This spring break, graduate students from the D'Amore-McKim School of Business stepped beyond the classroom into the global marketplace. the classroom into the global marketplace. They participated in three immersive, faculty-led experiences in Denmark, Iceland, California, and London. These Global Field Study and Global Consulting Project courses provided students hands-on exposure to international business environments, cutting-edge industry practices, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Each trip combined company visits, cultural experiences, and academic discussions to help students bridge theory with real-world application.
The business of sustainability in Demark and Iceland
In Denmark and Iceland, students explored the theme of sustainability and innovation in business, engaging with companies shaping the future of environmental responsibility. Site visits included Copenhagen Airport, Maersk Shipping, ZeroNorth Sustainability, and others, providing a firsthand look at how major organizations incorporate sustainable business practices.
Timothy Wright, MBA'25, says learning about these companies' approach to sustainability changed his perspective. “Visiting these companies showed me that sustainability is a competitive advantage, not just a responsibility,” he says. “Maersk's decarbonization efforts, ZeroNorth's AI-driven efficiency, and Carbfix's carbon mineralization prove that innovation and sustainability can drive both profitability and industry transformation.”
Students also say that their time with these companies has dramatically influenced their future career goals. Lane Libby, MBA'25, believes it was hugely impactful to see companies make bold, long-term investments in sustainability. “This inspired me to pursue roles where I can drive initiatives that balance environmental goals with business growth,” he says.
The D'Amore-McKim administrators who were also on the trip saw just how impactful it was on shaping students' career aspirations. Assistant Director of the MS in Business Analytics Program Lia Gabrielle says, “Overseeing this trip was incredibly rewarding, watching students engage with global leaders in sustainability and innovation while forming meaningful connections with themselves, each other, and the broader world. It was inspiring to see their curiosity spark deeper discussions and their perspectives expand as they reflected on their role in shaping a more sustainable future.”
Brexit and the future of global business in London
Across the pond, students worked in teams at Northeastern University's London campus, tackling business challenges for four companies. Their projects started with confidential problem statements, requiring them to conduct in-depth analyses and deliver strategic recommendations. Faculty leader Ravi Sarathy says, “Students learned to work closely and rapidly as a team, to focus and adapt in real-time as they gathered new information, and to bridge the gap from analysis to action.” They reported gaining tremendous insights from their time with real-world clients. Jerry Tharayil Joe, MBA'26, says, “Unlike classroom case studies, which are often static, real-world problem statements required adaptability to evolving business conditions, stakeholder expectations, and cultural nuances. We learned about the changing needs of clients and how businesses implement these adaptations in real-world scenarios.”
In addition to their consulting work, students attended a Brexit lecture led by NU London faculty. Christian Mulgrew de Laire, JD/MBA'27, found the lecture particularly enlightening. “I was aware of the impact Brexit had on the economy through previous experiences,” he says. “It was interesting to hear about Brexit's impact on Europe today and their considerations with Asia. The new dilemmas they are facing were insightful to learn about and gave me a better understanding of Europe's situation.”
Technology and finance in Silicon Valley
For students focusing on technology and finance, the California trip offered a deep dive into Silicon Valley's innovation ecosystem. They met with executives and professionals at leading firms such as Silicon Valley Bank, BlackRock, Cloudflare, and Dell Technology, gaining insight into how industry leaders navigate today's rapidly evolving landscape. Shae Trainor, MSBA'26, says he learned a lot about the future of AI and the extent to which it has become an industry standard. “This goes to show how much of an industry disruptor this tech has become,” he says.
Additionally, the group visited NU's Oakland campus, where they attended an AI seminar, further expanding their understanding of artificial intelligence's role in business strategy and decision-making. Director of D'Amore-McKim Oakland Kate Karinochina says, “Learning experiences like these are possible because of the support of our amazing alumni network. I want to thank alums like Christian Follmann, Vanita Lee-Tatum, and Nick Christian and other corporate partners like Hema Look, George Davis and Avinash Shetty (Nutanix), Alyson Dames (BlackRock), Helen O'Sullivan (Dell), Dafina Toncheva (USVP), Janel Riley (Cloudflare), and many others for sharing their time and expertise with our students in their journeys to become the responsible business leaders of the future.”
Broadening perspectives and networks
Overall, students returned with a broader global perspective and enhanced professional networks. On his trip to Denmark and Iceland, Wright says, “This experience reinforced that innovation and technology are essential for solving global challenges. Whether through AI-driven efficiency, carbon capture, or sustainable logistics, the companies we visited showed how businesses can lead change. Moving forward, I'll seek opportunities that align with cutting-edge advancements in supply chain optimization, energy efficiency, and sustainable business models.”
Joe believes his time in London reinforced the importance of adaptability and cross-cultural collaboration. “Moving forward, I will be more attuned to the impact of macroeconomic policies on business strategy and more proactive in leveraging global networks,” he says. “It also underscored the need for analytical rigor when approaching international market expansion and risk assessment.”
Trainor says, “The most valuable piece of advice that I took away from meeting with business leaders in Silicon Valley was to be fearless. Fearless in the sense that you never shy away from opportunities that can have long-term value for your career goals and life ambitions. I thought this was a special message that I constantly try to implement into my life each day.”
D'Amore-McKim's commitment to experiential learning ensures that students don't just study global business—they live it. These immersive programs prepare future leaders to think critically, adapt to international markets, and build connections beyond borders.