Belk College's Global Impact (By Guest Blogger: Allyson Vicars)

As a MBA student working toward a concentration in Healthcare Administration, an assistantship in the Global realm didn’t initially seem likely to lend itself to a career in healthcare.  I quickly found out I was wrong. With the US becoming more and more diversified, being able to communicate and interact effectively with people from various cultures is a critical skill.  Cultural awareness and sensitivity is key. My GA position has helped expand my awareness and improve the clarity of my written communication skills (most of our correspondences are via email) with individuals of different cultures and different languages. 

Not many students (prospective or current) are aware that the Belk College of Business offers Executive MBA degree programs internationally. Two of our most popular Global programs are offered in Hong Kong, and Taipei, Taiwan through a partnership with China Education Group (CEG). Our programs are unique in that they are taught completely by Belk College of Business faculty. The professors MBA students have on campus here in Charlotte also teach courses halfway around the world!

 The programs are designed so that a student who starts the program in January can finish their degree in one year’s time.  The curriculum is similar to the MBA with the same core courses required, but they are delivered in a more flexible format. The students in the Executive MBA programs are typically current business managers so flexibility is necessary.  Eleven courses are required for graduation – 7 core and 4 electives. Students take one course at a time and each is two weeks long.  Reading assignments for the course are completed prior to the first class meeting. This is followed by two intensive weekends of instruction by the Belk College faculty. A new course is typically offered about three weeks after the end of the previous course.  All courses are taught in English.

As a Graduate Assistant for this department I can say that working with students who are already business managers presents some interesting problems. Since most students have significant commitments outside of class, sometimes they are not able to attend the modules due to business trips or other responsibilities. This may lengthen a student’s time for graduation; but generally most graduate within a year and half of starting the program even if these issues pop up. The key is flexibility. These programs are flexible to accommodate the needs of current managers who wish to further their career with an MBA.

If anyone wants more information about these or our other Global programs (in Monterrey, Mexico and Copenhagen, Denmark) please feel free to contact me (avicars@uncc.edu). I’d be happy to get you more information.