The Fletcher School at Tufts University

Sustainability Is a Key Element of Combined Business, International Affairs Program

 

For Alnoor Ebrahim, professor of management at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, an ideal way to tackle complex global challenges is to pair studies in business with international affairs.

“Our Master of International Business degree aligns perfectly with our vast offerings in international affairs,” Ebrahim says. “And these two domains of study—business plus international affairs—prepare leaders for global challenges, whether that’s addressing climate change, global health, global poverty, or human rights. The students that we attract are unabashedly purpose-driven, as they want to use business and markets to address global problems.”

Indeed, Ebrahim sees his mission as helping students align their values and purpose with the skills they need to succeed in leadership positions “around the kinds of global problems that we really need people to step up on today.”

Ebrahim’s course in leadership focuses on giving students the core skills needed to run an effective team. He looks to literature in both business and psychology to help students understand how to make their teams highly effective. His students are involved in at least a dozen projects during their time at Fletcher to help build those skills.

Our Master of International Business degree aligns perfectly with our vast offerings in international affairs. These two domains of study prepare leaders for global challenges, whether that’s addressing climate change, global health, global poverty, or human rights. The students that we attract are unabashedly purpose-driven.Alnoor Ebrahim

To that end, the program focuses this skill development around core global issues, such as sustainability. Ebrahim notes that many global businesses are asking, “How do we align what we deliver with the UN’s sustainable development goals?” Factors related to sustainability are incorporated into all core classes. Students address questions related to carbon emissions and supply chains and work with leaders and shareholders to incorporate sustainability into business decisions.

Additionally, the degree has a new STEM-eligible Quantitative Methods track, which Ebrahim says is a crucial component. Students in this track will develop strong quantitative skills—for example, in data science, geographic information systems, finance and valuation, econometrics, and modeling managerial decisions. International students in the STEM track may be eligible for up to three years of optional practical training work permission in the US.

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With a Focus on Sustainability,
Student Eyes Future in ESG Arena

As an undergraduate student at Tufts, Stella Henderson was hired by Bhaskar Chakravorti, dean of global business at The Fletcher School, as an analyst for the Institute for Business in the Global Context. That work, she says, gave her the confidence and direction to continue her studies at the graduate level at The Fletcher School.
>>>Now, Henderson is concentrating her studies in environmental policy and business for social impact. “I am particularly excited to take Corporate Management of Environmental Issues and Impact Investing in the future,” she says, referring to a couple of the courses on offer. “Many professors are experienced in these fields and are always happy to make time to discuss possible career paths, whether you are enrolled in their classes or not.”

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The Fletcher School at Tufts University
https://fletcher.tufts.edu
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