The Hassenfeld Immersion Program sparked a paradigm shift in my career outlook.
My classmates and I traveled to Delhi and Mumbai over the course of 10 days. Thanks to insightful company visits and enriching cultural experiences, I now envision working for a multinational corporation — or even spearheading my own global ventures.
My experience in India broadened my vision for what is possible, and as a result has made me more adept at navigating the intricacies of international business. It’s not just about working in a multicultural setting; it’s about understanding nuances, embracing diversity and contributing meaningfully to a global professional landscape.
It’s no exaggeration to say the Hassenfeld program ignited my passion for a career that transcends borders. Here are the highlights of my trip.
Building a global perspective
The Hassenfeld program equips students with a global perspective by combining classroom learning with real-world experiences.
Before embarking on the journey, I attended a comprehensive class on Indian culture covering politics, history, arts, sports, music, language and more. This preparatory course ensures a well-rounded understanding of the destination.
Additionally, the class provides detailed information about the trip’s logistics and expectations. It is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and cultural insights to maximize their in-country experience.
India is serious about ESG
One of the most impactful aspects of our visits to Indian companies was witnessing their remarkable commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Although it is a developing country, India stood out for its conscientious efforts in ESG across almost every company we visited.
Without exception, these companies made significant strides in ESG, including establishing schools and hospitals in impoverished areas, providing training and employment opportunities for women in rural regions, contributing to climate change mitigation and implementing measures for the conservation and protection of water resources.
India’s legal framework also mandates corporate social responsibility spending, requiring companies with a certain turnover and profitability to allocate 2 percent of their average net profit from the past three years towards corporate social responsibility. This experience underscores the transformative role businesses can play in society.
Visiting the Taj Mahal, Mahindra & Mahindra
The most impressive experience undoubtedly was visiting the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Having encountered its majestic beauty in textbooks since childhood, witnessing it in person was truly magical. The intricate architecture and the ethereal aura left an indelible impact, surpassing all expectations.
Another unexpected highlight came during a tour of the automobile manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra’s Living Museum. The museum chronicles pivotal moments in the company’s history, its core philosophies, conceptual product displays and artworks aligned with the company’s ethos. This immersive experience provided a holistic understanding of Mahindra’s evolution and demonstrated the integration of culture and business, leaving me with profound insights into corporate storytelling and the importance of preserving organizational heritage.
As we traversed from the northern to the southern regions, a notable trend emerged — the increasing presence of women in the workplace, most prominently exemplified at Mahindra. Witnessing numerous accomplished female leaders confidently occupying key roles underscored the company’s commitment to gender diversity and inspired me to advocate for inclusivity and equality in future career endeavors.
Student Insights features blog posts produced by current students and recent graduates of Brandeis International Business School. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author.
