The UNM Anderson School of Management’s Executive MBA program recently took its graduating cohort on a transformative trip to Japan, where they had the opportunity to meet with top executives and immerse themselves in the country's business culture.
During the trip, the group visited various cities in Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, engaging in meetings with high-level managers at companies such as SUMCO and ITOKI. Student Victoria Archuleta expressed her appreciation for the experience at SUMCO's headquarters, highlighting the importance of international relationships and the economic impact of the company's operations in New Mexico.
Associate Dean and EMBA faculty member Reilly White commended the students for their engagement during the visits, stating that they asked insightful questions that provided valuable lessons on innovation and global competitiveness. White emphasized the significance of these interactions with global corporate giants like SUMCO and Itoki.
Trip leader Tiffini Porter-Aragon reflected on the impact of cultural experiences on the students, noting that the observation of how culture influences business practices was a key takeaway for the cohort. She highlighted the importance of understanding cultural nuances in conducting business, citing Japan's focus on serving others as a significant factor in their interactions and decision-making processes.
In addition to the business engagements, the students also immersed themselves in Japanese culture by navigating the local train system, exploring culinary differences, and experiencing the unique aspects of each city they visited.
The EMBA program at Anderson School recently made changes to its application process by eliminating the entrance exam requirement, aiming to honor applicants' management experience and provide a more personalized application review process. This adjustment is expected to increase accessibility to the top graduate business program at Anderson.
The international trip to Japan served as a valuable learning experience for the EMBA cohort, offering a blend of business insights and cultural immersion that will undoubtedly shape their perspectives as future business leaders.