At Imperial College Business School, students get to work on their cultural intelligence skills by attending one or more global experiences as part of their master’s program. These experiences vary from global electives and consulting projects to global student exchanges.
At the heart of Imperial College Business School’s philosophy, “Imperial means Intelligent Business,” lies a deep appreciation for cultural intelligence (CQ) as a strategic asset. By integrating global experiences into the curriculum, students can excel in international business where cultural fluency is as crucial as financial acumen.
Cultural intelligence determines adaptability to country, company, and (international) team cultures. It is important for everyone who interacts with people from different cultures.
People with underdeveloped CQ can struggle on a personal and professional level when interacting in an international setting. People with high CQ can navigate cultural differences, communicate effectively, and foster inclusive workplaces. This skill set drives innovation and delivers a competitive edge, starting with education.
Thankfully, developing CQ through educational experiences is a fun and worthwhile exercise that Imperial has championed with its global student experiences.
These include Global Experience Weeks, Global Consulting Weeks, and Global Exchanges.
Ivy Chen, an alum of the MBA program, says, “I always wanted to travel. In this very short one year with Imperial, I visited multiple countries in the Middle East and some other countries in Europe.” (00:27)
The impact of Imperial’s global student experiences, where classroom lessons blend with insights gained abroad, broadens perspectives. The experience empowers students to improve their CQ, acquire a global perspective, and be better prepared for international careers.
Ivy elaborates, “I got the opportunity to go to IE Business School in Madrid for my MBA exchange program. At our partner school, we learned about different business opportunities in different regions and their cultures. And more importantly, we made connections.” (01:41)
Let’s explore the career impact of the international experiences at Imperial College Business School.
In the realm of international business, the demand for leaders who possess cultural intelligence is at an all-time high. Imperial’s global student experiences bridge this gap, offering students an expansive view of international business intricacies.
Take, for example, the MSc International Management program, which was ranked #2 in the UK by the Financial Times in 2022. That year’s cohort boasted an impressive 96% employment rate within three months of graduation, with 51% employed outside of the UK. Such achievements highlight Imperial’s success in equipping aspiring world changers with the necessary tools to thrive in a competitive global job market.
Zhihang (Kayla) Wang, an MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering student, shares a testament to the value of these international learning experiences. “These courses help broaden my career prospects and learn the skills that employers need in a global business environment,” she reflects. (02:21)
Sammie Wong, from the MSc Innovation Entrepreneurship & Management, says, “This experience is one of the most memorable things that I’ve done. This really inspired me to step into the startup industry and to be a startup consultant in the future.” (02:09)
As students navigate these global experiences, they are equipped with the technical skills necessary for their future careers and the interpersonal skills essential for thriving in multicultural environments.
Imperial College Business School fosters a microcosm of the global business world within its student body. At Imperial, overseas students outnumber the UK and EU students combined. That means developing cultural intelligence is important well before graduation.
The global student experiences play a crucial role in achieving this by encouraging students to collaborate on projects, share cultural perspectives, and celebrate their differences.
Kyle Chen, an MSc International Management student, explains the interpersonal value of experiences. “Every time after the international trip, I could feel that the cohesiveness of our cohort was further strengthened.” (01:58)
By participating in global experiences, students gain invaluable first-hand exposure to diverse cultures and business practices. This international exposure molds Imperial graduates into well-rounded, adaptable leaders prepared to navigate the complexities of the global business landscape.
If you’d like to join these international adventures, read our article featuring Amy Duckworth, Director of Admissions at Imperial College Business School.
