In today’s highly globalized landscape, being able to work across geographies is crucial for business success.
But if you haven’t had the chance to work with colleagues beyond your home country, building the cultural intelligence and adaptability it takes can be tricky. That’s where business school can help.
Many top MBA programs expose students to a diverse mix of classmates, while incorporating international business trips into the curriculum.
BusinessBecause caught up with the trio to find out why.
Getting diverse perspectives on business with a tech startup
During an international experience at business school, you’ll develop a good understanding of how business is done in other parts of the world.
Immersing yourself in these diverse perspectives not only builds cultural understanding, but also can help you approach problems from a new direction.
Getting these diverse perspectives on business is what drew Dilina (pictured below) to the MBA in the first place. Prior to the program, Dilina had worked in corporate governance for about a year.
Realizing this career route wasn’t right for her, she opted to pivot through business school, which she knew would open up new paths to explore.
When picking a program, the international experiences offered by OU Price made the school stand out. One highlight was a study trip to Asia.
“We visited different companies and took part in cultural visits in Singapore and Malaysia,” she recalls.
Experiencing an unfamiliar business landscape made her keen to take part in another trip, and she signed up for the Summer Scholars program.
This program offers funding for OU MBAs to complete an internship with a company abroad over the summer, and through it Dilina was connected with TG0—a UK-based startup that creates touch-sensitive materials with minimal electronic components.
During the internship, she was exposed to strategy and business operations in the UK.
Discovering a new career path in sustainability
For Izzi, an international business experience opened up a brand-new career path. For her own Summer Scholars experience, she was connected with Climate X—a startup in climate risk management based in the UK.
Working with Climate X, Izzi was able to combine her knowledge of meteorology—developed during her bachelor’s—with the communication and problem-solving abilities she was honing at business school.
She worked on climate risk modeling, as well as interacting with the broader team and potential clients.
“I would explain the science side of things to them—so really I acted as a bridge,” she explains.
At the end of the experience, Climate X was so impressed with Izzi’s work that the company offered to sponsor her for a PhD on how climate change impacts the placement of renewable energy infrastructure, while she continues to work at Climate X part time.
Dilina also discovered a new career path during her MBA. After graduation, she’s joining Keystone Strategy's economics team.
Consulting is an area that Dilina was initially skeptical about. But through conversations with the careers team at OU Price and her strategy experience with TG0 in London, she realized she enjoyed the dynamic work environment this career route offered.
Experiencing personal growth at a healthtech venture
An international business experience can also support your personal growth by helping you get outside your comfort zone, Ryan (pictured below) believes.
“Being able to drop yourself into different international scenarios and apply what you’ve learned does so much for you, professionally and personally,” he reflects.
He had the chance to work alongside a broad array of people during his internship with Aergo Health, in London. Aergo produces innovative air cell systems that help wheelchair users navigate the world more comfortably.
During the four month internship, he learned about a different business landscape, and worked on a broad array of projects. He met with the startup’s first distributor, and even assembled the very first products they shipped.
In the summer, Ryan will join EY’s Oklahoma City office, auditing information systems in the firm’s technology risk department.
The international experiences he had during the MBA will serve him well in this global company, he believes. They’ve also left him open-minded about his future, which he hopes will include a stint in venture capital.
“I’m hoping to work on some international projects with teams across the world,” Ryan concludes.
“Who knows, maybe there’s an international transfer in my future!”
University of Oklahoma - Price College of Business
Percy
Verified
28/11/2023
On Campus
an Unregrettable choice of university
The University of Oklahoma has been a great experience for me. The professors are all very knowledgeable and willing to help where needed. The campus is also very beautiful and there are plenty of activities going on all the time. The student body is also really friendly and I have made a lot of new friends here. Overall, I'm really glad I chose OU and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great college experience.
Student
Verified
9/11/2022
On Campus
It is a life changing experience for me.
I am enrolled in a Ph.D. program that is research-intensive. I get continuous guidance from my supervisors that help me to conduct my research skillfully. I will gladly recommend students to study here.
Student
Verified
20/10/2022
Online
Good institution
Good institution for in class courses. Online classes are pretty hard because the instructors are most of the time not available. The student has to do everything on their own without any assistance.
Student
Verified
11/06/2022
Blended
Best school ever
This has been the best experience. of my life! Freshman year completely changed my life in so many ways! Through club’s organizations and social events the university of Oklahoma became my home. I loved being there
Student
Verified
25/04/2019
Amazing Univeristy
OU is an amazing university. Love the athletic department so much. They have so much hype and love for their athletes and students typically maintain a healthy lifestyle. I’m engineering student and OU has one of the best teachers and facilities I had so far. I know their engineering program is prestigious but I don’t know much about the other departments. Beautiful campus and amazing social events. Diversity is enormous. LOVE IT SIMPLY.
Molly
Verified
19/12/2023
On Campus
Getting the best at OU
I am a current student at the University of Oklahoma and I must say, I am extremely impressed with the quality of education and resources available here. The professors are knowledgeable and truly care about their students' success. The campus is beautiful and there are always events and activities happening. The community at OU is welcoming and diverse, making it a great place to grow and learn. I highly recommend this university to anyone looking for a well-rounded and fulfilling college experience. Boomer Sooner
Student
Verified
28/11/2023
On Campus
Everybody is really helpful over here
The university has beautiful buildings and scenic fields with benches for enjoying the weather. There are a lot of nice students, so it's a pleasant experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes and gained valuable knowledge from the professors. It was a pleasure to work with my professors during my first year, as communication was easy and they consistently made themselves available during office hours, accommodating any scheduling conflicts. I had a smooth academic transition into college thanks to the great faculty.
Sara
Verified
9/01/2023
On Campus
Oklahoma
I would say it is the best university in town. The education, knowledge, curriculum, extra curriculum activities, modern laboratories, big grounds, and spacious classrooms. I would say everyone who can should study here.
Quincy
Verified
30/06/2024
On Campus
well maintained facilities
The OU campus is truly breathtaking with its vast green spaces and modern facilities. These facilities are contemporary and meticulously maintained, housing state-of-the-art science labs, a vast digital resource library, and cozy study areas perfect for late-night cram sessions. As someone from Oklahoma, attending this university has been a dream come true and has provided me with the most fulfilling years of my life. My freshman year was incredibly enjoyable, filled with fantastic friends and daily adventures. The friendships I've established here are lifelong, and I feel immense gratitude for my time at OU.
Charlie
Verified
30/06/2024
On Campus
a home far from home
Attending the University of Oklahoma brought back nostalgic memories for me. My sister graduated from this university in May 2019, and while she had spoken highly of it, she hadn't quite captured how much I would come to adore this school. It has become a home away from home, with its welcoming atmosphere, kind professors, stunning campus, and impressive football team that resonates with my high school football experiences. I am grateful for the chance to study at the University of Oklahoma and receive an exceptional education.
Lauren
Verified
5/07/2024
On Campus
psychology major
Honestly, I was not expecting to enjoy the University of Oklahoma (OU), but I ended up falling in love with it. Your college experience at OU largely depends on what you invest in it. While it was sometimes challenging to build friendships and step out of my comfort zone, the university offers numerous clubs and opportunities to engage with new people. As a psychology major at the University of Oklahoma, I firmly believe that the professors and the quality of education surpass those of any other university psychology program. This enables students to connect with professionals globally and fosters personal growth. In terms of academics, I find that professors are highly accessible to students, and there are abundant resources available to support academic achievement.
Catherine
Verified
6/07/2024
Blended
great support
The campus offers a wide range of dining choices and excellent accommodation. It is reasonably affordable and offers support in locating scholarships and financial advisors to help students manage their finances. My overall experience has been far more positive than I anticipated, and I am completely satisfied with my decision to enroll at OU.
Student
Verified
21/07/2024
On Campus
Beautiful campus scene
The University of Oklahoma has such a large and diverse population that you can't help but find your place here. There are many colleges, courses, and professors to choose from. I grew to love the environment, social life and community. The school has an amazing and breathtaking campus with many clubs and ways to get connected.
Rachel
Verified
21/07/2024
On Campus
architecture program
I have been able to explore a wide variety of academic subjects during my studies. The university's dedicated faculty members have been crucial in fostering my intellectual development and providing guidance. I have always felt supported by the staff and my professors, especially in the field of architecture. My experience so far has been a positive journey.
Student
Verified
24/07/2024
On Campus
passion for literature
The University of Oklahoma created a fantastic educational setting that blends a passion for classical works with modern research. As a student at the university, I observed a diverse array of opportunities available not only to myself but also to other postgraduate students. I appreciate the variety of campus events and the vibrant nightlife.
