IMBA stands for International Master of Business Administration. The program features the curriculum and academic training of a traditional MBA; however, it differs by focusing on international business relations, cultures and practices.
An IMBA can open doors for both aspiring and established business leaders. This program is designed to broaden and strengthen knowledge in global business practices. ISM has listed the benefits of an International MBA below to help you better understand the value this highly recognized program can bring to you.
Theory and Practice
This MBA program offers a unique curriculum intended to train students in the fundamentals of how an international business operates. This will provide you with the practical tools and theory necessary to adapt to global industries.
Throughout the program, you will be provided with assignments that combine both international business theory and practice. For instance, you may analyze case studies from an international business perspective and be empowered to comprehensively study and research while educating others. Furthermore, you will be presented with the opportunity to create a business project and adapt it to work in multiple countries outside of your own.
A majority of IMBA participants are established professionals, and during class, they are encouraged to share their existing knowledge and experience so that students learn from each other. The program challenges them to evaluate their acquired experience in an international context in order to learn and apply principles and practices in diverse settings.
International Networking
The teaching style of an IMBA can help expand your international network, as many who embark on acquiring this degree will be joining from all around the world. Through these courses, you will be exposed to a variety of global business philosophies and have the opportunity to establish strong international business relationships. The program also gives you the opportunity to connect with professional leaders.
As a result, you will develop the skills and confidence necessary to integrate with an array of diverse cultures. These skills can enhance your international business potential and your proficiency in conversing with the right people for potential career opportunities.
Prestige
Employers recognize the extensive hard work required to successfully earn an International MBA, and the program is regarded highly amongst global companies and employers. An IMBA demonstrates that you have exceptional theoretical and practical business skills and can adapt to an international professional environment. In addition, the valuable skills taught in an IMBA program can help you drive business growth at the organization where you currently work and help you develop an international dimension to your business if you’re an entrepreneur.
Discovery
The multicultural exposure from studying an IMBA is highly beneficial. The value of experiencing new cultures and a different international academic environment from your home country is immeasurable. You will learn problem-solving and decision-making skills in a unique environment which combines the perspectives of practitioners and scholars from around the world.
“ISM students often start their programs with already impressive international career paths and accomplishments, but they want to go farther and deeper in their quest for knowledge and best practices. They want to move beyond their comfort zones and to start new projects. One of the most rewarding aspects of working for ISM is feeling like you help people realize their personal and professional goals as they learn from each other, and from the unique international environment, as much as they do from the courses. In addition to being responsible for program content and delivery, our academic staff guide, coach and facilitate. It’s an exciting process to be involved in.” – Matthew Andrews, ISM Director of Academic Affairs
Professional Expansion
The vast majority of students who enroll in an IMBA program are working professionals. Anything learned in this program will help you to build on your existing knowledge and allow you to take your ideas further thanks to the scholarly resources of ISM and the expertise of its students and faculty. Studying in an IMBA program will allow you to expand your professional horizons as you gain knowledge and skills relevant to international business development, research, consulting and management.
For example, a graduate who has worked as marketing manager for a travel organization prior to pursuing an IMBA could leverage his or her degree to take on roles with higher responsibilities in international operations or international market research. By applying the skills and understanding learned from this type of course, you can excel in a broad range of new areas.
Entrepreneurship
A significant portion of IMBA studies involves evaluating the core components of entrepreneurship. Throughout the program, you will be given the opportunity to work on your own entrepreneurial projects independently or in a team. You will be encouraged to showcase your ideas to tutors and fellow classmates, and in turn, receive vital constructive feedback. In summary, an IMBA provides you with the fundamentals for starting your own business and shows you how to tackle the various obstacles involved. Those who already have their own businesses will be taught strategies to internationalize.
Opportunities for Change
Often, steady careers can begin to feel stagnant, with advancements taking longer than hoped. By shifting the focus and settling back into education, you can rediscover the foundations of your selected field and the reasons you chose it to begin with. Because an IMBA widens your skill set, you may even discover an entirely new profession that better suits your future prospects.
In addition to providing valuable exposure to international cultures and business processes, an IMBA pushes participants towards significant career development in both their chosen fields and opportunities outside of it. The unique design of this program allows participants to achieve professional success globally while acquiring new skills, and preparing to tackle new important business decisions
Now we have explained the benefits, we hope you go into your program with a better idea of what to expect from it. You can find out more about ISM’s International MBA here.
