‘Yeah, Carr, This Trip Is Great And Everything, And I’m Looking Forward To It And I Am Glad Cal Poly Does This, But It Won’t Really Impact My Future That Much As I’m Not Going To Work International’
May 1st, 2008
Oh really?
And let me guess … all the products you buy are made in America and there is no value in seeing where the products we buy are made, right? Or the investment funds your stock broker dumps your money into will have no cross-border asset investments tied to China or India, right?
Hmmmm.
In any event, I think most folks get it, but I do overhear this comment a few times each year. In fact, a few weeks ago I had someone in my office making the very argument that is the heading of this post and that if they had to go on the trip and “bear” it in order to graduate on an accelerated basis, they would buck up and make it through.
Double-hmmmm.
I understand where people are coming from and they mean well when they make such statements, and I am pleased they remain outward looking enough to still enroll in the course and undertake this field trip. Perhaps what they are really saying is, “I have no desire to be an expat.”
Fair enough, as the expat life is not for everybody. But I still push back against said statements, and will continue to do so, because I think said statements miss an important point and shows a disconnect with what is happening in the world and about what the term “international” means in the year 2008.
To reiterate what I noted in our early informations sessions — the goal of the trip is to not turn you into an expat, although that may be the natural result of this experience for some.
Rather, some of the main goals are:
1. To better understand how the world’s business, economic, political and social puzzle fit together. You can’t do that from a book or by having coffee at Starbucks in SLO town, LA or the SF Bay area.
2. To better understand how, even if you/your firm elects to focus inward and continue to emphasize only California or US markets, there is a high probability your competition will use and leverage China and/or India against you. Thus, if you remain on the sideline, in time, your competition will kick your butt, there, or here. For every person who has made the above statement, I can point to one of their competitors who are somehow leveraging China or India to their detriment.
3. This is a big one. You can/will return to the US and … surprise! … you will be better at your business here at home because you traveled to places like India and China to study business, to see what is happening there first hand which will in turn help you separate fact from urban legend, and you gain a deeper understanding of why. If you really pay attention and ask lots of questions and go into both countries with total humility (meaning let them do the talking and you just listen), you might even pick up some best business practices from the Chinese or Indians.
4. How do you know the day won’t come where your boss walks in your office and says, “I need you to take the next red-eye to Guangzhou or New Delhi” and he/she picked you because he/she heard you have been to one of these places before on business? Will you jump at the chance and opportunity of a lifetime and in turn become the firm resident expert on China or India, or, will you run for the hills and miss an opportunity that may never come your way again?
5. Finally, one day you might decide you hate your job and working for “the man” and decide to start your own business. You will need capital to do that. You will find that if your idea is decent, potential investors will look at your business plan and ask, “why is there nothing global or relating to global expansion or strategy or how to respond to the global competition here?”
I could go on, but you get the picture and in summary, read this post, “Top Ten Reasons Why China Matters To You” from pundit Thomas Barnett. He says it better than I ever could (or have tried).
His list highlights why in the year 2008, an educated person cannot convincingly argue, “I am not international” or “I am not going to work international.” If you make such a statement, be aware that there are a number of people in the world that will look at you askance and even question your intelligence and the value of your Cal Poly degree and/or what you learned here (as an undergrad or grad student).
At least I would ….
To close, here is a great quote from Coca-Cola’s current CEO, E. Neville Isdell (Biz Ed, May/June 2008, pages 19-20):
Question by interviewer: If you were to come into a business classroom for a day, what would you want to say to business students?
Answer: I would want to teach students to understand different backgrounds, cultures, religions, and perspectives, even if those perspectives are antithetical to their own. If student’s don’t listen to and understand other people’s points of view, it creates misinterpretation and confrontation. It certainly will cause them to lose business opportunities. They should never give up their own principles, but they need to be able to find common ground. It’s what all good business leaders do to move business forward. Its’ what all good negotiators do to come to solutions.
Prof. Carr May 5, 2008 addendum: See this related article that just appeared in the NY Times, In Inner Mongolia, Pushing Architecture’s Outer Limits. The money quote in the article (as I have also had students with an architecture background argue that “they” don’t need to know or be “international”):
Indeed, Mr. Ai said, pointing to the architects who had traveled thousands of miles looking for work - “These days, it’s the architects, dressed in black, who are the tribe of nomads.”
Read the article, and you will see why.
Entry Filed under: Pre-Departure, Beijing, China, India, New Delhi, Pre-Departure
40 Comments Add your own
1. China Law Blog | May 1st, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Youth.
Just about everything I have ever learned on just about every topic (from baseball, to sushi, to China, to Philosophy, to chemistry, to poitics, to fashion, to plastics manufacturing, to photography, to….) has helped me in some way in my job.
2. Sin-Yaw Wang | May 2nd, 2008 at 1:55 am
Yes, youth. If an adult makes such statement, I will simply shrug, smile, and move on. I don’t really care if someone wishes to waste his/her life away.
You cannot name any significant enough business, industry, or job in the world without involvement with globalization, or more specifically, China. (Make that a homework, Carr.) So, students, how many years you would like to work before reaching that level of “significance.” If the answer is “forever,” then please move on and leave this trip only in your scrapbook. Since in a few years, you won’t matter anyway.
3. Ryan Moore | May 3rd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
If you are not interested in the opportunity to travel to China, meet industry executives, and learn first hand how International business is being done in our world today, then you are not truly interested in business at all. If you are not truly interested in business, then why are you putting yourself through a graduate business program in the first place? The opportunity to view China (and India) at this time in history, meet with industry insiders, and gain the perspective and insight that we will be receiving is an experience that will not only increase your personal understanding of the world we all live in, but will make you more valuable to ANY perspective employer at ANY job, ANYWHERE in the world. Do you get it?
4. David Dougherty | June 11th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
When first enrolling in the program, I was of the few that were uninterested in this trip. This was not because I didn’t see its relevance, but simply because I am stubborn and didn’t want to go. Since then, my views have drastically changed. Through all of the assignments and speakers this year, I now see just how important this piece will be in my life. I am very excited for all of the opportunities and first hand experiences this trip will provide. I now hope to one day be the person that my boss comes to and says jump on the red eyes overseas, and I think this trip will increase the likelihood of that happening.
5. Andrea Muntzel | December 15th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Honestly, I don’t think I’ll work internationally later in my career. This is partly because I don’t have the desire and partly because I wouldn’t be happy being far away from my family and friends. To say that this trip will not be valuable to me because of this, however, would be foolish. I think what this blog and what a lot of the comments basically come down to is a desire to learn. The reality is that many people can be fine businesspeople without ever traveling to China or India. A hunger for knowledge, though, makes for an extraordinary businessperson. I’ve already learned a lot about China and India and I know I’ll be a better businessperson because of it. When we actually travel to China and India, I know I’ll also learn a lot about myself, which will only make me a better person and a better manager in the future. Taking the chances that are given to you and learning as much as you possibly can through the process is what getting a Masters is all about.
6. Jenna Healy | January 1st, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I am someone who needs no convincing traveling to China and India is worthwhile. Everyone I tell about the trip is amazed that this is part of our course… in a good way. What an opportunity it is to travel the globe, research, meet, explore, study!
Having a greater and more accurate perspective of our world can only be beneficial. China and India are defining global business currently, and without an understanding of their culture, their history, their policies, we would not be living to our fullest business potentials. Also, by taking this trip, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities and networks around the globe.
The original comment came from ignorance or fear. There is no way someone could say such a thing who understands the impact to come. Like Dr. Whitaker says, “travel ‘til it hurts.” I have never regretted traveling, even if there were hardships in the traveling itself, the perspective gained upon my return was well worth any struggle.
7. Nick Chamness | January 6th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
It really irks me when people say they don’t NEED to understand or experience other cultures. This kind of mentality has put our country in all kinds of bad predicaments around the world. A majority of our legislator does not have much if any experience with many of the countries that they directly impact everyday.
We need to be the new generation of Americans, that like the rest of the world has an appreciation and understanding of others. This trip we will eventually embark on will no doubt teach us about the way business operates in Chindia…A definite positive for us business students. I understand this is the major purpose of this trip, but want to point out that it is also about the entire experience. Whether it be the insightful conversation you have with one of the executives from a firm visit, figuring out how to order food, bartering with a street-side vendor, scaling the great wall, or trying to understand how people could use a restroom like THAT, learning from the trip in its entirety is crucial. Such insight will hopefully stay with you when you return stateside, allowing you to not only make sound business decisions, but help to better educate your ignorant peers about what really goes on outside of the U.S. bubble.
8. David McKinnon | January 7th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Even if you have no intention of living abroad the things you see and learn will impact your thoughts and actions for the rest of your life. I lived in Ecuador for a few years where there is a huge problem with pollution and poverty. Garbage fills the rivers and smog fills the air. The things I witnessed there have changed the way I think and act toward resource conservation and consumption. Seeing poverty first hand has impacted the way I view social care. I know for a fact that the things learned and experienced on our Chindia trip will positively impact each one of us…we just need to have the right attitude!
9. Jimmy Spann | January 8th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
China and India seem to be the newest up and coming global economies. It also seems that each year America’s companies become more and more globalized. It is only natural that at some point you will have to deal with someone from China and/or India. Now I don’t know about everyone else, but I am always nervous when I am doing something for the first time.
The first day I moved into my undergraduate dorm room was definitely an eye opening experience. I was very nervous about making friends and what my roommate was going to be like and how I would get along with him. However after about a week or so, we were good friends. I had a similar experience on the first day of classes here at Cal Poly. Things just seem to get easier with time and experience.
Since we know that we will most likely deal with China and India, we might as well get a jump-start on everyone else and get that first experience out of the way. This way, in the future, when everyone is dealing with China and India on a regular basis, we will be the experts. This will make us very valuable to any company, or will give us the experience to start our own if we choose to do so.
I always feel like I have lifted a heavy load off of my back when I get done with the “first” of anything. It also just gets easier and easier every time I do it. I also think that the way we are partaking in this trip is a great venue. We will be with a group of friends who are all going through the same encounters that we are.
At the moment I do not have any plans of moving to China and India for a job, but I definitely will jump on the chance to move up in my company by using this trip experience to my advantage. I also am the type of person that is open to possibilities and is willing to let my life take me in any direction. Even though I don’t have any plans at the moment, who knows what future will bring.
10. Eric White | January 10th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
I tend to agree with Morgan how I feel about going to China. When Professor Carr first introduced the idea of going to China I think my initial reaction was ’sign me up!’. As I read and learn more about China and how important relationships with the Chinese and Indians will be for business people, I get more and more excited. Business is all about differentiation. The more you can be (usefully) different than the other guy, the more you will succeed.
At first I was excited to go to China and India because it is an amazing opportunity to expand my horizons, meet new people, and see first hand howthings operate in different cultures/countries. Now, like I said, as I learn more about howmuch business will be intertwined with these growing nations, I am excited to have the opportunity to grow in my business knowledge and differentiate myself from the rest.
11. Jessica Harris | January 18th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I know that I will gain more experience in the three weeks that we are in China and India than I could ever imagine learning here in the US in five times that amount of time. And as for all the reasons why this trip is going to be so beneficial for us all, everything that Dr. Carr, as well as Thomas Barnett have said are more than accurate statements, but I also think that there is so much more that we will be getting out of it that we will not be able to pinpoint quite yet.
China and India are affecting businesses here in the US who participate in no international business at all. They have become the competition that even mom and pop stores face. I have no desire to be an expat due to my love for the standard of living that I have here in the United States, my desire to have a family of my own one day that I will actually be able to spend time with, and because I would miss my current family and friends entirely too much. I do, on the other hand have a strong desire to travel and would not be opposed to taking infrequent international business trips.
I understand that this opportunity to be a part of the business study tour of China and India is unique and rare on a resume. I am excited to take all that I learn from this trip and apply it to whatever career path I take in the future. There is no doubt in my mind that it will put be a little bit ahead of the rest.
12. Mark Polydoris | January 19th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Yeah, Carr, this trip is great and everything, but ‘Chindia’ isn’t really even a real place. I mean, I’ve been looking for it on the map all day long, and I can’t find! I also have to report that I couldn’t find Prussia, Tatooine, Gotham City, Mordor, Candyland, or Oz.
Hmmmm. But seriously, folks.
I think most of us don’t need to be convinced of the relevancy of studying China and India in an MBA program, but one thing that I’m excited for is the combination of studying the countries and actually going to visit them.
One of my biggest regrets about a trip I took to Italy was that I hadn’t done enough ‘homework’ before I got there. I stood in front of some pretty amazing structures (Colosseum, statue of David, etc), and I really didn’t know any of the context surrounding them.
The real benefit of this course is that we are doing PLENTY of prep work about these two very relevant countries. You could almost even skip the trip itself and still be able to say you learned quite a bit about China and India. Additionally, just going to China and India without any of the prep work would also still be a valuable experience, but I’m guessing that both experiences together will be pretty awesome. As we’re getting a good ‘macro’ view of both countries and all of the issues surrounding them, it will be exciting to shift from the ‘bird’s eye view’ and get to see these countries up close and personal.
13. James McMillan | January 20th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
I 110% agree with Mark. It’s so boring to look at a piece of art, an ancient structure, or a vast landscape without knowing some background on it. Call me sneaky, but I will usually nonchalantly follow around a tour guide group whenever possible just because I know whatever I’m looking at will be so much more interesting once I have a little background on it. Even though it is a lot of work, I’m so glad we are getting the bulk of the work out of the way ahead of time (so I’m told). This way we will have a better idea of what to look for and be able to better understand what we’re learning.
There is no way a trip like this will not have some positive impact on our lives. For some it will be more obvious than others but given the chance to look back and reflect, everyone will be able to see where it helped out. At the very least it will take the form of a better understanding of the global business environment, the global political environment, Chinese and Indian cultures, and appreciation for the way we live. Whether this translates into a potential business opportunity is always a possibility but it will be one’s own commitment and attitude that will determine the level of benefit that will come from this experience.
14. Patrick Johansing | January 21st, 2009 at 7:55 pm
I’m not planning on working abroad, and I don’t know that I’ll ever even need to off-shore any sort of work. But I know that this sort of activity is a big issue in the business world. It makes sense for this sort of course to be taught to MBA students. It also makes sense that you should see the culture you are studying–other people’s descriptions can only go so far. Besides, it’s way more fun this way.
15. Amy Cook | January 24th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
I never needed any convincing that this trip would be a useful and relevant part of my MBA program. In fact, it was one of the main reasons I chose Cal Poly, (and that was before I knew we were going to get to visit India as well as China). I always wanted to study abroad during my undergrad program, but I was convinced that it was too expensive. Later, as I was sitting in my office behind a computer day after day I regretted not going. I could have paid off the loan, and the experience would have been invaluable.
Any time you travel or get outside of your routine and “comfort zone” you gain valuable knowledge and understanding that you could never hope to gain from simply reading a book or watching documentaries, movies, etc. Whenever I would go on business trips (never abroad, but often to large cities I had never been to) I would build in extra time to explore, talk to people and see local sights. A few things I learned: crab cakes in Maryland really are THAT good, Philadelphia’s historical significance to this country can be seen on every corner and the southern hospitality in Atlanta is unbeatable. These experiences are hardly comparable with the experiences we will have traveling this summer, but they taught me the value of being somewhere new and struggling to understand how the city you are in is different than your own and different than anywhere else you have ever been.
I have to admit, while I was mildly aware of the importance of China and India to the global economy, I had no idea just how relevant this trip would be to anyone who is studying business at a Master’s level. The pre-departure preparation we have done so far has vastly expanded my understanding of these countries and will help me get much more out of the trip. To Mark’s point, I think I will take the time to study any foreign country I should visit in the future.
The New York Times article about Mongolia got me excited about the skills we will gain from this trip. Imagine receiving an email offering your business the opportunity of a lifetime, given that you are willing to work in Mongolia, commit to the project and respond within ten days. After this trip each of us will be in a much better position to immediately take the reins on such an opportunity, making each of us much more valuable to any company we should work for or own.
16. Raquel Rusing | February 4th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Well… after reading everyone else’s posts, I realize that I’m on a slightly different spectrum.
When I first heard about the program and its business trip to China, I was ecstatic like almost everyone else. For me, the only regret I have about my undergraduate education was not traveling abroad. I think I missed out on a miraculous opportunity to experience new cultures and challenge my beliefs. You are so transparent as an early 20 year old (I’m still in this stage). You don’t know who you really are or what you believe in and it is in your best interest to absorb as much information as you possibly can in order to help find yourself.
This international business trip was going to remedy that situation. But as time has passed… it’s not that I don’t want to go. I just have lost the excitement. It’s been replaced by fear. Fear of the unknown. I don’t want to leave my comfortable town of SLO where I can draw a map for a tourist and name every street and tell them to say hi to Big Boss Robin for me when visiting Novo. I’m established here. People know me. But China? India? Who knows me there? …the thirty people standing at my sides and that’s it.
I have to ask myself though, when did I become so settled? For someone who doesn’t hesitate to jump into things head first, I’m defying myself with this complacency. And I’m only 23. I haven’t even lived. I’ve never been outside of the United States. How can I even justify my happiness? I need this. I need to see life outside of my bubble. I think my fear is justified because I know nothing about China or India (aside from these online blogs), but I know that fear must be dissolved. I’ll be cliche and quote FDR, “We have nothing to fear, but fear itself.”
I think I just need to know that these other thirty people might be scared too.
17. Scotty Hayes | February 5th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Even if you have no desire to work abroad, your life will greatly be affected by the global marketplace. Especially by China and India. Whether you see foriegn countries as competition or opportunity, you need to know as much as you can about these countries.
I have an interview with a agricultural company tomorrow, whose operations are out in BFE. I have been doing some research and I learned that 25% of their sales are outside of the U.S. borders and that number is constantly growing. Your damn right I am going to tell them about my studies of China and India thus far and that I am greatly aware of their influence to American businesses and to the world.
18. Justin Miller | February 7th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I like our country. I have no intention of ever working in a foreign country. That being said, I know that this foreign experience will probably be one of the best experience for my professional career. It is almost impossible to find a company or industry that is not somehow directly or indirectly related to another country. Also, just like the architecture article, if you country is having troubling economic times, you may be able to find a booming economy you can work with overseas. To ignore foreign markets is just ignorance. They can affect our economy just like we can affect theirs.
19. Jason Larocco | February 12th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Looking back at my undergrad education, one of the best things I did was to study abroad in Chile. One of the best things I ever did when starting my career was go after projects that required subcontracting in Asia. I hope this trend continues this summer.
During my past trips to Asia I spent much of my time frustrated with how our subcontractor’s business processes continually challenged their ability to deliver quality. However, on each trip I also came back impressed by attributes of their business where they out performed my company. My Asian counter parts are finding ways to deal with issues that I do not experience here in the U.S. and vice versa. By understanding how they successfully solve problems unique to their environment I then gain a depth of knowledge that I might never have found otherwise. We have talked about the concept of group think and how it has led to huge mistakes in both business and policy (Ford/Firestone, the invasion of Guantanamo Bay, etc). Can you think of a better devil’s advocate than a counter part from a different country? For our Asian counter parts the same is true. To me this is the value of traveling and studying abroad even if your career is focused domestically.
20. Michael Mossman | February 13th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
So many American companies rely on the developing world, especially China, for many parts of their business. From manufacturing in China to selling in China, it is hard to ignore the importance and strategic advantage of understanding the Chinese culture and their business practices. Originally I that globalization was just something for the tech industry and my interests in construction and real estate development would have no impact by globalization. Over the past few years I have learned that my original assumption was wrong. Globalization is transforming businesses and industries in new ways that have never been seen before.
It would be stupid for a young person like me to ignore developing countries like China and say I am not interested in working international. There is too much potential out there to sit back and just watch. Even if I end up never working outside the United States I still have to know about international business because many construction products are now made oversees. There is currently a controversy over Chinese made drywall used in tract homes which is now causing toxic odors. I am sure the builder purchased the Chinese made drywall because it was the cheapest and did not fully understand the risk they were taking. If that builder knew more about the manufacturer and sent employees over to China to check out their manufacturing process the company could have possibly avoided this problem. The rise of China will affect every industry no matter if we like it or not.
21. Andre Ourthiague | February 15th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
“Yikes!” That is my initial reaction when I hear people mention “going through the motions” in regards to this trip. What about China/India could possible make someone assume that they can just visit, look around, come home, and get on with life? I will openly admit that my understanding of China, India, and the business world of both is minuscule. But even though I have just barely scratched the surface of “The Rest,” I expect this trip to completely shatter my perceptions of business, manufacturing, and culture.
China and India are a central focus of an increasingly global world. To assume that working internationally is the only way a person interacts with China/India is not only foolish, it is recklessly ignorant. Anyone who can overlook the level of potential and influence that China and India possess are in for a rude awakening no matter where they plan on working. Luckily, I have interacted with enough of my classmates to know that the vast majority of the MBA program seems to understand that globalization is transforming the world we are operating in.
22. Mark Wegemer | February 17th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
It’s amazing but I haven’t even gone on the trip yet and a simi valley company was interested in hiring me when I came back. They wanted to know exactly what day I was back so that I could tell them about the trip. This company deals with a lot of outsourcing their design jobs to China and the President of the company, who I was able to talk to for a bit, conveyed the importance of global relations with other companies. He had visited China a few times and was immediately interested in my opportunity to go and travel there. A job offer because of a trip I haven’t even taken yet? Wow, if this is the start of something big then I’m all aboard!! I’m all ears.
23. Josh Hickman | February 18th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I am on the same page as Raquel, being that I never took the opportunity to go abroad during my undergrad education and this trip will be fulfilling that and so much more. There is only one way to get to a know a culture and that is being there with the smells, the language, the sites, the tastes, the experience, good or bad is what make someone well rounded and aware of the differences in their own life and culture. I have not traveled at all outside of North America, and I have a desire to travel everywhere. This trip however, will not be your typical cold drinks by the pool type of trip, but an insight into how our global economy functions. I also have a desire to work abroad, maybe not as an expat, but I don’t know how any savvy business person can’t function or recognize how the global markets have such an impact on even the smallest of small businesses. There are competitive advantages and relationships all around the world that if utilized properly, will do a manager or entrepreneur very well. I have no doubt that this trip will answer some of my wonders of these foreign places. Also, the relationships that we all have with each other will be that much stronger on this trip because it is something that we will never forget.
24. Xiaofei Song | February 21st, 2009 at 10:20 pm
This is a very interesting post I have ever seen. If this is a Chinese School and if Dr. Carrs is a Chinese professor, I don’t think this topic will ever be brought on the table. Travel is always fun, no matter where to go, what to see, for me it is very attractive. I am glad Dr. Carrs add India into this trip, so that I am not only going to see my home country. I actually had experience with former MBA students from this program while they were in China. I liked to join them since I want to learn what is the stand of American MBA student to see China, how they live while traveling in China, and what they teach in this program about China. This is very fun for me to read all the posts and discussion online and this is the part of the reason I choose this program.
25. David Caldwell | February 21st, 2009 at 11:22 pm
I would definitely be surprised to hear a student make a comment like this - I felt like the international aspect of the program was practically hammered in at orientation.
I had my first international experiences traveling to Europe with the school choir - ever since then, I’ve been gunning for every chance I could get to get international exposure.
Probably one of the most surprising things about my traveling experiences is what you notice when you come back to the states: free refills, good salads, and absolutely HUGE CARS.
26. Alex vanDalen | February 22nd, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Im sure its kinda obvious that i’m chomping at the bit to get outta America© …. i’ve said it a few times now that the trip is THE reason I applied to the program.
I’ve have been trying for years to be able to work abroad. I went to Europe but it’s not exactly a place that is budding with oppourtunity, especialy before I had my bachelors degree. Back in America i was only able stomach the Real Estate sector for so long (and vise versa) , when i had the urge to flee once again. One day I threw my things into my truck and tried to drive my way out, ending up in the Yukon territory. Its pretty up there but there are definatly a few things. er.. lacking… meaningful employment isnt the least.
I am back once again.. but this time I’ve hopefuly developed some skills to get me out for good. I can hopefully do a little more than teach english and fix boat engines.
Even for those without any desire to leave the good ol USA, the rest of the world is on its way… They know all about you so I would think it in your interest to learn as much as you can about them. The world isnt becoming globalized.. it already is…
plus why you want to miss out on the FOOD alone…i’m getting hugry just typing about it
27. Matthew Neal | March 2nd, 2009 at 5:29 pm
The view that someone doesn’t need to know the impact of other countries on the US economy is simply ridiculous. The most glaring point that refutes this is the current global economic crisis. Although there are many people out in America that still believe that a protectionist, centrist view on trade is the best, there is simply no point in denying our impact on other countries. In addition, there is also a strong interdependence on how other countries impact on our daily lives.
One of the biggest ways that this has truly hit home in America is the inflation of gas prices last year. Because of our economic connection with other countries, when they had increasing costs for production, we were directly hit with in increase in gas prices, cascading down to an increase in food, retail, and construction costs throughout the entire US economy. Another glaring example of the current global interdependence is the current credit crisis. The root of the problem started at the sub prime loans that were given out in America. Eventually the housing bubble in the US burst and sent the economy into a downward spiral. After the collapse, Americans didn’t have money for the common goods that they usually purchased. Due to this lack of purchasing power, our main supplier of goods, China, started to have a tremendous decrease in sales and income. This decreased flow of capitol to China then sent one of the steepest increases in GDP for any country ever into a virtual standstill.
The world now has to work together to get out of this mess, everywhere from the US, to the EU, to Tibet is feeling the current crisis. On another note, the indispensable knowledge that one gains from visiting another country can not be overstated. A person can only learn so much from reading and research about a culture. To truly experience a culture the best way is to visit, spend time with the locals and learn the language. I know from my own experience that reading about different places I have visited is good and all but i definitely gained much more form actually visiting and meeting the locals, and interacting IN the culture.
28. Cece Reyes | March 4th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Even though my reason for being at Cal Poly is to establish a career here on the Central Coast, I know there are many lessons that I will learn on this trip that will apply. If nothing else, discovering and experiencing new cultures that are so widely discussed in business can only be beneficial.
Last summer a friend of mine started a small business importing fabrics for pattern sets as a result of living in India briefly for a job. She has a small business in Oakland, but the raw materials are coming from India. Another friend decided to design stainless steel products for kids and her husband’s family is from India, so I have been working on developing the products with her and we have been in communication with the factory. I’ll have to check out where the factory is located - maybe it can be one of the visits?
29. Victoria Rodriguez | March 7th, 2009 at 1:30 am
This trip for me will give me the first hand look at the coursework I’ve been studying in GSB 578 – International Business Management. The course and this trip (preparation, thus far) have helped me understand the complexities and necessity of globalization. Whether one works for an international business or not, globalization is working somewhere in the supply chain. Also, as was described, we will work in diverse cultural environments, so this trip can hopefully give us more insight in communicating in these environments.
As for me, I hope to work globally in some capacity someday, so this trip and GSB 578 are quite invaluable.
30. Matt Eves | March 11th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Cool to see how excited everyone is to go to China and India and how valuable it is to everyone. I agree and look forward to this trip, what a way to finish an MBA program!
I think that our culture tends to be focused on the short term, not the long term. The fellow who made that comment probably isn’t seeing the effects that these other countries are having on his life and all those around him. I’m sure I don’t see much of it either. This was the first year I regularly started reading the newspaper and it has changed my life. We all assume a lot in life and the only way to break our delusion is a good dose of truth. Going to China and India, reading about these countries, experiencing the way they live for a short time this June… these are great ways to get a good dose of reality. What we do with this information is a different issue altogether, and our classes have given us a lot of tools to analyze more effectively. Excited to share in this experience with this class, it is an awesome group!
31. Ashley Breneman | March 14th, 2009 at 10:40 am
To be completely honest…I think I may have been in the category of thinking some of these thoughts. I plan on going into construction management and will admit that I did not see the connection at the beginning of the year and looked at this opportunity as a great way to see more of the world. BOY WAS I WRONG! If anything, these blogs just repeat to me over and over again how little I know.
As an engineering undergrad, we never talked about anything that had to do with business, especially in other countries. Looking back, I almost feel as if I was in a little bubble and didn’t even realize it. I never thought I would need to know anything about the world outside of United States because I would likely be working on a building or road in California.
This program has truly opened my eyes and the more I learn, the more I become interested in all these topics. I can’t believe how close-minded I was about all this, especially since I am planning on going into management. While everyone will likely be taking in all the business aspects of China and India, which I will too, I am also very exciting to see how different and innovative the structures are abroad.
Construction Management is all about getting the lowest costs for materials so you can bid the lowest amount and get the clients you want. I don’t think one week goes by in this program where the opportunity to cut costs isn’t brought up. More than anything else, I believe everything we have learned and everything we will learn in China and India will help us to make smart decisions in both our business and personal lives.
32. Logan J Travis | March 15th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I find it strange that you have students that will go through the motions on the Chindia trip just to graduate in <1 year. Maybe it’s my economic condition, but I wouldn’t drop $5,400+ just to shave a few months off graduation (I also wouldn’t take anyone on the trip who would make the decision to do so).
I believe in the added value of a learning experience outside my home country. I say believe because I can’t foresee what specific insight or experience will warrant the cost even with numerous reasons listed. Instead, I know that I will find value on my own accord.
If I may make a comment as to the presentation of this opportunity thus far: It did test my belief. The initial meetings did little to draw my buy-in and a lot to scar my determination. I was especially dismayed at the use of legal “niceties” on the first page of our syllabus to emphasis the cost of non-compliance. I understand the desire to protect the school, students, and accompanying faculty and even the hope that students will accurately self-select for this course. However, it does generate a sense of oppressive authority and one that may have negatively affected the quoted student’s value assessment.
33. Andrew Welborn | March 15th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
I have to admit that at first I didn’t realize the full relevance of this trip to my future. I, like a few others, had never studied/traveled abroad and thought this would be a great opportunity to double dip while still in school. After going through this blog and digesting all the materials, I can’t understand how naïve my thinking was. I know the world is going global, but six months ago I never thought about working abroad or how this trip would help me if I stayed in the U.S. All that has changed and I can appreciate how relevant this course is for any industry in any country.
Being able to go outside your comfort zone and discover what you are truly made of while experiencing a different business world will be rewarding on both a personal and professional level. China and India are not going anywhere any time soon, and being able to experience them while they are still in their growth stages will help us have an intimate understanding of how to succeed in that business environment. I only hope that once I graduate I will be able to continue this type of learning and make full use of this experience for whoever I work for.
34. Alex Thornton | December 16th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
In the end, actually going to another country and experiencing it for oneself is the only way to alleviate one’s doubts. Even though I am confident that I will find valuable lessons to learn and bring back to apply in the United States.
The costs however, as Logan pointed out, cannot be forgotten. At some point, the dollar cost of the trip out weighs the value of the trip itself. A million dollars is obviously too high. The question is if five to six thousand is a good trade. Different people will place a different value on experience; each person has their own value system. That is not to say the trip is too expensive or the nonparticipant is ignorant. People must simply decide for themselves how much they are willing to pay for this experience.
35. Emily Schaapveld | December 29th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
The best way to find common ground is to experience where someone else has come from. International travel has made me grow, professionally and personally. There are so many ignorant people in the U.S., that if they took the time to understand another culture, they would not be so quick to make assumptions. Everyone agrees that America is a giant melting pot of different cultures, so no matter what a person does, there will be point when familiarity with other cultures will be a huge benefit. If anything, from my own experience, it is at least a great conversation starter!
36. Lindsay Leaver | January 10th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
I have to be quite honest and say that my main excitement and focus of the India trip has very little to do with the business that we will be learning and engaging in. My main purpose, as is in all my travels, is to learn about a new place and experience a new culture. Food, music, landscape, people, greetings, religion, yoga, customs, and public transportation are the things that make me tic when I travel. And India is different from America in all the ways I listed above. I can’t wait to taste, hear, smell, and see the exotic cities that we will be traveling to.
I know the primary reason for the trip is to increase our understanding of global business, and I will focus on that and do what is required of me. But when it comes down to it, I am most excited to experience India’s culture… and the food. Definitely the food.
37. Jay Ponto | February 19th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
I agree with Emily in that international travel has helped me grow extensively. It has given me maturity, helped me gain a better understanding of things I had previously only seen on television or read in books, and allowed me to participate in new experiences that have helped me grow as an individual.
I intend to go to India with an open mind to learn more about the culture, see what it’s like to live on the other side of the world, and, like Lindsay said, definitely enjoy some exotic food! Could this trip provide me with an experience with which I will build a future business that will involve India or where I could profit from an increased knowledge of Indian culture? Maybe. I’m not sure. As I type this though, a certain quotation by Mark Twain comes to mind: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
38. Kirk Story | February 23rd, 2010 at 9:46 pm
It’s undeniable these trips to India and China have lasting impact on participant’s lives. One of my good buddies is knee deep in the construction industry and swears solemnly that the best years of his life were his years abroad in college. Compounding cultural and personal introspection of foreign travel with academic application is a powerful tool for accelerating our sense in the world as global citizens.
39. Danielle Steussy | March 8th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I was very much shocked when I read as far as the title to the blog. Have students actually complained about the trip? Have they actually not realized the value in visiting another country? One of my biggest motivations for attending this school was because of this trip. In fact, one of the main reasons that I decided to do Track 1 was because I was guaranteed a spot on the plane to and from India to learn about a different culture and its business environment. I honestly can’t see why any person would simply think of the India trip as just going through the motions to graduate a year early, particularly because of the financial impact of going. This is an excellent opportunity to visit prestigious companies abroad that we probably wouldn’t otherwise see on any personal trip to India. Ultimately it ties in so well with everything we have been learning in the program. How is this not the perfect ending to our graduate career at Cal Poly?
40. Chase Janvrin | March 8th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
Lindsay, I think you hit the nail on the head. And it ties directly into what Mr. Isdell (Coke CEO) said; if there is one thing he would stress it’s an appreciation and understanding for others points of view. Seeing, experiencing, and communicating with other cultures opens one’s eyes to much more that a different way to assemble products or simplify a supply-chain. Most graduate programs put a very high level of importance to not just work experience, but life experience. And because the average age of this MBA program is so young, this trip to India truly will be the trip of a lifetime for many of my classmates. What we will learn, what we are learning, is just as important as what we learn in the classroom. An open mindedness and ability to communicate with others that don’t share our background or point of view. I can’t think of a better way to shape tomorrow’s leaders than teach them the ability to listen, learn, and communicate effectively.
Leave a Comment
Some HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed