Written by Alena Malloy, Part-Time MBA class of 2019
I took a deep breath as I approached the door to the classroom. Beyond that door was a group of people that I would be spending 7 days with in a foreign country. I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous but I also very excited.
I was going to Barcelona!
The short term study abroad program was one of the more important decision factors when I was deciding to which MBA program to apply. I have always loved traveling but didn’t have the opportunity as an undergrad to study abroad. With each new friend that had that experience, I was a bit more jealous!
With a full-time job, I would not be able to study internationally for a full semester. So when admissions director told me about the program, the GW MBA program shot to the top on my personal ranking of schools.
So why did I apply to the Spain program?
Couple of reasons actually. First, I really love Spain. I was lucky enough to go to Seville, Granada and Madrid a few years ago. The country is beautiful, historical, full of wonderful people, and amazing food. Unexpectedly, I got a little homesick for California. I grew up with stories about how the Spaniards came to California and loved it because it reminded them of their home (among other reasons). Honestly, I felt right at home. I desperately wanted an opportunity to go back. I even had a few Spanish MBA programs on my short list of schools!
Second, and just as important, I started the MBA program with the goal of changing my career. I worked in the advertising industry for a long time and wanted something new and different for my next step. Shifting to a Global Management concentration was a big decision for me as I am not one to make major life choices quickly. But it feels right and I love the material so far. As part of the Global Management requirements, I needed to do a study abroad.
This course in particular would help me achieve my goals. The objectives of the course include “understanding the challenges of global innovation” and “how to design a global innovative strategy”. How amazing does that sound? How appropriate for my career shift? I have always been interested in innovation and how that applies on a global scale and now I would get to see it in action!
And if the first day of class is any indication, I will get a lot out of this program. After a lecture on innovation and what that means to the business world (spoilers: innovators destroy the norm!), we had an overview of the innovative companies we would meet during our week. With everything from an Uber version of a house cleaning service to a chocolate museum to FC Futbol, we are experiencing what Barcelona has to offer!
It’s going to be an amazing trip.
