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BRISTOL, R.I. – Students in the Master of Business Administration program at �鶹ɫ��Ƭ traveled to Shanghai and Beijing in March for the program’s International Experience, an immersive opportunity that bridges academic study with global business practice.

Led by MBA Program Director and Professor of Finance Mark Wu, the experience placed students in consulting roles with Chinese companies, where they developed analyses and presented strategic recommendations to industry professionals. The international work was grounded in months of preparation, as students collaborated with client organizations to deepen their understanding of business models, market conditions, and strategic priorities.

“Since the beginning of the spring semester, students have worked with actual clients, delivered presentations, and received immediate feedback, which accelerates both their technical and professional development,” Wu said. “Conducting this work in the world’s second-largest economy, while also experiencing its long history and rich culture, was a key reason we chose China.”

While abroad, students partnered with XNode, an international innovation community that connects startups, corporations, entrepreneurs, and academic institutions. Through this collaboration, students explored China’s startup ecosystem and examined how innovation and venture development operate within the global marketplace.

“As someone pursuing a career in finance, visiting China and meeting with the leadership of several companies gave me a much clearer understanding of how their market operates,” said MBA student William Poirier ’25. “The level of government involvement in major enterprises is significantly different from what we see in the United States, and it will be fascinating to see how that model performs during future periods of economic stress.”

Students also collaborated with FuguMobile, a global creative technology agency specializing in mobile, digital, and artificial intelligence-driven solutions. Working alongside international teams, they analyzed business challenges at the intersection of technology, strategy, and global markets.

“This experience was truly eye-opening, offering insight into a country so vastly different from our own and helping me broaden my perspective on global business, collaboration, and the value of approaching challenges with an open mind,” said MBA student Nicole Dermarderosian ’25.

In addition to consulting work, students participated in site visits and discussions with industry leaders, including representatives from ASICS and LinkedIn China, gaining insight into how organizations operate across diverse regulatory, technological, and cultural environments.

“This is exactly why we designed this program – to move beyond case studies and place students in real-world environments where decisions matter and ideas are tested in practice,” Wu said.

By engaging directly with international organizations and global markets, students strengthened their understanding of cross-cultural collaboration and international business strategy. The experience in China provided practical knowledge and professional insight into one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions, preparing graduates for leadership in an increasingly interconnected global economy.