13th edition of the FIFA Master visit the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters are at the heart of the Olympic movement and the FIFA Master field visit each year is by tradition one of the most popular visits during the course. On 17th of May 2013 the thirty students from the 13th edition class, who this year represent 24 different nationalities, had the privilege to be hosted by the IOC in Lausanne.

Alumni from the first twelve editions of the FIFA Master are now spread out across the world and hold different positions in many sports organizations. Nine professionals from the FIFA Master Alumni network are currently IOC staff and some of them were able to join the day as speakers or introduce themselves to students during the visit.

The long-awaited and exciting IOC field visit was kicked-off by Project Officer, General Director's Office - Cedric Vanden Bogaerde - who gave an organizational overview of the IOC and its activities. The presentations that followed were delivered by Project Managers Jennifer O'Brien and Jeremie Guy who manage activities and take charge of various projects for the Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games Departments.

Throughout the day of presentations and lunch the FIFA Master postgraduates had the opportunity to ask questions, discuss interesting IOC activities and Olympic movement topics they were interested in. Two graduates from the previous 12th edition of the programme - Aneeqah Dinaully and Amir Sedighi - also joined the students and shared their experience and insights about their duties and track record with the IOC.

The lunch break was followed by presentations from Chantal Buchser and Damien Mollard (10th edition graduate) about activities in the Sports Department. Later an overview of the commercial activities at the IOC was made by Daniela Negreda and legal issues in sport were highlighted by Senior Legal Counsel Christian Thill.

As the full day of IOC presentations and meetings was drawing to an end, the IOC Director General, Christophe De Kepper provided a summary and held a special Q&A session, answering questions on strategic issues and the development initiatives of the IOC.

The CIES and 13th edition FIFA Master class are extremely grateful to the IOC for hosting such a unique and memorable visit. Indeed, you never know, as the thirty students graduate in July this year perhaps some of the current class will be back as employees of this world famous Olympic institution.