At the end of the spring semester, Senior Lecturer William Ordeman (’10) and 14 other Ryan College of Business students embarked on an excursion to the Spanish capital of Madrid. The goals of the trip were to learn about international business opportunities in Spain, gain insight into the unique business communication styles of southern Europe, and explore the historic sites of Spain.
Upon arrival, the Mean Green team was met by professional guides who connected students with business leaders and start-ups throughout the week. Each day, the group participated in at least one cultural excursion (such as a walking tour or visit to an art museum) and one business meeting. Students visited numerous companies from industries ranging from non-profit, to B2B marketing, to financial investment.
In the students’ visit to Anteriad, CEO Brahim Samhoud spoke about the challenges in leading a marketing firm through the tumultuous years of COVID-19 and how his organization was able to thrive despite the economic recession that followed. Students also presented a strategy challenge to Ana Escurin, CEO of Utopians Nation, which offered a detailed marketing plan of how non-profits can diversify their funding sources and increase financial independence. Throughout the week, these and other business visits gave our students a crash course in international business that will serve them throughout their careers.
It wasn’t all work, though. Students visited numerous cultural sites including the Royal Palace of Madrid (the largest in Western Europe), the Prado Museum (home of well-known works by Goya, Bosch, and El Greco), and even one of the final Real Madrid matches of the season. With the help of local guides, the students learned about the history of Spain, ate delicious tapas at local restaurants, and learned how to culturally and physically maneuver through the fourth largest city in Europe.
By the end of their 10-day journey, students were reluctant to return home. Students experienced first-hand what international business looks like in Spain, all while seeing beautiful architectural, tasting authentic cuisine, and experiencing the culture of Spain’s metropolitan capital. Doing Business in Madrid was a great success.