These four international business experiences you could gain at business school will help grow your global mindset, network, and ultimately advance your career
As businesses leverage opportunities to expand, many top firms have offices in all corners of the world and are on the lookout for talent who can adapt to new environments, have a global business perspective, and strong leadership capabilities. According to GMAC, 81% of employers believe cross-cultural competence is one of the most important skills of the future.
If you’re striving to launch an international business career, experiences such as studying abroad, solving business cases with global companies, or learning about new cultures will set your resume apart.
Here are four international business experiences to tap into at business school.
1. Choosing a program with an international business focus
Choosing a business degree with an international focus as part of its curriculum will help you to understand opportunities in global markets, be aware of how global economic and political situations may impact business and develop cultural sensitivity.
The Master in International Management at the University of Cape Town (UCT) Graduate School of Business is offered in association with CEMS—an alliance of some of the world’s leading business schools and companies. The program focuses on emphasizing a distinctly local perspective of business with global relevance.
Courses such as Global Strategy and Global Leadership explore how companies operate in different world markets and the nuances of communication in a multicultural team.
Ntando Mdladla—from Durban, South Africa—has recently graduated from the UCT CEMS MiM earning a qualification from both UCT and CEMS. She is now working in Germany as part of a graduate training program for Beiersdorf—a German multinational manufacturing company home to world-renowned brands such as Nivea and Eucerin.
“I’ve always wanted an international career, so the CEMS MiM seemed like the perfect next step to build on the knowledge and skills I already had from my bachelor’s,” says Ntando.
During the CEMS MiM at UCT, students also explore the importance of understanding emerging and developing markets for building a robust global perspective. The immersive week-long Doing Business in Africa seminar welcomes global industry professionals to deep-dive into understanding business in emerging markets.
“The classes have been so engaging. I’m already gaining a new perspective on different approaches to grow businesses in different regions,” says Neelo Gopolang, current student on the CEMS MiM at the University of Cape Town.
2. Embarking on an exchange semester at business school
The best way to understand different markets is to experience them. Taking part in an exchange semester at business school allows you to learn from international professors, immerse yourself in a new culture, and gain insights into a different job market.
During the CEMS MiM, students can choose one of 33 world-leading business schools to study at for their exchange semester. The University of Cape Town GSB is the only business school in Sub-Saharan Africa that is part of this network.
For her exchange, Ntando opted to study at Esade Business School in Barcelona.
“I’ve never been to Europe before, so Barcelona seemed like a great place to experience culture,” she says.
CEMS MiM students are also required to learn a language. So alongside core courses, Ntando took part in beginner Spanish classes and could practice speaking when she explored the city.
Neelo, on the other hand, is excited to embark on her exchange semester at Korea University Business School in Seoul, South Korea.
“I’ve always wanted to go to South Korea but then we learned more about the country’s growth in the global strategy course and that enticed me even more. South Korea’s work culture is very efficient, so I want to be able to throw myself in that and challenge myself not just in terms of language but also in my mindset,” she says.
Students connect with their wider CEMS cohort who will be joining them on the exchange from business schools all over the world via Whatsapp in the months leading up to travelling.
“It’s great to already feel integrated as a cohort. I feel even more excited for the trip,” says Neelo.
3. Working with a globally diverse cohort
Learning how to communicate with people from different backgrounds and understanding how culture impacts leadership styles are essential skills for any career.
The CEMS MiM welcomes 108 nationalities from more than 75 countries around the world.
“Most of, if not all, of my classmates are from different parts of the world. It’s very interesting to see the different cultures and the way people deal with different situations,” says Neelo.
Not only do students interact in classes such as the Business Communication Skills seminar, there is also the opportunity to join the CEMS Club and various other student clubs. Neelo is part of the Entrepreneurship Club and the Women in Business Society at UCT. She is also vice president of the CEMS Board.
In her role she helps organize all events and makes sure all departments—marketing, social media, and student relations—are aligned. She is currently planning an upcoming Corporate Social Responsibility event in partnership with U-turn, a non-profit in South Africa working to end homelessness.
“It has been amazing so far to have this network of people that are on the same journey as you and are ambitious and keen to get involved,” says Neelo.
4. Business school projects with international companies
Not only do business school projects give you valuable experience to add to your resume, if you impress the company you’re working with you may even fast-track to a job post-graduation.
The Master in International Management at UCT includes an international internship and a Business Analysis project where students work closely with a company.
This is where Ntando first connected with Beiersdorf. In her student project, she consulted on a diversity and inclusion policy framework for the company. Ntando then arranged a conversation with a recruiter at the company to find out more about the opportunities available.
Through this, she landed a position on the Beyond Borders graduate trainee program at Beiersdorf headquarters in Germany.
To begin the program, Ntando is gaining experience in brand management and marketing. She will also spend six months abroad at one of 170 international offices.
“I think international experiences are so important for career advancement and company growth but also personal growth,” she concludes.
Student Reviews
University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT)
New experiences and new connections
The university is a vibrant environment with a blend of cultures and languages from around the world. The lecturers are world-renowned and give their all in ensuring that the lectures are understandable and engaging. I would definitely recommend a prospective student to enjoy the UCT experience
The diversity
You can find people of every race and culture at UCT. This is especially beneficial for students from towns and rural areas. This diversity promotes self-development, foreign language study, courage, and a strong sense of moral principles. There is always academic support available, and students are given the assistance they need to succeed academically. Health care facilities are conveniently located on campus and are all easily accessible at UCT.
Great programme
The programme covers all the principles necessary to understand in order excel in your career and workplace. As a computer science graduate, the programme has better prepared me for real life. Not only with programming skills but with an in-depth understanding of the field I am in.
The campus is really beautiful, with a huge aspect of GREEN. There is literally plants everywhere which makes the place looks beautiful and shows the university cares for the environment.
All the students are super nice too!
fun
It was great fun and learning experience at the University of Cape Town. I believe it is ranked the top university of Africa because of its extra and exceptional way of learning which start from scratch.
Best Experience
The greatest thing about UCT is the amount of diversity - there are people from all over Africa and usually there are exchange students and just foreigners. The fact that it is also the top university in Africa is telling.
Best Short Courses
I recently complete the UCT marketing short online course in partnership with Getsmarter. I had a fantastic experience. I would recommend this to anyone. It take Up to 3 month to complete the course. There is a variety to chose from. It is great to help you advance in your career but it will not take years to complete. Great way to equip yourself in different areas and definitely worth the money you spent. Great tutors as well
Top Notch
This is the best university ever. The students' wellbeing are their top priority. During the fire that occurred at the campus, resulting in facilities such as res and libraries badly burned. The university took it upon themselves to sent us to private accommodation where they paid for our stay. I will never forget that experience and will always be grateful for what UCT has done!
Amazing Experience
I started my journey at the university of Cape Town in 2019, as a foreign students I can say it was accommodating and not even a day did I feel discriminated. It has good facilities and ranked one of the best university in South Africa. The fees are expensive though especially for foreign students
Brilliant for FM career
The courses were interactive and the lecturer and support staff were supportive. There was a wealth of knowledge in the casework and the outcomes were realistic and relevant to the industry. The assessments were clear and unambiguous.
prestigious reputation
UCT is a prestigious institution known for its high academic standards, research excellence, and contributions to the global academic community. The university has a diverse and experienced faculty, many of whom are renowned experts. UCT's campus is located on the slopes of Table Mountain, offering stunning views and a picturesque environment for students to study and socialize. The school is also a hub for research and innovation. contrary to that, UCT's tuition and living costs can be a barrier for some students, and financial aid options may be limited for international students. While the campus is generally safe, certain areas around the university may have safety concerns, requiring students to be mindful of their surroundings. Some undergraduate courses at UCT may have large class sizes, which could impact individualized attention and student-faculty interaction.
Transformative community
My overall experience has been exceptional, One of the highlights of studying at UCT is the university's renowned academic reputation. The stimulating and challenging courses provided by passionate and knowledgeable professors have allowed me to expand my knowledge and explore various fields. UCT boasts a plethora of student clubs, societies, and sports teams that cater to diverse interests. This has enabled me to pursue my passion for music by joining the university's orchestra and collaborating with fellow musicians. The campus facilities are well-maintained and modern, offering state-of-the-art libraries, laboratories, and recreational spaces. The university's commitment to sustainable practices is also commendable, with initiatives such as recycling programs and eco-friendly buildings. In terms of support services, UCT has an extensive range of resources available to students. Finally, UCT's location in the vibrant city of Cape Town adds another dimension to the student experience.
Academic excellence and student wellness
UCT is a place I feel at home. As a first year international student I thought it was going to be difficult for me to adjust to university life but this place proved me wrong. Through it's mentorship program life becomes easier as one will have someone as a mentor. This is something that made my learning easy. Travelling around the campuses and residences is easy using UCT shuttle buses. The main campus is situated just below a mountain and this provides a beautiful view of nature.
Overall experience
There's best university to be at,the location, we have awesome views and also the university of cape town has been rated as the top university in Africa and truly they deserve it, academics it might be challenging by actually worth it and its easier for one to get opportunities and also we have wide range of academic support from the school
The tutors gives great examples
I would definitely recommend them. The classes are a great group where you are supported and you can get help whenever you are stuck.
The courses are greatly planned and you will grow into your major in no time.
Beautiful university
The university is located at a beautiful city, the city of Cape Town, which gives the university stunning views from all over the university campus. The facilities are also good. They have beautiful cafeterias and libraries. To top it off, it’s close to the beach, so after you’re done with studying for the day, you can go cool off at the beach!
Culture Diversity
UCT is a safe space, type of University, very diverse in culture and promotes inclusivity. I got to experience and see several cultures on campus and this enabled me to learn different cultures and appreciate them as well. It promotes inclusivity in that it allows students to freely express who they are , and not be judged while at it, this was through the different societies on campus, that one could freely join with no restrictions. All religions were fully accommodated, and I very much loved that. In a nutshell, like I said earlier UCT is Safe space type of University.
