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Corporate Residency MBA

Interviews with students and alumni

Category: MBA Life

Exchange experiences in Toulouse and Copenhagen

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Dalhousie’s CRMBA program gives students the amazing opportunity to take part in an exchange program during the first semester of their second year. Dalhousie has had a longstanding relationship with the Copenhagen Business School and starting this year, students also had the opportunity to attend the Toulouse Business School. Read the accounts of two of MBA students, Laurier LeClair and Hope Scheller, who travelled to Toulouse and Copenhagen last year.

 

Toulouse Business School (TBS) Exchange Opportunity – Laurier LeClair, BSc, CRMBA Candidate, MVP

Going on exchange is an enriching experience—academically, culturally and personally—all of which contributed to better shaping the vision I have for my future career.

Academics at TBS started quickly with what is termed a SESAME project. This involved a live strategic business case negotiated between TBS and Thales, an international aeronautics company based in Toulouse, in which we took on the role of consultants. We spent two weeks building a business plan for Thales, the first week ending with a proposal and the second with an implementation plan. Whether our work will eventually contribute to the future success of Thales is uncertain, but the experience for us students was invaluable. The rest of the semester was spent learning about international business as part of our OP (option professionnel). During the course, every 2–3 classes were taught by a different industry expert on the topic at hand; for example, an expert in African business taught us about the ups and downs of doing business in Africa.

Lauren Zvaniga, Laurier LeClair and Maggig Kennedy exploring Venice on one of many weekend adventures

Lauren Zvaniga, Laurier LeClair and Maggie Kennedy exploring Venice on one of many weekend adventures

Culturally, the experience of studying in France and travelling around Europe during my spare time taught me quite a lot. Our program at TBS had many international students and being able to employ the personal and professional effectiveness skills came in handy when trying to accommodate completely different working styles in group settings. When travelling I had the opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultures such as those of Turkey, Greece, Denmark, Italy and Switzerland. Each of these countries was unique and observing how people live so differently than here in Canada was very interesting.

Taking part in an international exchange taught me that I can adapt quickly to completely different cultures, and this skill can be leveraged towards a future career by demonstrating to large international corporations that I am able to pick up and move to fill a need anywhere in the world. Given the opportunity to do it again, I would accept without hesitation!

 

Copenhagen Business School (CBS) Exchange Opportunity – Hope Scheller, BSc, CRMBA Candidate

In my life, I have always believed that if something scares or intimidates me, then I need to do it. My reasoning for this? Facing my fears has never let me down—through doing, I continuously try to improve myself and learn something new about the world around me. Naturally, when the opportunity to study at CBS for a semester presented itself, I pushed aside the initial feelings of doubt and fear and sent in my application.

Living and studying in Copenhagen, Denmark, was incomparable to anything I had experienced before. Denmark has been rated the happiest country in the world, and it was very easy to see why. Most students and professionals rode their bicycles to school or work each day, breathing the fresh air and making exercise part of their daily routine. At school, students were given more flexibility than we tend to offer in Canada, with most courses putting a greater emphasis on self-directed studies as opposed to weekly assignments.

Hope Scheller (second from left) and friends in Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Hope Scheller (second from left) and friends in Nyhavn, Copenhagen

The electives I chose to take at CBS were unique and have changed the way I interpret my current coursework now that I am back in Canada. For example, I took an incredible class that focused on ethical consumption, cause-related marketing and celebrity humanitarianism. Discussions and concepts that I took from this course continue to resonate in my mind, guiding how I approach my job search post-graduation and how I choose to live my life.

I cannot speak about how amazing my experience in Copenhagen was without mentioning the people that made it so worthwhile. Not only was I fortunate enough to attend CBS with three other Dalhousie CRMBA students, but I was also given the opportunity to live in a residence with 120 exchange students from around the world. I learned so much about various cultures, countries and disciplines simply by listening to my peers and keeping an open mind. These people became my friends and after a month of living together we began to feel like a big family. From getting a personal tour of a Dutch friend’s hometown of Amsterdam, to tasting authentic Swiss, French, Spanish and Italian cuisine, it was from the people I met that I learned the most.

As I look toward my next steps after graduating from the CRMBA program at Dalhousie University, I am confident that taking part in the exchange at Copenhagen Business School has helped make me a better leader, helped develop my worldview and changed the way I think about business. I will forever be grateful for this experience given to me by Dalhousie University and encourage any students interested in this exchange not to be afraid—take a leap of faith, learn by doing and do it! I assure you that you’ll thank yourself for doing so.

Preparing For Your First Day

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Author: Phillip T’ien

With the incoming class of 2020 beginning their program in a few short weeks, students are likely starting to feel the pressure of entering graduate school. Looking back at my time at Dalhousie, it’s hard to believe that it was already two years ago that I was experiencing my first day jitters. To help manage this, here are a few tips to ensure you start the program on the right foot.

Keep Calm

Your first day in a graduate program may seem quite intimidating at first glance. New requirements and expectations are set, such as a 70% minimum requirement for passing. In addition, a hectic intensive first summer awaits the class.

While it is normal to feel some stress due to entering a new environment, be excited for the amazing opportunity ahead. The summer may seem overwhelming at first, but the intense schedule really works to bring the cohort together.

Reach Out

Although you will be meeting your entire class on your first day, a great way to prepare prior to this is to reach out to your cohort ahead of time. Don’t be afraid to ask a future classmate to go for coffee. Better yet, make a post in your Facebook group inviting the class to go watch the game or grab a drink. Seeing some familiar faces will help shake the stress of your first few days.

Check Out the Campus

With the summer arriving in full bloom in the coming weeks, take some time to explore Dalhousie’s beautiful campus. While you will be familiarized with certain buildings quite quickly (such as the Rowe and the Student Union Building), feel free to explore other areas as well.

The Wallace McCain Learning Commons has fantastic study rooms with large whiteboards, and the Killam Library has the “Grad Pad,” an area dedicated exclusively to graduate students. Don’t forget to also scout out nearby cafes and food joints.

Get to Know your Upper Classmates

Don’t hesitate to get to know the members of the class of 2019. Although many are scattered across Canada on their current residencies, some members will be coming back to Halifax for orientation week to greet all of the program’s newcomers. Furthermore, they’re all available on social media. Feel free to reach out to them in order to get some insights on their first-year experiences, see if they have study tips or notes they are willing to share, or get some information on their residency.

Likewise, don’t be afraid to reach out to alumni of the program. The CRMBA has a very close-knit alumni base, who are always happy to pass along advice from their own experiences.

 

Interested in learning more about Dalhousie’s 22 month Corporate Residency MBA?  Check out more information about the program.

Say Yes to Opportunities: Reflections on the Copenhagen Exchange

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Every year, a select number of Dalhousie’s second-year MBA students travel overseas to attend a unique semester at the Copenhagen Business School (CBS). The opportunity to experience the culture of another school and country is highly valued and recommended by students who have attended in previous years.

Among last year’s attending students were recent 2018 graduates Michèle Megannety and Mike Doane.

“One reason I chose to do the exchange with CBS was its reputation in Europe and the diverse range of courses the university offers,” says Michèle. “The exchange allowed me to specialize in an area I am passionate about and learn more about maritime business and the shipping industry.”

The ability to travel throughout Europe was another reason the program structure was so appreciated. “I love to travel and experience other cultures,” explains Mike. “I knew that it was cheap to travel in Europe once you’re there and this would allow me to visit some places that I haven’t previously been to.” Originally from Halifax, Mike was surprised by how much Copenhagen reminded him of home. “Right down to the weather! Copenhagen is bigger than Halifax but still has a small-town vibe around it which I love.”

Class of 2018 students in Copenhagen. From left to right: Alex Sakellis, Michele Megannety, Mike Doane, and Sam Dyson.

Class of 2018 students in Copenhagen. From left to right: Alex Sakellis, Michèle Megannety, Mike Doane, and Sam Dyson.

While being in a different country away from family and friends can be challenging, both Michèle and Mike felt the experience helped with their personal growth. Reflecting on the challenge of travelling on her own for the first time, Michèle says, “It really allowed me to immerse myself deeper into other cultures, self-reflect, and learn more about myself.”

Mike adds, “It can be pretty intimidating. But I was able to make a bunch of really close friends from all over the world that I will always be able to contact.”

When asked what advice they would share for future students travelling to Copenhagen, Michèle and Mike were very enthusiastic:

“Travel as much as possible,” begins Mike, “Say yes to any opportunity that presents itself (you won’t regret it), and make sure you know what type of exam you’re getting into when you pick your courses.”

Michèle agrees, “Just enjoy every moment and experience as many things as you can. The four months fly by so fast so make sure you take every opportunity to explore.”
Interested in learning more about the Copenhagen exchange? Check out the previous year’s reflection in the student blog post A Whole New World, or find more details on Graduate student exchanges at dal.ca.

Case Competitions: Expanding Your Skill Set

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Common advice for new MBA students is to embellish your academic experience with extracurricular activities and events. Case competitions are an excellent way to do this: participants gain academic, problem solving, and presentation experience, while getting the chance to network, travel, and even win prizes!

How so? We interviewed three of Dalhousie’s graduating CRMBA students — Priyanka Kochhar, David Hatcher, and Ryan Bunker — for their perspectives on what makes case competitions such unique experiences.

 

Applied Learning

A case competition is an interesting way to apply class learnings to business scenarios in a high pressure environment. Competitions require an analysis of the situation as well as a proposed solution to the problem, which then must be presented to a panel of judges.

“The most valuable component to me was getting the practical experience and the understanding of what it would be like to work in the subject area of the competition,” says David Hatcher. “I see case competitions as a way to gain additional experience outside of the classroom and have the ability to learn practical skills.”

“A colleague from my residency, who is also a CRMBA grad, suggested I try to fit in as many extracurricular activities as possible to gain more practical experience in a field I could see myself working in. That was great advice as I’ve learned a lot about myself in the process,” says Ryan Bunker. “Another underrated benefit, in my opinion, is having to stay disciplined in your coursework to ensure that you’re not falling behind; I think time-management and learning to work the most efficiently is a skill that will be helpful in my career.”

Priyanka Kochhar agrees, adding in: “Competitions have also significantly improved my presentation skills. I feel much more comfortable speaking in front of large groups than I did before.”

 

Networking Opportunities

Plenty of opportunities exist at case competitions to mingle with students of other schools as well as business professionals. In fact, many case competitions include networking mixers among the scheduled events.

Priyanka found that attending the case competitions helped to expand her network. “I have met entrepreneurs across Atlantic Canada, government and industry professionals in Nova Scotia, and am currently coordinating with contest organizers in Australia. It has been great to meet so many people, hear their stories, and learn about opportunities that exist beyond grad school.”

“I have met many people with different backgrounds,” says Ryan, “all of whom I wouldn’t feel awkward asking to meet up later in my career over a coffee.”

 

Teamwork

“Working on case teams really brings out how people react under pressure,” says Priyanka, “Case competitions can be quite nerve wracking. With travel and time crunches, networking and presenting, there are a lot of components that push people outside of their comfort zones. It is interesting to watch the different personalities at play and how people come together to present such high-quality work in short periods of time.”

David further explains, “These competitions forced us to work as a team to solve problems and put together quality work under time constraints, something I think will be very valuable for our careers. Each person would bring a diverse set of skills and would have strengths in different areas that allowed us to be efficient and have trust in each other.”

“Working with others can be challenging at times,” agrees Ryan, “but how each of our different skill sets came together, creating something unique was amazing — the whole really is more than a sum of its parts.”

 

Fun

Case competitions may be challenging, but these also provide many fun opportunities. Teams can travel across Canada and internationally, and usually have the chance to win cash prizes!

When asked if they were interested in giving any shout-outs, all three participants were enthusiastic.

“Shout-out to all my teammates this year,” says Priyanka. “Each of them taught me something new along the way.”

“Thanks to all of my case teammates and coaches for their dedication — we had a lot of good times that I will cherish,” says Ryan.

“All my teammates for being awesome to work with, as well as our coaches for their guidance and support,” agrees David, adding a special thanks: “And Rick Nason for his help in Advanced Corporate Finance class by getting us to think differently about problems and prepping us to think on our feet and be ready for tough questions.”

 

For more, check out our recap of the 2018 MBA Games, or learn how to maximize your networking opportunities.

 

Priyanka Kochhar participated in the IBM Watson Global Analytics Competition, won second in the Nova Scotia Open Data Contest (with teammate Cory MacRae), and won first in the BMO Apex Business Plan Competition (with teammate Ryan Bunker).

Ryan Bunker participated in the Venture Capital Investment Competition, was a runner-up in the National Investment Banking Competition (with teammates David Hatcher, Jack Dellaire, and Hadyn McInroy), and won first in the BMO Apex Business Plan Competition (with teammate Priyanka Kochhar).

David Hatcher participated in the MBA Games Strategy Case, Pacific Venture Capital Competition, the Venture Capital Investment Competition, was a runner-up in the National Investment Banking Competition (with teammates Ryan Bunker, Jack Dallaire, and Hadyn McInroy), and won first in the CFA Research Challenge (with teammates Karah Lee, Kelly Hawa, Christian Thomas, and Dharshan Imbiraj).

Collaborative Negotiations: A Look into CRMBA Integrative Sessions

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This past weekend, our cohort had the pleasure of attending our second integrative session, with a focus on negotiations. There are two Integrative sessions provided throughout the Corporate Residency MBA, providing students with the opportunity to learn skills in a high-pressure time-sensitive environment that simulates a real-world event.

Hugh McNamara, Alison MacPherson, and Brett McNeil engage in their negotiations.

Hugh McNamara, Alison MacPherson, and Brett McNeil engage in their negotiations.

The first integrative in which the Class of 2018 participated was a live case with a mergers and acquisitions theme. During this live case, our class were separated in various teams comprised of a variety of roles (such as financial advisors, board members, etc.) representing different companies like Salesforce and Microsoft.

In order to make this experience more realistic, updates to the simulation environment were provided at various points throughout the two days.

Lauren Murray and Rebecca Carr plan their next steps.

Lauren Murray and Rebecca Carr plan their next steps.

The second integrative, held this past weekend, was a complex negotiation simulation. A combined event with Master in Public Administration students, this event began with an address from the keynote speaker, Graham Steele, previous Nova Scotia Minister of Finance. Following this, we received a presentation regarding our case by Grant McDonald, SPA lecturer and retired Civil Servant.

This case provided our class with the opportunity to role play as governmental departments and non-governmental organizations. The negotiation involved a contractual agreement between a not-for-profit organization working with at-risk youth and a provincial governmental body. Each team was given general information available to both parties, as well as confidential information unknown to the opposing party.

Managing competing interests and sensitive information, groups were paired up and sent to work out an agreement. With competitive spirits and differing objectives, the tables were set for intense discussion.

Karah Lee drafts her team's contract.

Karah Lee drafts her team’s contract.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, teams reconvened at the end of the day having learned to work towards collaborative win-win solutions. One common theme discussed in the debrief was the sharing of information: while at first felt reluctant to “reveal their hands,” numerous teams felt that a common solution only really began to develop after each side’s interests and desires were freely shared.

“The students now have a deeper appreciation of alternative program delivery options and the related challenges and benefits of cross-sector collaboration. It was clear to me that students strengthened and applied their knowledge of negotiation theory, strategies and best practices,” says Julie Tarry, CRMBA Program Manager. “To facilitate experience-based insights into negotiation dynamics and increase awareness of students preferences, strengths and challenges in team negotiations, is all part of developing the leaders of tomorrow.”

The Integrative Sessions are just one element of how Dalhousie’s Corporate Residency MBA prepares its students for effective employment. To learn more on program details, visit the CRMBA website.

Be Prepared: Maximize your networking opportunities

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networking [net-wurk-ng] : Creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for mutual benefit.

You’ve heard the term before. After all, networking can surely be counted among the greatest business buzzwords. No matter the industry, there is a high likelihood that the act of creating and maintaining a network is a necessary tool for developing your career.

In fact, according to a recent survey by Lou Adler, an estimated 85% of jobs are filled through networking – even for the most active job-seekers. (Check out the full survey breakdown on LinkedIn.)

It is hardly a surprise, then, that networking is such a hot topic for students of the Corporate Residency MBA program. As such, we have compiled a list of top networking tips that may help you develop your own connections.

Be prepared

Many networking opportunities can actually occur outside of formal events: consider informational interviews, guest speakers, or even chance meetings on the street. Have your elevator pitch and business cards ready for any such interaction. You never know who might become a valuable addition to your network.

Know your goals

Consider ahead of time what you really want to get out of networking opportunities. Do you wish to meet professionals from a particular industry? Perhaps learn more about a particular skill? Do you have a specific individual that you wish to meet? Don’t be afraid to be strategic; determining your goals will make your networking that much more effective.

Make conversations matter

Given the number of interactions that take place at a networking event, it can be difficult to stand out. Aim to have meaningful and authentic conversations to leave a more memorable impression. Again, be strategic: know who you wish to speak with, what questions you wish to ask, and what information you wish to impart.

Ask more questions

People love to talk about themselves. Don’t bombard a new connection with too many facts about yourself; instead, learn more about them by asking questions. This is a great opportunity to gain knowledge about their job, industry, and accomplishments. Even better, your interest will be noticed.

Use the business cards

Handing out your own cards is valuable, of course, but here’s another tip: in a moment of quiet after making a new connection, jot down some notes on the card they just gave you. This will allow you to be more specific when following up.

Watch your drinking

Alcohol is frequently paired with networking events, which makes it especially important to be deliberate about your consumption. While one drink may help ease your nerves, increased consumption can significantly decrease your inhibitions and professionalism. It should go without saying but please, drink responsibly.

Just do it

Networking has become an essential skill. While meeting new people can be difficult for the more introverted, pushing yourself outside your comfort zone will allow you to meet valuable contacts. The more often you practice your networking, the easier it will become. At the end of the day, you’ll thank yourself for striking up those conversations.

More Together: MBA Games 2018 Recap

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Pack your business suit, dancing shoes, and Dalhousie scarf: it’s time for an MBA Games recap!

Five days into the new year, 600 MBA candidates from 17 Canadian business schools travelled to the nation’s capital to prove their athletic and academic acumen. At stake: the Schulich Cup for Academics, the Tzitzi Watul award for Spirit, and the newly introduced Telfer Cup for Athletics.

This year, Dalhousie’s Team Rowe was led by co-captains Lauren Murray and Paul Best (both Class of 2018). Lauren discusses a main challenge for the team this year: travelling through a fierce East Coast storm to reach the games. “We managed to get the whole team there even with the storm on our major travel days,” she says.

Despite late arrivals, the team managed to place first in the opening ceremonies dance event; this helped bring Dalhousie to an overall third place in the Spirit category.

Team Rowe also put forth a good showing in the Academics and Sports events. While the case teams did not advance to the finals this year, both the Dodgeball and Volleyball teams reached the semi-finals. According to Laurier LeClair (Class of 2019), “My highlight of the weekend was getting to experience all the great teamwork on my sports teams. We didn’t place, but we were all winners in my heart!”

Meanwhile, the Basketball team pushed through back-to-back games to take the championship, to the thrill of both the players and the rest of Team Rowe.

Team Rowe celebrates the Basketball win!

Team Rowe celebrates the Basketball win!

“After months of preparation, we are so proud of the showing that Team Rowe had at MBA Games 2018,” says Lauren, “As always, it was a great opportunity to showcase our skills on the national level.”

Paul is equally as impressed by the way Team Rowe came together: “The MBA Games in Ottawa was a tremendous success due to the hard work of the committee, team, and sponsors. Everyone contributed to our team’s success, reinforcing the theme of the weekend: #moretogether.”

Indeed, More Together was a very apt theme for this year’s MBA Games. In addition to the different competition events, participating schools came together to raise a combined $45,000 for the Moose Hide Campaign.

(A grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys standing up against violence towards women and children, the Moose Hide Campaign was introduced as the MBA Games charity for the MBA Games 2017 in Vancouver.)

Overall, the MBA Games were a highlight for everyone involved. “The team had a great weekend,” Lauren explains, “and we have a good group excited to take on planning next year.”

Halifax: The Gateway to Canada

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Every year, new international students are welcomed to Halifax universities; Dalhousie alone counts students from over 115 countries among its student body. One such international student is Dina Ding. Dina is a bright and articulate student originally from Beijing, and currently completing her MBA. Her varied career interests include marketing, strategic planning, and corporate finance. This week, Coburg Consultants sat down with Dina and chatted about how Halifax is the perfect fit for international students wanting to experience Canadian culture for the first time.

Q: What are the main reasons you chose Dalhousie for your MBA?

I chose Dalhousie mainly because it has one [eight-month] residency, which I think is appropriate since I want Canadian work experience to decide if I want to stay after graduation, but don’t want to spend time looking for jobs multiple times, such as McMaster’s co-op.  The other reasons are the small class size and reasonable tuition comparatively.

Q: What advice do you have for international students thinking about moving to Halifax?

I would suggest incoming students prepare more of the business-related knowledge before coming since I had a hard time transitioning business field study initially, especially in English. Another piece of advice is to understand the Canadian educational system better, especially how grades are earned in each class. I didn’t pay any attention to the different weighting of assignments and exams and learned a tough lesson.

Q: How does Halifax fit into your Canadian journey?

I traveled to Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, and Montreal before coming to Halifax; I traveled to a couple of cities in Maritime provinces too. After graduation, I’ll live in Halifax for a while and then probably move away. I haven’t decided if I want to move to other places in Canada or back to China.

Moving to Halifax definitely does open doors to the rest of Canada! Whether you want to spend a few years studying here before moving to Toronto or Vancouver or spend the rest of your life in Halifax, it’s all possible.

Learning in the 21st Century: Rowe’s New Computer Lab

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Students who frequent the Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building have had something new to be excited about since last October. Back then, Dalhousie welcomed students to its new computer lab located on the 4th floor. Equipped with an array of computers, sophisticated software, visual display capabilities, and sporting an innovative circular room design, the lab promises to meet the school’s learning needs for the foreseeable future.

Planning for the project began all the way back in 2014. Faced with aging tech resources, the school made the decision to invest in a new state-of-the-art computer lab. Using a combination of funds from the school’s information technology budget – as well as a gift from the Rowe endowment – preparation and work on the project began.

The first challenge faculty and administrators faced was deciding what the lab would look like. Studying other universities, it became clear that few of them had anything close to what they were planning. Those that did, though, were able to provide valuable insight into how to optimize such aspects as space and functionality.

One of the most difficult aspects, however, turned out to be relatively mundane:  finding tables that could accommodate all the computers while still leaving ample desk space for students. To solve the problem, Dal had the tables custom manufactured; in the summer months before the lab opened, a team of five carpenters worked diligently in a machine shop on campus (next door to the Rowe, actually!) to craft the signature solid mahogany tables students enjoy today.

Custom Tables

Now that it is complete, the lab plays host to a range of functions. Besides the obvious classes in such subjects as data analytics, information management, and ERP, it also enables a range of other events; in the brief time that it has been open, it has already hosted executive development, simulations, and training sessions. Most recently, it played host to the Nova Scotia government’s first ever Open Data Contest; using the lab’s resources and their own skills, students from across the province competed to come up with and build/prototype apps, analyze data, and create predictive modeling for promoting tourism, assisting new immigrants, and managing the province’s natural resources.

Open Data Contest Judges (and CRMBA grads!)

In the years to come, administrators are hopeful that the lab will act as a catalyst, highlighting both the potential and current capabilities of a faculty dedicated to preparing students for the forefront of technology and management.

When in China: Doing Business in Emerging Markets

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This year, Dalhousie is excited to offer a new class – Doing Business in Emerging Markets – at the Rowe School of Business, bringing together students from the CRMBA, Bachelor of Commerce, and Bachelor of Management programs. Those lucky enough to be selected work on live projects with local businesses looking to expand internationally; this affords students the opportunity to collaborate both with students from other programs and top industry leaders.

A key component of this year’s class is a capstone two-week trip to China, where students will have the chance to learn and experience Chinese customs and business practices. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, Coburg Consultants sat down with the course’s instructor, Dr. Valerie Trifts:

Q: Why are emerging markets important to Nova Scotians & Canadians?

A: Our largest trading partner has always been the US. However, in the Trump era of increased protectionism, it is even more important to lessen our reliance on the US. Global trade is expanding worldwide, and emerging markets continue to outpace developed economies in terms of growth. The opportunities are enormous if managed effectively.

Q: What made you want to teach the Doing Business in Emerging Markets course?

A: This course is the first of its kind in the Rowe School of Business. I’ve been able to secure several guest speakers from academia, industry and government to provide students with a broader perspective of emerging markets. Our trip to China in May will culminate months of planning, and expose our students to international organizations currently operating in China. As an educator, I feel privileged to be able to facilitate such a valuable learning experience for our students, while broadening my own teaching portfolio and knowledge base as well.

Q: What do you expect the long-term impact of this program to be on both students and client partners?

A: The hands-on experience will benefit students greatly in their careers. First, this course will help them build their resume, through expanding their consulting experience and international business acumen through financial support from our primary sponsors (Export Development Canada, Northstar Trade Finance, and the Bata Foundation). Secondly, students will be exposed to a wide variety of academic, industry and government representatives throughout the program, all with expertise and different perspectives on the importance of emerging markets for Canadian companies.

For our client partners, I anticipate they will benefit from the detailed analyses of the Chinese marketplace that the students are undertaking as part of the course. Each project is tailored to the unique informational needs of the companies involved, and the focus of our meetings in China will help students find specific information relevant to their client firms.

We also asked CRMBA students Mathew Hepburn and Arnaud Kubwakristo their thoughts on the class thus far:

I am very interested in working in international business when I finish the CRMBA program. I saw this course as opportunity to learn more about business practices in China and other emerging markets. I hope to take these lessons and apply them to my future career” – Mathew Hepburn, CRMBA Class of 2017

In a world that is growing more and more interconnected, globalization and free trade is an inevitable necessity. I knew this class would be an opportunity for me to expand my knowledge in terms of global business, cultural literacy and China in particular, arguably the soon-to-be world’s largest economy – Arnaud Kubwakristo, CRMBA Class of 2017