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"The coursework
has been invaluable," said Alyssa.
"But I have found that I’ve learned
even more through the company
visits. It’s one thing to hear and
learn about a term like 'take it
to market,' but when you go to a
company and see a product and
listen to the executives explain
just how they actually accomplish
that, you can really grasp
the idea."
For many, the four months living
and working in a multinational
environment was a huge benefit
of the Global Partners program.
According to Loch, this was one
of the more challenging pieces of
the pie to put in place, but she
said that once companies hear
about the program and meet the
students, their response is positive.
Currently the students are
ensconced working for organizations
such as Newell Rubbermaid,
Inc.; AXA Investment Managers;
and UNITAR in countries such
as France, Costa Rica, Ireland,
South Africa, Germany, England,
and Brazil.
EXPERIENCE IS THE KEY
But the true essence of the
Global Partners program is the overall experience – seeing
how different cultures approach similar business situations
and learning how to navigate in unfamiliar territory.
 During their stay in Paris, the students opted to forgo the
housing recommendations of the program and ventured out
on their own. "Originally we were supposed to stay in housing
near the university, but since some of us had already been to
Paris, we knew that it would be relatively easy to find housing
on our own that would allow us to really experience the
city," said Malarie, who coordinated the effort through internet
searches and other options. "Some of us lived together, others
opted to live on their own, but we all had to negotiate with
our landlords, find the nearest grocery store, and commute to
school just like any other Parisian student."
According to most of the students, the housing arrangement
in Paris was not only a chance to immerse themselves into the
city, but also a chance to take a break from one another.
"By the time they got to Paris, the students had spent from
mid-October to the beginning of April living, studying, traveling
cross-country, and socializing with one another. They tell me
it’s like being on a reality show," said Loch. "Did they know how
to push each other’s buttons? Oh yeah. Did they sometimes
want to vote someone out? Yup. But did they create a network
that will last a lifetime? You bet!"
In December the students will regroup back in Atlanta for a
final debriefing before earning a certificate of completion
from COPPEAD and an MBA from both Robinson and the
Sorbonne. According to Loch, with the knowledge and experiences
they’ve gained, she expects most will find positions with
companies either here in the United States or abroad. "Every
time we meet with executives and talk to the business community,
they are very excited about what this program offers,"
she said. "They are especially impressed that these students
will graduate with something that takes many executives years
to acquire – a true global business perspective that comes not
just from reading but from doing."
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