13/09/2024
Something that sets IE Business School’s Global Executive MBA program apart is the unique residential periods in four international locations. These experiences immerse participants in diverse business environments, bringing them to global hubs like Singapore, Oxford, Madrid and Los Angeles.
The residential experience at Singapore Management University showcases this innovative learning model, which combines intensive academic instruction with real-world application and fantastic networking opportunities. Recent participants have shared their experiences to give us a look inside the residential periods.
What makes the Singapore residential experience unique?
The residential experience in Singapore is a significant and transformative part of the Global Executive MBA journey. It allows executives to step away from their daily routines and immerse themselves in a new setting that encourages deep learning, personal growth and professional development.
Manuel Noda, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Enterprise Services, Siemens Healthineers, explains the benefits he took away from the program:
“These residential weeks are helping us to become stronger at decision-making, leadership and creating a better social impact. Having spent time in Madrid, Singapore, Oxford and Los Angeles, I’ve seen firsthand how these experiences build essential skills.” — Manuel Noda, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Enterprise Services, Siemens Healthineers
Throughout the residential period, participants engage in interactive workshops, attend insightful keynote sessions and join dynamic panel discussions, all led by industry experts. The most recent Singapore experience included local business insights from thought leader Viswa Sadasivan, a case study into digital transformation with DBS Bank and a talk on Operational Excellence in the Asian Supply Chain.
These face-to-face periods not only enhance learning through exposure to international business environments, but also provide invaluable networking opportunities. Expect to enhance your skills, gain valuable insider knowledge and build meaningful relationships in a supportive and stimulating environment. The Singapore Residential period is supported by the academic faculty at Singapore Management University, whose insights continue to enrich the participants’ global experience. Balvinder Singh Powar, IE Business School professor, mentor, entrepreneur and Singapore Team Coach, reflects on the residential period: “It’s very important that we meet face to face, and we have this global experience. That’s what makes IE Business School so special, and it allows us to create so much value around the world.”
How do residential periods foster professional development?
Participants in the GXMBA say that the chance to apply new knowledge in a hands-on, collaborative environment is extremely impactful. Aslan Moldanyazov, Business Unit Director Terumo IS, Eastern European Markets for Terumo Europe, says he gained new insights from the residential period that he wouldn’t have gained with online learning alone: “Only now can I say that I’ve really sharpened my competencies.”
Another benefit of the face-to-face period is the opportunity to share perspectives with your peers and expand your global network. Majan Abdul, General Manager – Asset Management, Oman LNG at Shell, identifies this as the most enjoyable part of the program, thanks to the chance to make both personal and business connections. She has enjoyed talking with her peers about the “career challenges they’re facing and the industries they work with.”
The importance of international leadership development
Leadership development is a core focus of the Global Executive MBA program. These residential components enhance leadership skills through practical and experiential learning. Participants in the latest Singapore residential spent a day cultivating Adaptive Leadership, led by François Bogacz, an influential author and the founder of Neuroawareness. This hands-on approach gives them the skills they need to lead effectively in a global context.
The Singapore residential period, along with other global residencies, helps students gain a thorough understanding of international business practices and cultural nuances. Chad Hotovec, CEO at Burns & McDonnell India, comments,
“What I love about this program is the cultural diversity that I have in my class—seeing different perspectives and understanding how to apply day-to-day business solutions in different countries.” — Chad Hotovec, CEO at Burns & McDonnell India
This global perspective is increasingly vital as cross-border collaborations and international strategies become commonplace.
Excellence at IE Business School
IE Business School stands out as a top choice for executives ready to take the next step in advancing their careers. As Jose Gaya, Founder & President at Building Preservation Material Technologies Inc, reflects,
“The Global Executive MBA has been extremely enriching for me. I think the fact that you’re exposed to a myriad group of people in a multicultural setting will only serve to enhance your career and the way you look at life in general.” — Jose Gaya, Founder & President at Building Preservation Material Technologies Inc
The Global Executive MBA’s academic rigor, practical learning approach and global exposure mean that you will graduate well-equipped to lead and innovate in any industry. You will gain invaluable insights, develop crucial leadership skills and build lasting professional relationships that will help you create lasting change in your business.
