Teams of MBA students are exploring the vibrant business environments of international cities through the annual business treks.
The students are visiting Kenya, Colombia, the U.S, Switzerland, India, Rwanda, Brazil, and Dubai to gain insight into the culture and opportunities of the different regions. The treks are an opportunity for students interested in working in these countries to access professional and personal resources and connect with Oxford alumni based in the region.
While on the treks, the students will be meeting some of the most influential and inspiring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, multi-national companies, start-up accelerators, and NGOs operating in the countries. The MBAs will hear personal insights from successful business professionals on their approach to doing business in the region. The students hope the meetings will also be beneficial for the organisations, with students contributing innovative and strategic ideas based on their experience and learning from the Oxford MBA.
Jason Mulligan, co-leader of the Silicon Valley and San Francisco trek, says ‘There is a real focus on entrepreneurial thinking at Oxford Saïd, and as Silicon Valley remains at the heart of innovative thinking and entrepreneurship, the trek is a great opportunity for us to understand how the theories we have been learning apply to real world situations. We are hoping the trek is a valuable experience for our MBA classmates that want to move into careers in Silicon Valley, but also those who want to pursue entrepreneurial ventures globally. I believe that understanding how entrepreneurial environments are created and sustained is only going to become more important as emerging markets increasingly offer opportunities for entrepreneurs.’
‘I am excited to experience the entrepreneurial ecosystem that is thriving in Nairobi and Kigali. East Africa is one of the most exciting parts of the world right now with rapid growth and disruptive innovations powering social and economic change,’ says Babatunde Ayoola, leader of the treks to Kenya and Rwanda. ‘It will be really interesting to share this experience with my MBA classmates as we will be able to see how the theories we have been learning in Oxford are put in to practice in this environment.’
Alind Choudhry, co-leader of the trek to India, says India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, yet its position in the ‘Doing Business’ annual reports published by the World Bank continues to be less favourable. Through the India trek we hope to meet Indian business leaders, understand their challenges and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.’
Juliana Buelvas Ceballos, leader of the treks to Brazil and Colombia, says ‘This is an amazing opportunity to build long-lasting links between Oxford and the Latin American market. With this Business trek to Colombia and Brazil we will be able to witness first-hand the business models that are shaping the present and the future of the Latin American region.’
Nitish Huria, leader of the Dubai trek, says ‘As we prepare to be global leaders, in a class as diverse as at the Said Business School, global career treks are an important part of our curriculum. We have over 230 students from more than 45 countries and there is a keen emphasis on international business and cross cultural learning. We are delighted to be travelling to a Dubai, to strengthen our understanding of business and issues in the region.’