Global Business Seminar Course heads Overseas

As part of my Global Business Seminar course, which I took during my final semester in my MBA program at Clark University, I was tasked with studying the business culture of the great city of London. But this was nothing like my previous courses… The catch? My classmates and I would be spending a week immersed in London’s financial hub to truly capture the full business and cultural experience.

This was more than just a week abroad.  I was given the opportunity to interact with many professionals who were once in the same position as I am, but who now work at international corporations. During our week, we visited Shell International, the Institute for Environment and Development, PA Consulting, State Street, Lloyds of London, Fidelity International, and even The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club where the famous Wimbledon tournament is held.

Students at Fidelity
GSchool of Business students & staff with Clark alumnus, Tom Stevenson (standing center), at Fidelity.

I was also able to meet numerous Clark alumni who are living in and around London. It was awesome to see successful alumni offering their time to speak with us. This experience gave me something to work towards and it has allowed me to see myself through the perspective of a Clark alumnus. Not only did I learn of the many facets of business culture, but by the end of the week, I was even more motivated to work hard in whatever industry my career takes me.

Being given a week to learn directly how management operates abroad felt like a once-in-lifetime opportunity. In addition, with as much of a learning experience this trip was, there were equally as many memories made among the beautiful city and, of course, ourselves.

Visiting Shell International, the Institute for Environment and Development, and PA Consulting

What intrigued me in addition to business practices was London’s moral compass. Each company we’ve visited had their own spin on how they develop morality in their organizational culture. Paula Motta, Senior Economist at Shell International, provided with us with details on the company’s Balance Group which aims to promote a healthy work-life balance for employees.

Beth Herzfeld, Head of Media for the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), explained to us the sustainable mission and procedures of the organization. We also met Lesley Grant from PA Consulting, who spoke of the many accomplishments in promoting a healthier world with various sustainability initiatives.

It was not too difficult to see that the employers in London have a clear, progressive view regarding community and global development. This was a discussion point within my seminar group throughout the week.

Visiting Fidelity International

Students at Fidelity

My classmates and I had an interesting discussion with Fidelity International’s Investment Director and Clark alumnus, Tom Stevenson. Mr. Stevenson shared this thoughts with us about saving and investing. He felt that developed nations, like the United Kingdom and the United States of America, tend to not invest their money. “They’re not good at all,” were his exact words. This got me thinking that perhaps being in a developed nation like the United Kingdom gives individuals a sense of entitlement, as if there’s no need to save or invest.

Visiting Royal Brompton Hospital

Meeting Bob Bell, the CEO of Royal Brompton Hospital, was fantastic. He explained to the seminar group his thoughts on the healthcare system of the U.K. “To many people of the United Kingdom, healthcare is a right, not a privilege,” he explained. The Royal Brompton Hospital by default had to then operate in accordance to this belief. As I reflected on this thought, I realized this belief shows how outside factors of culture affects the business culture. London’s business culture reflects the city’s historical national culture, and is not defined by one category.

Tre Tatum london

Visiting McDonald’s… the restaurant!

In just about every restaurant we visited, we found something that the United States lacked with regards to sustainability or recycling – even at McDonald’s. The most notable experience of McDonald’s came when I proceeded to throw out my food. I got close to the disposal area and a fellow employee offered to take my trash where she then separated everything (liquids, plastics, food, etc.) We’ve had much time to observe and read menu descriptions of organic lemonade, grass-fed cows, or “green” Coke. Every restaurant we dined at had a means to subtly promote their sustainability initiatives.

Being given a week to learn directly how management abroad operates felt like a once-in-lifetime opportunity. Although, with as much of a learning experience this became, there were equally as much memories made among the beautiful city and, of course, ourselves.

Student photo

Tre Tatum is a 2019 MBA graduate of the Graduate School of Business at Clark University. Outside of Clark, he has volunteered in numerous organizations around Worcester, including the Joy & Robert Center for Children, Bruce Wells Scholars Upward Bound Program, and he completed an internship in marketing for the Second Chance Animal Shelter. Immediately upon graduating, Tre began his job as an Account Coordinator at RKD Group, a top marketing agency to hundreds of national nonprofits.

This text was edited by Meredith Galena, communications specialist & academic adviser
Graduate school of Management.