Written By, Shruti Jain, MFA2024
Reflecting on my Global Experience course at London Business School, I’m delighted to share some highlights that offer a rich blend of academic rigor and real-world industry insights. This intensive program took us on an educational journey to three prestigious universities and six top-tier organizations within a span of seven days, across two bustling cities: Boston and New York. Guided by the esteemed Professors Richard Portes and Stephen Schaefer, the experience was nothing short of transformative.
Harvard Business School
Our journey began with a lecture from Laura Alfaro, Warren Alpert Professor of Business Administration, HBS on the topic “Global Supply Chains: The Looming Great Reallocation”, which provided deep insights into the shifts in the pattern of US participation in cross-border production and supply chain arrangements over the last four decades. We explored the changing dynamics of global value chains in terms of partner countries, products and modes, offering a profound understanding of the global economic landscape.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Next, we visited MIT, where Professor Luis Videgaray Caso, Senior Lecturer & Director of MIT AI Policy for the World Project, shared his captivating insights on the global race to regulate AI. He examined the trade-offs in the various approaches countries are taking, the key tools of AI policy, and its applications across major industries. This session illuminated the complexities and significance of AI regulation in shaping the future.
Columbia Business School
At Columbia Business School, Professor Tano Santos, Finance Director of the Heilbrunn Center for Graham and Dodd Investing, emphasized the importance of value investing. He discussed how value investing is an organized approach that requires a thorough understanding of a firm’s assets, earning power, and growth potential. This lecture reinforced the principles of disciplined investment strategies and their long-term benefits.
Organization Visits
Throughout the week, we visited six influential organizations: Man Numeric, ArrowStreet Capital, Blackstone, Moody’s, Citi, and EQT. Each visit provided unique insights into different facets of the financial industry. From quantitative investments to the shifting dynamics from public credit to private credit, we gained a comprehensive understanding of current market trends and strategies.
- Man Numeric and ArrowStreet Capital introduced us to the world of quantitative investments, demonstrating how data-driven strategies are transforming investment landscapes.
- Blackstone offered a glimpse into the operations of one of the world’s leading investment firms, focusing on private equity and asset management.
- At Moody’s, we learned about the intricate rating processes and how the company serves as a leader in integrated risk assessment.
- Citi and EQT rounded off our organizational visits with deep dives into market dynamics and the growing importance of private credit.
A special thanks to @Richard Cortnes for hosting us and providing these invaluable insights.
Additionally, a notable highlight was our session with Ben Phillips, an LBS alumnus and Partner at Oliver Wyman. He provided a deep dive into the asset management industry, highlighting key trends, challenges and future opportunities. His perspective as an industry leader and former student added a relatable and inspiring dimension to our learning experience.
Conclusion
This Global Experience course was a testament to the power of experiential learning. It combined theoretical knowledge with practical insights, allowing us to engage with leading academics and industry professionals. The diverse experiences and perspectives gained during this week will undoubtedly shape our approach to global business challenges and opportunities.
A heartfelt thank you to @Anastasia Orekhov and team for organizing this incredible experience. Your efforts ensured a seamless and enriching journey that has left an indelible mark on all of us.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all my peers from across the cohort with whom I had the opportunity to interact and engage in meaningful conversations.
#WhyILoveLBS – “The Global Experiential Learning Programme is just one of the many reasons I love LBS. It exemplifies the school’s commitment to providing students with unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow and connect with the global business community. I am grateful for this experience and look forward to applying these insights in my future endeavors”