How American MBAs are going global

‘Global MBA', ‘International MBA', ‘Master of International Management'-these are just some of the new degrees on offer at many US business schools. There are many factors that have contributed to such a trend, be it the globalisation of markets, competitive pressure from Asia, or the recession's effect of compelling American industry to be more outward looking. Regardless of the reason, American MBA programs are becoming increasingly international in their scope and many employers are welcoming this trend.



What makes a US MBA program ‘international'? One could say that it depends on whom you're talking to. An American business school that offers international courses within its MBA curriculum might deem their program international. A student from Spain attending a US business school might consider their MBA international since they are studying business practices from outside of their region. While an argument can be made for both cases, a truly international business degree goes beyond touching on a few case studies set in an overseas context, or studying in a country different than your own.



It seems that one important aspect that sets some American IMBAs apart from others, is the hands-on experience of working on international projects in international cities with international classmates. In other words, different practices, forms of knowledge, and perspectives are what drive learning. Imagine visiting the Vodafone headquarters in London, doing an internship in Rio de Janeiro, learning about new technologies in Silicon Valley, and attending an exports seminar in Shanghai-all while collaborating with fellow students who have studied and run their own businesses in places like Singapore, France and Mexico. The breadth of knowledge one would glean from such experiences is staggering.



How do international business degrees like this work? Some business schools have their own campuses in different international locations, offering teaching and internship opportunities in each. Hult International Business School allows students to start their MBA in the USA at either their Boston or San Francisco campus, and offers a Global Rotation Program where students can take modules and do internships at any of their other international campuses. This allows students to gain valuable local knowledge and contacts in international financial centres such as London, Dubai, or Shanghai, while still attending classes taught by Hult faculty.



Another international MBA model in the US is one in which universities partner up with other universities in different countries, thus allowing students to study abroad for a semester or two. Anderson School of Management at UCLA locates it's core courses in the US, but offers many study abroad opportunities at partner universities in Asia, Europe, Latin America, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. Conversely, European universities such as IESE Business School have their main campus in Spain, but also have partnerships with universities in Silicon Valley, New York, India, Barcelona and Shanghai.



That said, is an international MBA for you? Those typically interested in doing such a degree may have interests in international trade, emerging markets, or a desire to work for a multinational corporation. Firms with global divisions are keen to find employees with both business acumen and international savvy and often send recruits to places like Budapest, Sao Paulo, and Hong Kong. While the thought of international experience and travel may be appealing for some, those with families and roots in a particular place may not have the capacity to participate in such a program. If you're thinking about doing an international MBA, you should not only have an interest in learning about different international business perspectives and practices, but also have the desire and ability to work in these international contexts as well. However, for those who do have the interest and means to engage in an international business degree, the world is definitely your oyster.