Comments on: ‘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’

By: Ashley Tyra

Ashley Tyra — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:39:07 +0000

It is arguably a fact that China is integrated into the lives of every American, whether they like it or not. Anyone who says statements like the ones listed above is naive to think they can avoid China – one of the ten reasons China matters: “because China’s rapid and deep integration into manufacturing means that Chinese products permeate your life.”

As an Architecture undergrad, I enjoyed the New York Times article. Places like China are becoming playgrounds for architectural innovation and exploration that could never take place at built scale in the US. There are many opportunities for architecture abroad, yet ever shrinking opportunities here. This is something to consider for the future.

Visiting China is a chance to embrace its presence in our future. This is undoubtedly going to be a trip full of experiential knowledge that will benefit us in the long run. Admittedly, I did not understand all of the benefits when I signed up for this trip– nor do I currently – but I can’t wait to get there and see what China has to offer.

By: Keith Cody

Keith Cody — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:28:14 +0000

The “Top 10 Reason Why China Matters to You” link is broken. The correct link is: http://www.good.is/post/ten_reasons_why_china_matters_to_you/.
The architecture article is pretty cool. I highly suggest it.

If you would like to learn more about architecture in China, I suggest:
Chinese Architecture: A Pictorial History (Dover Architecture)

and

Chinese Architecture (Introductions to Chinese Culture)

I chose to go on the China trip because it is the one unique thing program offers, otherwise it’s a pretty generic program. To enhance the trip, I’ve spent the past 2 quarters studying Mandarin. I hope a full year of Mandarin helps me as much as I hope.

During your very first class in the MBA program, you learn about synergy and diversity. The more you know, the better you are. I actually planning on being in international business after graduation and I think the trip will be very useful.

By: Fred S.

Fred S. — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:45:38 +0000

In my undergrad, I thought that San Luis Obispo was all I ever needed in life. It does have a lot to offer, but I discovered so much more while working out of the state the past couple of years. Since returning, I jump on every opportunity available to broaden my knowledge outside of SLO, but with the benefits of living in such a glorious area.

As an MBA student interested in the outdoor/actions sports industry, I am very interested in manufacturing opportunities abroad. It is where the industry exists, and to ignore that would be unwise. I am not required to go to China, but I take it upon myself to do more to understand the inter-workings of the opportunities there.

By: Jeffrey Brown

Jeffrey Brown — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:36:33 +0000

I cannot see how anyone would think that getting global business experience could not be relevant or useful in their education. From the beginning I knew the trip would benefit me but I wasn’t sure what kind of an ROI I would receive. Since making the decision to go months ago, I have determined that this experience will likely be one of the most significant in my education.

I am a published developer on the Android and iOS market. Just yesterday I read an article that outlines just how important the global environment is to my current field of technical work:
http://techcrunch.com/2012/03/03/china-next-mobile-boom/

By: Charles Dornbush

Charles Dornbush — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:08:45 +0000

I have heard this sentiment from some students as well. Many people are not willing to step out of their comfort zone and don’t want to invest (I mean literally $5-6k) in a place they don’t see as valuable. But anyone does their homework and reads articles like this one can’t deny that China will influence their life and career.

I will admit that the trip to China did not weigh (positively or negatively) in my decision to get my MBA from Cal Poly. However, after reading blogs and books about China’s importance, I clearly see the value-add and am very appreciative that Cal Poly is ahead of the curve in this part of the MBA experience. I already feel that I have learned a lot about China and am still 4 months away from the actual trip! Even if you don’t plan on working international, there is a strong possibility you will have to visit for business and an absolute certainty that China will impact your employer or career.

By: Daniel Fleek

Daniel Fleek — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:14:13 +0000

In the current state of world globalization, I believe it is especially important for business students like ourselves to learn everything we can about China. I like, Thomas Barnett, am a “panda hugger” and think that we must become allies with China if we want to sustain our countries in the future. There are so many other countries with much worse political systems in China. In fact, China opening up its markets I feel is a positive sign for freedom in the country. I still think that the people of China should be able to democratically elect their leaders but its hard to argue against their system which is growing their economy at rates never seen before. The article on architects in inner Mongolia is just one such example. I mean, they are building luxerious homes in a very barren desert that used to be occupied by nomads in yurts. Yea, I don’t think I ‘ll ever be an expat in China, but I agree that learning about China is vital in today’s interdependent economies.

By: Grant

Grant — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:03:33 +0000

I found the concept of the “Florida Mark”, where a society reaches 20% of its population exceeding 65 years of age, to be incredibly interesting. What does that mean for China’s future? What is the social net that will care for an aging population? Europe and, to a lesser extent, the US are now facing longer lifetimes with less workers to feed the system to care for the older demographic. The system works when the younger working population form a broad base to the social triangle, but as the triangle gets narrower at the bottom (smaller workforce), and taller (aging population), it becomes not only less stable, but induces greater pressure on the lowest levels. Only time will tell what that means to these countries, once they become “Florida”.

By: Georgia

Georgia — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:36:08 +0000

So many people act like they will live in a little bubble and will never have to deal with anything outside their comfort zone ever. If your company deals with Chinese businesses it is probable that they will come to the US. Having a understanding of the Chinese culture will allow you to properly greet and communicate with them.
I think that this trip can open people (myself included) to aspects of China’s culture that they never thought of before. It is impossible to sit down before a journey and list exactly what you are going to learn from it. I can read and learn about China beforehand but once I am there the gloves are off. I hope that those who don’t believe it will be beneficial will keep their minds open and be proved wrong once they are there.

By: Vladimir

Vladimir — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:46:37 +0000

I think a reason some people don’t think China will affect their professional future much is because “Must understand China” isn’t listed as a requirement in many job descriptions. But limiting one’s preparation to what’s on the job ads is a mistake. Companies, large and small, will depend on China as both a business partner and a consumer. When I think of China I tend to think of manufacturing, but the role of China will expand - I read an article a few days ago in The Wall Street Journal about the US shifting many R&D jobs to China as well. Understanding Chinese business practices will help managers in America work with those outside the country more effectively, while ignoring China will put them at a competitive disadvantage. It’s better to prepare earlier for the shift rather than later. Ignoring China will mean ignoring opportunities for cost savings and penetration of a huge consumer market. I read that the China tablet PC market, for example, is expected to witness phenomenal growth in the near future. At first I thought Thomas Barnett’s statement that China will have four times as many cars in 20 years was significant. It is, but I just found that China has only one twentieth as many cars per capita as the United States. I don’t expect China to match the US in Cars per capita in the next few decades, but that’s quite a car market over there. A market it pays to understand.

By: Kevin K.

Kevin K. — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:41:08 +0000

One of the great things that both the top ten list and the architecture article presents, in regards to China, is both the notions of opportunity and innovation. For so long we’ve viewed China as the place to go for cheap, mass-produced and recreated items, and of course the Great Wall. Two archaic modes of thinking that are quickly becoming dissolved as China — although still “the world’s factory” — modernizes its infrastructure and expands its economic reach to its villages and billion-plus citizens. Yes the Great Wall still stands, but what is growing around it is what should interest us MBA students the most. Opportunities like the one China is experiencing — unprecedented economic growth regardless of if its bubble is heading towards a historical collapse — don’t happen that often, especially for young entrepreneurs. One of the most compelling items on the top ten list was this one: “American businesses face a key decision: dive into China’s dynamic markets or risk missing out on their coming wave of innovation.” Opportunity and innovation tied together: it’s a great thing.

I know San Luis Obispo offers a warm blanket for its citizens, but this trip to China is a great opportunity to leave that blanket, one that we shouldn’t be questioning as we prepare to dive into it headfirst.