Executive MBA students in Professors Aggarwal and Rahtz global strategy management class spent ten days in Southeast Asia during which they experienced firsthand the demands and opportunities in today’s global economy.  The trip’s agenda included visits to a retailer, the port in Singapore (PSA), the stock exchange and a manufacturing facility in Ho Chi Minh City.

Of special note, was our visit to the Wat Bo primary school in Cambodia and, upon our arrival,  we were escorted into a meeting room by a student musical group to meet the principal and other officials associated with the school.  “It was clear, this is a special place. I was lucky enough to be able to present a donation to the principal on behalf of some of the employees from my former organization, Naviance,” said Greg Smith, MBA’10.  

This school is supported by the Ponheary Ly Foundation, a registered non-profit organization in the US, and it was no surprise when we learned that Ponheary Ly, former teacher and founder, had been nominated for the CNN Heroes of the Year award for 2010.  A CNN news team arrived in Cambodia just two weeks after our visit to the Wat Bo primary school to capture the story of her and the work the foundation is doing to educate the children of Cambodia.  Truly a memorable, albeit extremely hot, experience!

Another class favorite was visiting Tang’s, a prominent leader in Singapore’s retail scene, courtesy of Professor Ring.   Marketing from strategy to implementation. This is what it it’s all about. Real world experiences taught by world class professors.

Worldwide connections with universities around the globe enable the Executive MBA Program at William & Mary to set up seminars and business contacts covering topics such as cultural differences, financing, and trade opportunities.  This international trip experience augments the global perspectives explored in the classroom and exposes students to unique cultures.

“We sat there talking about creating an import/export business while enjoying a late night dessert. It was not hypothetical or academic, but an earnest discussion of how to apply our experiences and contacts to make it a reality. That’s the beauty of this program. We are able to combine a lifetime of experience with fresh perspectives gained through education,” said Joe Hertzler (MBA’10).

This article was contributed by Susan Hughes, Director, Executive MBA Program, Mason School of Business, College of William & Mary. Contact: susan.hughes@mason.wm.edu