3 Insights about London Business Culture from Spring Break 2015

International Business Insights Flowed

From Eight Meetings in London

14 Huntsman Students Learned from a Ten-Day Trip There

A trip to London with 14 business students yielded a number of insights about international business. Led by Senior Lecturer Christine Arrington and Program Director Liz Allred, the group took a one-credit course Bus. 2000, Foundations of International Business.

First, it was astounding the degree to which businesspeople in London have embraced design thinking and the lean startup process. The students spent half a day at True Start, part of Google’s innovation campus in east London, where they presented business startup ideas they had prepared and then were guided through the lean startup process. The setting was an open-space office, with no cubicles, and with large tables, white boards, and lots of sticky notes everywhere--exactly like such spaces in Silicon Valley.   

Later, the group spent half a day at a somewhat similar venue, the Barclays Bank London Escalator, in which Barclay’s funds hundreds of startup projects in return for a share of equity in any businesses that successfully get launched from there. 

A third visit, to Government Digital Services, showcased another lean startup, in which all relevant government services information for consumers is posted on www.Gov.UK. The site was created through rapid prototyping and constant iteration. A comparison with online government services information in the U.S. confirmed for the students that Americans don't have anything nearly as efficient for accessing information as do citizens in the United Kingdom.

A second insight came from a case study of the incredibly intense level of analysis required to place a giant bet on a commodity price. At Apollo Global Management, the students learned about that private equity firm’s massive bet that oil prices would fall significantly. An executive there, Rob Ruberton, described the analysis process, the quantitative requirements, and the political components. He pointed out that the entire bet was hedged, and he explained how that was done. Then he offered that the final political factor in favor of the bet was the level of antagonism that Iraqis feel for Iran and that Middle East oil operators feel for U.S. frackers; those big suppliers were judged not likely to lower their pumping in order to slow dropping oil prices. Rather, they would let the price fall and enjoy watching it drive some competitors out of the business.

            The third insight, about business culture in London, came from meeting with a digital analyst at the Financial Times. McKinley Hyden grew up in the U.S., attended St. Andrew's University, and then the London School of Economics. She explained how differently the business culture operates in London than in the U.S. The usual U.S. approach for a young, smart employee is to be a somewhat brash, outspoken underling, full of ideas and always eager to share them; that approach doesn't work well in London, she explained. More decorum and respect for authority is expected in all exchanges between employees and their supervisors.

            Additional visits were insightful, as well--at Deloitte, Goldman-Sachs, and Kantar Media. 

            Finally, the students visited Cambridge University, where they were hosted by two students there, Zach and Joe Levin; they are sons of Christine's Stanford classmate David Levin, new CEO of the $2 billion revenue McGraw-Hill Education in New York. Zach and Joe showed the group around the whole campus and shared the lore. They even pointed out the college that Isaac Newton attended, and the tree which legend has it was the one under which the famous apple fell on his head, stimulating his "gravity" aha moment.  

Opportunity Scholarship: Bo Johnson

By Bo Johnson

Studying abroad in the United Kingdom has been one of the most edifying experiences I’ve ever had. Participating in an exchange program is more than attending a different college; it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop and grow as an individual, academic, and citizen. By leaving all that is familiar behind, you will learn more about yourself and widen your perspective. No amount of schooling will offer the knowledge you gain by immersing yourself in a foreign culture. Thanks to the Huntsman Opportunity Scholarship, I received the financial support I needed to study abroad. To anyone who is considering a semester abroad, I say, what are you waiting for? And to anyone who has not considered a semester abroad, I say, consider it! This is your opportunity to see the world! It will be an experience you will never forget.

Bo Johnson

Opportunity Scholarship: Ashley Huntington

Ashley Huntington, Marketing

In Spring of 2014 I took the opportunity to go on a Go Global trip with the Huntsman School of Business to London. In preparation, I applied and received an Opportunity Scholarship from the Huntsman School. This financial aid made a great difference in my ability to afford the Go Global trip. My scholarship covered half of my program's expenses and gave me the financial security to fully enjoy my global experience without the overwhelming stress of making ends meet. This experience was one that changed my life and opened my eyes to the possibilities of global business.

While I was in London I had the chance to visit businesses that ranged from finance and banking, to

Ashley Huntington in London

marketing and retail. I learned about million-dollar businesses from men and women who ran those companies. I dined with corporate executives, successful entrepreneurs, and fellow USU alumni. I met and made connections with people I never would have dreamed possible without the Go Global program. In one visit, I had the chance to mingle and speak with accountants from Africa and India who had traveled all the way to London to take accounting courses from an accounting education business based in the city. Those types of opportunities do not come around very often and I feel privileged to have had that experience.

In addition to the business visits, I also had the chance to see amazing sights. St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace were just a few of the incredible places I visited. However, my favorite part of this entire experience was the friendships that I made with my fellow students in the program. I went into this opportunity looking for a global experience, and walked out with better business understanding, many unforgettable memories, and incredible lasting friendships. Without the Opportunity Scholarship, my time in London would not have happened as easily. I am incredible grateful for the financial support I received from this scholarship. It is an experience I will never forget.

Go Global: Eastern Europe 2014

Melanie Barlow

Eastern Europe 2014

I am a senior enrolled in the Huntsman School of Business, but unlike most students, I have been happily married for 17 years and have four beautiful children. Recently, I took the opportunity to travel to Eastern Europe with Go Global. You may ask why I would want to leave my family behind? My answer is for the amazing experience and opportunities provided to me and, in turn, my family. My passion for success stems from the love of my family. While in the process of earning an economics degree, my appreciation and appetite for knowledge led me to the conclusion that the world is much larger than Utah and the United States. I wanted to immerse myself in the economic views and concerns of people around the world.

Engagement with the world of international business has opened my eyes. I was able to speak with

Huntsman Students at the Istanbul Stock Exchange

professionals and discuss their views of business, receive advice on how the US can improve internationally, and spoke with employees about the likes and dislikes of the companies they work for. I had the chance to have lunch with a top executive, bonding over the joys of our children. He commented that many new employees directly out of college are unethical. I was proud to represent USU and tell him about SAEL (Society for the Advancement of Ethical Leadership) which teaches the importance of an ethical workplace. Being so deeply immersed has solidified my plans to work internationally, strengthened my ability to work with others while staying focused and alert in meeting even though feeling jet-lagged, learning to find food while in an exotic city, and developing the ability to quickly calculate exchange rates.

The best way to learn about the Go Global program is to go for yourself. I highly recommend that everyone take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Take the time to set goals and monitor results through a detailed journal. You will be amazed at what you learn and how you will personally grow on your own journey.

Experiencing Business in a Whole New World

Trevor Andersen (South America 2014)

My Go Global experience was something I'll never forget, and quite honestly, it has been all I could talk about coming back to school. To visit top-tier businesses in other countries, visit a country’s most sacred ruin, and finish it all up with a mini internship as a micro-finance consultant, was one of the best experiences of my life. There really is no other program that can give a cultural exposure, open up your eyes to global business, and help you see what value you can add to this world than the Go Global Program.

I originally decided to apply for Go Global because it went to South America, and I have always wanted to learn about that culture. Once I started my BUS 2000 class during spring semester I knew that the trip was going to help me decide what I wanted to do with my degree. Probably the most valuable business lesson I learned is that the culture of a society effects its economic conditions greatly, so in order to successfully run or work for a business, you must first strive to understand what aspects of society effect your realm of business. On a more personal level, I learned that I want a career that can directly impact peoples' personal lives. If I could do this program all over again, I would in a heartbeat. I even tried to convince the professors that led the trip that I would be a great travel assistant for next year’s trip.

For business and for any other major, this really is the best way to prepare yourself for what lies beyond college. Having the chance to experience the global business world before you even graduate is an opportunity that shouldn't be overlooked.

Trevor Andersen

Go Global: Asia 2014

Sarah at the Great Wall of China

 By Sarah Keating

Participating in the Go Global: Asia 2014 trip was one of the smartest decisions I have made during my collegiate career. Originally I wanted to go to Asia to learn more about big economic powers like China and South Korea, as well as developing economic nations like Vietnam. However, once I left Asia I had not only learned international economics but I also had experienced Asian culture and learned so much about myself as a student and as a person. This international experience helped me improve as a businesswoman, as a traveler and as a productive citizen as a whole.

While traveling I learned that having a global perspective is such an important principle when working with different countries. I had the opportunity to attend a private business dinner with three other students, and I was astounded by the courtesy and genuine friendship displayed by our Chinese host. I realized the power of adventure and the benefits of escaping the tourist mentality while traveling. With the help of our wonderful professors, I was encouraged to get out of my comfort zone and have conversations with dozens of people from countless backgrounds, allowing me to get a well-rounded vision of Asia. Most importantly I realized the importance of utilizing every moment and seizing every opportunity. Since returning from Asia, I’ve been more proactive about making every hour of every day a learning and growing experience. I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone looking for a challenging, enlightening experience in international studies.

Study Abroad Offers More Than Just an Education

Matthew Gary Miles

While pursuing an undergraduate degree in Accounting, the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business has provided me with much more than an education. One program that has changed my life forever is the Go Global summer study abroad program. 

I took advantage of this opportunity to travel the world in the summer of 2012 and have thought about it every day since. As our group of about 30 students traveled throughout eastern Asia we visited businesses to learn important lessons and gain valuable experiences related to business, international culture, and global perspective. 

As a result of my visits in Vietnam, China, and South Korea I have had my eyes truly opened to the global economy. I now understand from first-hand experience how our world is becoming increasingly connected and the importance to educate and integrate myself so that I can be an important asset within it. I gained knowledge and insight from an excellent program that most students do not take advantage of and I know that in doing so I set myself apart from the crowd. 

Participating in the Go Global summer study abroad program has helped me to gain far more than just an education from the Jon M. Huntsman School of business. I wouldn't trade my experience for anything and recommend this and any other programs that offer international experience to everyone.

A Student's Farewell to the Huntsman School of Business

With graduation coming up, I will soon leave Logan and the Huntsman School of Business, the place that became my second home. With all the graduation stress, I often reflect back to summer of 2010, when I first came to Logan and became part of the Aggie spirit. Being an international student, there were a lot of things I had to overcome. I was in a foreign country with a different culture and language, I had to make new friends and was about to start a new chapter in my life away from my family and friends. I was worried, scared, but most of all, very excited. Back then, I had no idea what kind of amazing adventure it was going to be.

 

Perhaps, the biggest challenge I faced in Logan was making new friends. In the beginning, my circle of friends was limited to other Armenian students at USU. However, as soon as classes started, I began to make new friends, mostly by participating to Business School activities. Today I am proud to have friends from all over the world. Each of them has opened my mind and has taught me to look at things differently, in a way that I would have never done had I not met them.

 

If I had to identify one important life lesson I learned at the Huntsman School of Business it would be to never limit aspirations, because the only limited thing is time. One has to make the most out of it, explore, learn, and enjoy every moment, since it only happens once. Three years ago I would never have thought that I would attend a Microsoft presentation in Paris, meet business leaders from around the world, or get to see the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu in Peru or climb the Great Wall of China. All of those were life-changing experiences I had while at school. 

Sometimes I think back and wonder what my life would have been like if I had continued my studies in Armenia. Of course I cannot find an answer to that question, but I certainly have no regrets with my choice of coming to Utah State. If I had stayed back home, I would not have gained the same competitive academic knowledge, I would not have travelled as much, and most importantly, I would not have met the number of amazing people from around the world.

 

I will soon be starting another chapter of my life, and again, just like three years ago, I am scared, worried, and of course excited. There is a lot of uncertainty, which makes me wonder what the future will be like, where I will end up three years from now. Sometimes I wonder if I could meet the future Anna, the one that has overcome this new uncertainty, and listen to what she has to tell me. Hopefully, her advice to me would be the same: “Explore, learn and enjoy every given moment without any regrets." And perhaps this is also my advice to other international students who are to become part of the Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University.

— Anna Vardanyan
     Senior at the Huntsman School of Business

Why Not?

I was raised in a small rural town that seemed to never change.  It wasn’t that I was told that I could not or even that I should not, but other than by my parents, I rarely recall being expected or inspired often enough to lead me to become better than who I was, or who my peers and their parents were.  Opportunities to grow were scarce.  I didn’t know many people who had gone anywhere or done anything beyond what was culturally established by previous generations, no one to clear the path for me to follow.  I did know, however, that the lifestyle I grew up in, though it suits many, was not for me.  I wanted something more.

So two summers ago, I visited many historically significant buildings across Europe.  While I was there, I was exposed to new cultures and experienced new peoples, learning their ways of business.  A year later, I had the opportunity to teach underprivileged people in South America so that they might live a better life. I was able to give them the chance to show the world who they really are by helping them apply business principles that I had previously learned.

I took advantage of opportunities that enabled me to admire the work of Leonardo Di Vinci and other greats at the Hermitage and Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, and then later, stood in awe between the Haggia Sofia Mosque and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, all the while being exposed to businesses throughout Europe.  I touched the ancient walls of Machu Picchu and ran through the streets of Cuzco in Peru, while aiding others to become their best selves. 

These Go Global experiences are not just something that I did and that I can add to my resume, they are events that have changed my perspectives, my desires, and my ambitions.  I have come to appreciate the value of living my life in other terms than “can and cannot.”  I now understand that there is literally no limit to what I can accomplish, as long as I am willing to do what it takes to get it done.

Each of us is flooded with opportunities at every turn, even if we sometimes have to look for them.  We have the extraordinary ability to use those opportunities to change who we are and consequently change the world around us for the better.   The real question now is not necessarily could I, or should I, the question is … why not?

— Mark Bailey 

Mark Bailey is a Huntsman student who participated in a summer program in 2011 and the SEED program in 2012. He is currently studying finance and economics with a minor in operations management.