Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University

Emphasis on Applied Learning Prepares Students for Careers in Global Business

As global challenges intensify and economic interconnectedness deepens, Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University stands at the forefront of preparing students for the complexities of international business and trade. For three consecutive years, Thunderbird has been recognized by Quacquarelli Symonds, a global higher education analyst, as No. 1 in the world for international trade.

Lena Booth, deputy dean of Thunderbird Academic Enterprise and finance professor, credits three critical factors that keep Thunderbird at the cutting edge of international trade education: the school’s continuous refinement of a globally focused curriculum, a faculty composed of industry experts with extensive experience in global business and trade, and a vast network of global centers and alumni that offer students high-impact internships and consulting, mentorship, and career opportunities, as well as direct engagement with key decision-makers in international markets.

“By seamlessly blending academic excellence with hands-on global experiences, Thunderbird equips graduates with a global mindset, strategic thinking, practical expertise, and leadership skills needed to drive innovation and make a lasting impact in the global business landscape,” Booth explains.

Thunderbird’s ever-evolving curriculum includes specialized courses that immerse students in the latest technological advancements, such as “Metaverse and the Global Enterprise”; “Navigating Global Fintech Innovations”; and “Analytics and Machine Learning for Global Business.” “Extracurricular short courses further reinforce technical skills, covering topics like prompt engineering and the ethical use of AI, ensuring students are well prepared for the future of work,” Booth notes. The school also hosts monthly technology workshops that introduce students to the latest AI tools and applications.

With a focus on career readiness, Thunderbird’s curriculum incorporates extensive applied learning opportunities, including real-world projects with industry clients. The Global Challenge Lab capstone course, for example, groups students together to work on a collaborative, team-based consulting project for a domestic or international client, which ranges from a nonprofit to a government agency. “The challenges students tackle vary widely, including market expansion, turnaround strategies, sustainability solutions, and the strategic implementation of digital transformation,” Booth explains.

A student population representing 54 countries is another important aspect of the Thunderbird experience, offering varied viewpoints to classroom discussions and enabling students to build cultural intelligence and adaptability. “This diverse student body provides opportunities for students to gain valuable insights into global economic trends, regional business landscapes, and industry best practices, enhancing their ability to adapt and innovate in global markets,” Booth says. “The diversity of problem-solving approaches and business strategies also sharpens students’ ability to navigate complexity and drive impactful innovations.”

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Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University
https://thunderbird.asu.edu
[email protected]
602-496-7100