Young management professionals working in different industry settings are increasingly interacting with global teams and global customers very early in their careers. Gone are the days when being part of global teams was limited to higher echelons of the organisations! These early career exposure and experiences play a significant role in shaping the managerial and leadership perspectives of young professionals. Not surprisingly, many MBA aspirants rank global exposure and global careers opportunities as one of their key criteria while selecting their MBA programs. Understanding how the Global MBA program can create a career impact will enable prospective students to make a more informed investment in their MBA journey.
Most prestigious MBA programs aim to cover global business practices and emerging trends in their classroom settings via case studies, discussions and reflections. Some B-Schools also induct international faculties in their programs to provide students with different learning perspectives. While effective, these approaches have inherent limitations and may not satisfy the appetite for students seeking a truly transformative experience. This personal transformational experience remains the cornerstone of a global MBA program and is the secret sauce that continues to attract MBA aspirants.
The global business environment is witnessing three major shifts, and there is a distinct demand for MBA graduates with critical skills that enable them to perform and excel at workplaces during these turbulent times. These meta-skills, skills that enhance and augment basic functional, strategic and leadership skills, are a key differentiator in ensuring a successful global career.
Adaptability and Global Mindset
A global career demands professionals with a deep sense of personal identity with simultaneous appreciation and acceptance of unique differences that characterise different cultures and countries. This appreciation is very important in not just connecting and collaborating with diverse international colleagues, but also in understanding changing customer needs and demands, and more importantly in predicting trends and spotting emerging opportunities. A global MBA program prepares students to be adaptable in ambiguous and uncertain situations through an immersive learning experience. Participants are encouraged to go beyond their comfort zone and inculcate a growth mindset that enables them to perform in demanding and competitive settings while understanding the f finer nuances of cultures and local practices, and their impact on business decisions.
Digital and Data Literacy
Digital and data literacy are the new competencies sought by organisations that are looking to hire MBA graduates. Most businesses are facing the daunting challenge of embracing digital transformation and surviving the onslaught of data, the two growth engines for today’s businesses. AI and digital technologies are shaping the future of work in many businesses. Numerous organisations are seeking employees who can use data to make informed decisions and decode the impact of digital technologies on businesses. In a well-crafted Global MBA program, students learn using immersive, cutting-edge digital technologies. While the curriculum enhances their appreciation of emerging and disruptive technologies, the industry-sponsored projects demand the application of higher-order thinking skills to recommend transformative solutions for real-life business and people-related challenges.
Strategic Decision Making
Most organisations are operating in complex, interconnected business settings, and these firms need to constantly reassess the impact of global and local events on their businesses, employees and customers. The changes in the geo-political environment and the related risks, and international regulations are making the business landscapes ever more dynamic and competitive. To stay ahead and remain an agile organisation, these firms are constantly seeking leaders and managers who can demonstrate strategic vision and make effective decisions to navigate these challenges. A rigorous Global MBA program hones critical thinking and international business acumen through in-class and global learning activities, allowing participants to sharpen their managerial skills.
While businesses are going global, many regions and countries are also witnessing significant pushback towards global talents in the form of deglobalisation and labour regulations. Both these threats are real and applicable to potential MBA graduates seeking global career opportunities. The key is to demonstrate relevant, transferable skills that are valued by global employers, as the war for talent still prevails!
