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MBA Class 2010 visit Brazil

Date: 29 Mar 2010

The MBA class recently visited Brazil on the annual MBA study trip.  This trip is an integral part of the MBA programme and is linked to the cross-cultural management module. It consists of company and university visits, seminars, alumni meetings, political engagement and cultural activities. and here John McInroy, full-time MBA 2010, gives us some insights.

Brazil - Vibe, passion and opportunity in abundance!

Brazilian people have every reason to view the future in a positive light. Having spent 8 days in Brazil on a recent MBA study trip, which included 4 days in the chief financial hub of São Paulo, and 4 days in the incredible Rio de Janeiro I can see why!

The trip surpassed all my expectations (which are naturally high!) as we managed to fit in so much into such a short period of time. From an academic and a business point of view we were able to rub shoulders with some of Brazil’s leading lights including SEMCO, Natura and BOVESPA, giving us a real insight into some pioneering business practice that has seen their country become a global economic force with strong future prospects.

Socially and culturally, the trip also offered so much. We were given formal and informal opportunities to really immerse ourselves in Brazilian life. Our visit to one of Rio’s feared Favelas with social enterprise Afro Reggae will live with us forever and the views from Rio’s countless landmarks or for the brave, from a hang-glider are something to behold!

A symbol of Brazil that will stay with me is the vision of a game of “Futvolei” on Ipanema beach where Brazilians display their passion and skill. The same can be said about the way Brazilians are doing business and addressing the challenges that they face.
Exciting times ahead for Brazil and anyone willing to work there.