My MC Experience

hey everyone, i wanted to share with you my experience on the MC in Spain so far

MC Role - my role on the MC is of LC Development. In terms of the work, this was a super interesting position to take on. I am the first LCD of AIESEC in Spain - that has been very challenging (in a good way!) as I have had the opportunity to mold and shape the role. I have been working with Cris (MCP) and Kim (MCVP TM) quite a bit as the role of LCD centers on capacity building and the members. I have had the opportunity to implement measurement systems (a SONA), coach members (3 LCs and 4 expansions) and work with each functional MCVP to deliver on my plan. It is a great role if you like strategy and working with all aspects of the organization.

Personally, my favorite parts of my MC role are coaching and facilitating at conferences (and traveling to the conferences!)

Right now, I'm doing my LCD role virtually from Canada. Sometimes this is really tough, because you want to be able to gossip with the girls in the office or go for lunch with the team or just be in the office atmosphere. But i must say that it has been a learning experience, having to manage my time, projects and of course motivation being thousands of kilometers away from my team. although not the ideal MC experience, it is an experience nonetheless.

MC Life - I have only had the opportunity to live in the MC flat for 3 months, but let me tell you, it was insane! We have a huge place - 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Sylvia (MCVP Sales) is my roommate and we have a really fun time! We like the same type of music and had good chats before going to bed. We also have the only bedroom with the attached bathroom - so that part is pretty awesome.

Stella (MCVP ER&Alumni), Cynthia (MCVP X) and I always cooked together and would share our lunches and dinners. It proved to be very multicultural, eating everything from pasta, mole and of course Indian food. Speaking of food, some weekly rituals - having team dinners and our weekly trip to El Tigre (the tapas bar near the office). Fantastic times to eat good food and spend time with good people.

Some of the girls liked running some evenings, but Cris and I would spend our evenings watching How I Met Your Mother - always a highlight. And on the weekends, we watch about 8745874 hours of movies and TV. One weekend i think we watched 3 movies and then Cris and I watched about 6 episodes of How I Met Your Mother.It was legendary.

Sebas, Cris and I also played Mario Kart (Nintendo 64!!!) frequently. Yes, an old MC member donated his N64 to the flat! If you are on the MC next year, make sure to practice because Cris and Sebas will try and beat you during transition! (I'm unfortunately not that good, but I try!)

I also really enjoyed the random walks I would take with people around the flat - walking to atocha or getting a kebab. Or sitting on the roof and talking. Its all time when you get to know your team members more on a personal level - as people instead of just AIESECers.

Meeting the members of AIESEC in Spain has been absolutely incredible. They are some of the most supportive, caring and driven people I have ever met. They have been really fun people to not only work with, but also party and chat with. They are incredibly hospitable and warm, making language barriers and any culture shock wear away quite quickly.

Reflecting on my experience over the last 6 months, it has definitely had its challenges and triumphs. But the thing that defines the MC experience is the team. the work will always be there in different forms, but its how you take advantage of the time you have with your team that will stay with you forever and provide you with a truly unique experience. Sitting in my house in Canada, I can truly say that I genuinely miss my MC team back in Spain and that they have made the past 6 months unforgettable.

if you have any questions about the MC experience (work or the life part), please let me know! nithya.ramachandran(at)aiesecinspain.org! You can also read more about my experiences on the MC on my personal blog at nithya.posterous.com.

Good luck to all those applying for the MC and if you read this just for fun, i hope it gave you some insight into the life of an MC member!