1. Show us an activity you enjoy doing.
Tell us how you think it contributes to
your personal and professional
development.
Chen Jianyuan Edwin
Singapore
2013
IE IMBA APPLICATION
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2. An Activity I Enjoy
SNOWBOARDING
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3. ABOUT ME
An avid snowboarder for more than 10 years.
My first snowboarding experience was during
my university days in Australia. It was also my
first encounter with snow. The trip made an
everlasting impression and, since then, I try
to plan for a snowboarding trip whenever I
find time. To date, I have been to the slopes in
Japan, Korea, Australia and China. France is
next in the list.
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4. WHAT SNOWBOARDING MEANS TO ME
Apart from the beautiful snow, magnificent
mountain view and the tempting slopes,
snowboarding gives me a feeling of
exhilaration that is akin to riding a roller-
coaster and having a bite at my favourite steak
at the same time. Whenever I am on the
slopes, I feel confident and free. I think only
of how to perfect my line, challenging myself
to get better and better.
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5. 5
But snowboarding is not just an one
person affair…
Snowboarders usually travel in
groups and planning for a
snowboarding trip is a daunting
task that involves a great deal of
research and hard work.

6. So how do I get by…
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7. A snowboarding trip involves a group
of people spending a considerable
amount of time and money together.
Given that everyone may come from
very diverse background, effective
communication is required to manage
everyone’s expectations.
First, I find like-minded friends
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8. Second, I create a travel budget
Creating a travel budget is more than just a price list for hotels and
flights. It entails planning, estimating and tracking personal expenses so
that one does not run out of money midway through the trip. Big ticket
items for a snowboarding trip include costs for ski pass, ski rentals, food,
ski/snowboard lessons, air ticket and accommodation.
It takes discipline to follow the budget.
Sometimes, sourcing the best deals also
involve innovative thinking.
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9. Third, we plan for food
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Food is an essential part of
travelling. Sometimes, it is over
an authentic local meal that one
can truly get to feel the cultural
experience of the people who
live in a country.

10. 10
Finally, we prepare our gears

11. AND WHEN WE ARE READY…
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12. THE FUN BEGINS!
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13. How does snowboarding contributes to my personal
and professional development?
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14. 14
I gain confidence mastering a challenging sport; and
I made like-minded friends from different walks of life;
I have the opportunity to visit many countries and expose
myself to different cultures;
Through snowboarding…
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
I learn more about myself - especially the way
I respond to falls and failures.

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I develop excellent organisational skills; and
I learn to manage people’s expectations within a group;
I understand the importance of effective communication;
Through snowboarding…
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
I learn to be a leader when called
upon and to be a team player when
need be

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CONCLUSION
Snowboarding has been a big part of my life. Just as I am lucky
to discover snowboarding, I am fortunate to develop lifelong
friendships with my snowboarding companions. Likewise, I
hope to build professional relationships that can turn into
lifelong friendships in the IE IMBA.

17. THE END
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