International (Bridges, Speakers Program, Senior Peer, Transitions Orientation, EASI Ambassador) Attending pre-approved cocurricular events (lectures, workshops, etc.) Foreign language competency (6* of a foreign language at UAlberta or language studies beyond UAlberta) Intercultural Communication Training Capstone Project to reflect upon the experiences and skills attained throughout the undertaking of the Certificate It is recommended to apply early in your degree program to allow time for the planning and execution of all the components. While it may seem like an intensive list of requirements, the knowledge and broadened perspectives you are able to gain from the international experiences is invaluable and will positively contribute towards your future career. The importance of internationalism does not cease simply once you are out of school; an understanding of international issues, the interconnectedness of the business world, and communication under diverse cultural contexts will always be applicable in a business environment. For more information, visit http://www.globaled.ualberta.ca/ CertificateinInternationalLearning.aspx or contact cil@ualberta.ca.
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THOUGHT VS. THOUGHT
TravelLing...
WITH FRIENDS
important can be an amazing and ng with Travelling with friends are travelli you ed vid pro , learning experience h you out of right friends will pus the right friends. The st remarkable mo the of e som into your comfort zone and ations you situ in up end will . You ter for it. experiences of your life bet be will you uld be in and where never thought you wo tter ma no fun make their own The right friends will 8-hour layover in d cte xpe une an it’s you end up, whether learn so much und Pompeii. You will Germany or walking aro quarters and se clo in m the h wit living about your friends by . hip nds frie r you ngthen travel challenges can stre is safety, a in travelling with friends SAFETY A big factor and your family you e giv can It s. ent particular issue with par trustworthy to g you have someone peace of mind knowin Travelling to h. wit tels hos in and stay watch your backpack ating with a mid inti less can seem gible map a foreign country or city ille an d rea e else help you friend. Having someon language will make nt ere diff a in als loc or communicate to with a friend ble. Planning your trip your trip more enjoya the months or —f nce erie exp g din ething to can also be a great bon som e hav ays alw , you will leading up to the trip for. ited ing to be exc talk about and someth g a trip with warning for all considerin ations as EXPECTATIONS A ect exp e sam the e hav y friends—make sure the you want to your experiences, where you. Expectations for nd, before spe to t wan money you one friend go, and for how much e aus bec rt hip can fall apa the trip. A great friends other expected to the and trip ole wh the expected to party visit museums everyday. trip was the best No matter whether the MEMORIES er, a friend will ast dis te or a comple experience of your life that happened on gs thin d goo the all help you remember ryone around de jokes will annoy eve the trip. Plus, your insi you forever.
written by THOMAS YONAN & KARA HAUCA designed by CHRISTINA STEFANIUK & CAROL WONG
18
ALONE you’re looking can be totally fun, but if Travelling with friends lf, chances are rse you find and is l cris to solve your existentia it. do to best way travelling alone is the travelling alone is a Firstly, the logistics of LOGISTICS ate with others, it rdin coo to g din nee no-brainer; without so much easier. If go to ere wh and makes choosing when ntry, all you need cou new a t visi e to you get the sudden urg nce of a plan of bla sem e least som is your passport and at n when you are the d get there. An I what to do when you k all the destinations. pic and s bos the be there, you get to is definitely worth ne alo ng elli trav of think that the freedom to fend for uld come from having any discomfort that wo yourself. Before you know E YOURSELF OPPORTUNITIES—B that will present ties uni ort opp ny ma there will be so your own and are on are you if is, t themselves to you tha ptu shenanigans. rom imp e som ed in open to a getting involv well, whether you w kno o wh people When you are around m what you the to k bac you reflect you realize it or not, travel alone, you can you en Wh . you from think they expect whoever you — in fact you can be be absolutely yourself to have a little ted wan ays alw ’ve want to be! Maybe you serious! It’s a little less prepster—I’m more swag and be a an when they me ple peo at that’s wh superficial example, but ity of being nym ano The lf travelling. say that you find yourse can be life changing. ce pla nt ere diff tely alone in a comple reason still, is LE I think the best MEETING NEW PEOP re open to mo ch mu ’re you r own, will be a that when you’re on you re the en wh w You never kno ht be mig meeting new people. You al. loc a versation with chance to strike up con local markets, or the ng ppi sho t, ran tau chatting it having dinner in a res n, and suddenly you are meandering through tow people. And new g irin insp h wit ry up and sharing your sto will endow nces with these people erwise be through your experie oth uld wo you on life that you with a perspective unable to experience.
! E G A Y BON VO
ethnic cuisine
IN THE CITY
FOR THIS MONTH’S ISSUE OF LAZY FAIRE, I DECIDED TO TAKE MYSELF ON AN ADVENTURE TO EXPAND MY FOOD KNOWLEDGE—AND WHAT BETTER PLACE TO DO IT THAN RIGHT HERE IN EDMONTON. IF YOU’RE ANYTHING LIKE ME, AND YOUR ETHNIC FOOD KNOWLEDGE STARTS AT HO HO’S IN HUB AND ENDS AT BOSTON PIZZA FOR SOME THAI CHICKEN BITES, YOU MAY LEARN A THING OR TWO. written by ROBYN PACHES designed by CAROL WONG
A
fter consulting numerous friends on where the best Japanese food in Edmonton was (a very hotly contested subject), I narrowed it down to two restaurants, Maki Maki
better sushi, these two have the best student value. Maki Maki, located just off Whyte Avenue, is easy to get to from campus, has an authentic atmosphere, and offers very fair prices
loved it! If my uncultured tongue wasn’t scared off, Maki Maki will appeal to anyone looking for great Japanese food at a good price. I chose Zen Sushi as my second option for its main selling possible. Zen Sushi is a great challenge for those die-hard sushi lovers, and one I’m sure most would be more than willing to take on.
A
lmost as contested as Japanese, asking about Indian food has always sparked debate among with my friends. Because I only had one week to try Indian, I was only able to choose one restaurant, Daawat. Coincidentally, Daawat is located only a block from Maki Maki on Whyte, just past the A&W. Previously living in the area, I walked by Daawat multiple times a day, but never stopped in. Was I ever missing out! The interior boasts a spacious modern Indian feel, and the music playing throughout the restaurant added to the experience, while not being overwhelming. Then there was the food!. My previous experience with Indian never extended past out-of-a-box butter chicken, and I’m glad I took the next step. than later.
V
ietnamese wasn’t as much of an adventure as Indian and Japanese, as I was introduced to it through friends last year. There are many excellent Vietnamese restaurants in Edmonton, and everyone I asked had different favorites. For this round I’ve picked my personal favorite, Quan’s Café. Quan’s is a walk-in café in a small strip mall across from the TELUS World of Science, catering to the local lunch crowd. Quan’s is a not-so-hidden gem—despite the family business vibe and its location, you would expect Quan’s to be mildly busy at best. My advice: get there before noon! The restaurant is a hot spot for the west-end service is genuine and the all the staff have amazing memories, I’ve only been there three times, yet they continue to remember me. This is something I have never experienced outside of my me later.
MAKI MAKI 8109 101 St. NW (780) 438-8298
ZEN SUSHI 7618 104 St. NW (780) 757-8816
DAAWAT
10015 82 Ave NW (780) 469-3517
QUAN’S CAFÉ 11148 142 St. NW (780) 757-8677
ALTHOUGH YOU CAN NEVER SATISFY A HO HO’S CRAVING WITH ANYTHING BUT HO HO’S, YOU SHOULDN’T MISS OUT ON THE DIVERSE FOOD SELECTION IN OUR OWN CITY. IF YOU’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT EXPANDING YOUR PALLET, OR JUST TRYING OUT A NEW PLACE, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ANY OF THE RESTAURANTS I VISITED. IF A SMALL TOWN KID WHOSE DIET MAINLY CONSISTS OF CHICKEN, SALAD AND POTATOES ENJOYED IT, YOU WILL TOO! 19
What makes good coffee? WHILE THIS LIST SHOULD BE BY NO MEANS TAKEN AS AN AUTHORITY, IT SHOULD HELP TO GET YOU THINKING ABOUT THE DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS THAT MAKE A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE. Darker roasts are not better. During the roasting process, the natural sugars in the bean caramelize, creating a hint of sweetness, which contains the subtle variations in taste that make up a variety of bean. Overroasting destroys these natural variations.
Water temperature is extremely important in the brewing process. Your brewer should maintain a water temperature between 195 - 205 degrees Fahrenheit to obtain optimal extraction. If you are using a pour-over method or French press, let the boiled water stand for at least 30 seconds or you risk scalding the grounds and extracting unwanted bitterness. Coffee should ideally be used within 1-2 weeks after it has been roasted. Ground coffee goes stale very quickly, so it is important to only grind the beans as you use them for the freshest taste.
20
% FAVOURITE
55
% MOST DISLIKED
out how the main competitors on campus weighed in in terms of popularity. The results are in and Starbucks shines as the most preferred brewed coffee followed by Tim Hortons and Transcend Coffee. 65% of the 20 students surveyed chose Transcend Coffee as their least favourite.
65
15
STARBUCKS TIM HORTONS
30
TRANSCEND
TRANSCEND
35
TIM HORTONS
What is it about
Starbucks? THERE SEEMS TO BE two groups of people when it comes to the topic of Starbucks:
those who love it and those who think it’s nothing more than overpriced rubbish designed for the basic palate. As locally owned, hole-in-the-wall type of coffee shops increasingly emerge on every street corner, it seems that we have more and more coffee snobs amongst us, and as expected, many of them hate Starbucks. Why? Well, it usually boils down to a few elements of Starbucks’ business model.
involves some corner cutting. In one year, Starbucks purchases over 100 million pounds of beans, which is about 280,000 pounds per day. For this to happen, they need to roast the beans and ship
beans any bit lighter than dark roast, the coffee would have an unbalanced and unpredictable taste. Which is why you can go to any Starbucks location in the world and expect your drink to taste exactly how you remembered each and every time. Because of the characteristically strong taste of Starbucks coffee grounds, you will notice the company’s strong emphasis on their sugary offerings:
The second batch of misgivings has to do with the assembly line-like production of the beverages. Espresso shots are hauled to the customer with super automatic-machines at the mere press of a button, and the milk is steamed at temperatures higher than most traditional cafés. But let’s face it, with lineups in excess of 20 people for the better part of each day, they do have one thing going for them, acquisition, the Clover Machine, to be installed in stores all around North America. The Clover Machine is an automated brewing machine that allows for manipulation of temperature within one degree Fahrenheit, which produces a superior tasting brewed coffee. So the bottom-line here is that Starbucks is the company that can be thanked for bringing the old world joys of accommodate their huge customer base, they offer a decent cup of Joe in a welcoming environment, which must be worth something because people keep coming back!
written by THOMAS YONAN designed by CAROL WONG
written by THOMAS YONAN designed by CAROL WONG
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FASHION TRENDS
TRADITIONAL CLOTHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
written by NICOLE HAMMOND designed by ERIN STRUBLE
Traditional clothing from different cultures around the globe has inspired our closets. Check out these four trends and their origins:
Harem pants, otherwise known as Aladdin pants, are soft, baggy pants that bunch at the ankles. They were brought into Western wear by a Parisian designer inspired by Middle Eastern styles and Orientalism at the beginning of the last century and have recently become trendy again.
Great for: Lounging, yoga, and casual day-to-day.
Ponchos are the traditional clothing of the pre-Inca culture of Peru—that makes the poncho around 1,500 years old! Traditionally, the textiles with which the poncho was made had religious and social implications. Nowadays, ponchos are a convenient garment for both men and women to throw on for fashion and warmth.
Great for: Costumes, layering, and free spirited adventures.
Traditionally worn by men in the Middle East, India, and Africa, turbans have recently been adopted as fashionable headbands for women.
Great for: Keeping ears warm in autumn or hiding a bad hair
day.
Clogs were traditionally worn while performing heavy manual labor throughout Europe, anywhere from the United Kingdom to Belgium to England. Clog inspired shoes have recently made a comeback after being featured in recent Chanel and Louis Vuitton spring collections.
Great for: Pairing with cozy socks or giving off a folky vibe. 22
TM: Thanks for joining us today, Simon Sorensen. For those of us who haven’t met you before, why don’t you tell us a little but about yourself? SS: I am 22 years old, I actually just celebrated my birthday yesterday, I am from Denmark, and I’m currently at the UofA for my first exchange. TM: How did you end up at the Alberta School of Business? SS: Ended up in Edmonton, because of an English test that substantiates how good your English is and the result of the exam tells us where we can apply. I applied for UBC but it is very competitive so I ended up in Edmonton (UofA) since not many applicants are from Denmark. I really wanted to be the only guy from Denmark in Edmonton on exchange; I just really wanted to meet new people! If you go with people you know, then you're not pushing yourself to meet new people. Exchange is all about meeting new people and interacting with new cultures. I don’t believe that the location makes your exchange; it’s all about the people! TM: How have you been meeting new people? SS: Well during orientation I overheard students speaking German and as a German speaker myself I struck up a conversation with them, and from there we became friends and I met their friends and so on. The BEA has also connected me to a lot of Business students through their events such as their bowling night. TM: What are you doing for fun while you're studying here in Canada? SS: I wanted to see the mountains, so we went to Jasper and Banff, if you were to ask me my favorite it was Banff! The Glacier Skywalk in Jasper was so much fun! We joined the Outdoors club on a camping trip to Jasper, we did some hiking and went to the hot springs! The trip also gave me an opportunity to meet other exchange students. We recently rented a car with 6 people and travelled to Calgary—it was a great weekend escape. It is my first time in Canada so I want to make sure I’m taking every opportunity to enjoy Canada and explore as much as I can! Vancouver has been on my bucket list for so many years! I first read about it in a Danish magazine called Euro Man, and I just had to go!
LAZY CHAT
Simon Sorensen For this month’s issue of Lazy Faire, we sat down with Simon Sorensen, an exchange student from Denmark, to have a Lazy Chat about his time spent on exchange at the U of A.
TM: What is been the biggest learning experience by moving to another country to study? SS: Adjusting to the way of doing things in a new country is a big deal. It takes time to find out how a different culture works. The biggest difference is how the U of A Business School works. In Denmark, I follow one program with the same people, where as here students are doing their major and minor at the same time, and all the programs are intertwined. Another thing is that here your professor knows your name; in Denmark no one knows your name! TM: What would you tell students who are apprehensive about traveling abroad to study? SS: Do it! The reason you should do it is really simple, because it is a great opportunity! I have learned more about myself in the past 2 months then I ever could have! I hear people say exchange is good for your CV but exchange is great for your life, it will challenge you and open your eyes to a new way of life. The question of whether or not you should go on exchange doesn’t exist, so just do it! TM: Is Canada what you expected so far? SS: Way better than I expected! We have a saying in Denmark that Canadians are the nicest people around! I would have to say that’s true.
written by TSEGA MACDONALD designed by CAROL WONG photographed by TSEGA MACDONALD
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