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While Anita’s own culture impacts her daily life, she said
the Global Partners program has given her an even greater
understanding of how culture and relationships impact the
global business marketplace. "Our two-week business tour of
China was a true eye-opening experience," said Anita. Along
with the 17 other Global Partners students, she got a first-hand
look at the Chinese tradition of Guanxi (Chinese for relationships).
"Many of the students came to the program with experience
either studying or working in Europe and Latin America," said
Loch. "But for most of them, this was their first time in China
seeing and hearing from the executives about what it means
to do business in this emerging economic giant."
Anita recalls listening as executives from UPS explained how
they were able to secure the air flight routes they needed
to gain entry into the Chinese market. "They told us about
building relationships both through diplomatic channels in
Washington and with the local Chinese government."
According to Loch, one of the ways UPS has been able to
build strong relationships with the Chinese is through community
service. "UPS has a strong community service model
that they incorporate worldwide. By getting involved in local
communities throughout China, they have demonstrated the
true meaning of Guanxi."
BRIDGES TO PRACTICE
One of the program’s calling cards is the opportunity students
have to apply what they learn in the classroom. Through company
visits and a four-month international internship, students
are able to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Students visited with more than 40 companies and government
agencies. "In addition, they walked around the world
with UPS, meeting with executives in Atlanta, Washington,
D.C., and China, giving them a 360-degree view of UPS’s
global business," Loch said.
Prior to applying to the program, Alyssa Gair worked as the
director of development and a consultant for MedShare International,
a nonprofit organization that distributes recycled
medical supplies and equipment to developing countries. As
a French undergraduate major, Alyssa used her language skills
to help communicate with medical facilities around the world.
She said that when she was looking for a graduate program,
it was important to her that it be more than just "sitting in a classroom"
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