An International MBA Elective Journey: a transformative experience

Shamini Gunasagaran is an Executive MBA student in Malaysia. She recently completed electives in France and on campus in Glasgow - here, she shares her experience of what she calls a transformative learning experience.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Strathclyde Executive MBA is the opportunity to learn beyond the traditional classroom and experience different business environments first-hand.

Recently, I had the privilege of completing two elective modules that provided exactly that: 'Managing in Europe' at Toulouse Business School (TBS), France, and 'Developing Effective Consulting Skills' at Strathclyde Business School's Glasgow campus. Although each elective had a distinct focus, together they offered valuable insights into international business, leadership, consulting, and personal development.

Managing in Europe: Understanding Business Through a European Lens

The Managing in Europe elective was far more than an academic programme. It was an immersive experience that brought together professionals from diverse industries and countries to explore the realities of operating in an increasingly global business environment.

Over an intensive week in Toulouse, we balanced classes, group presentations, project work, and discussions focused on European business, leadership, culture, and international collaboration. The programme challenged us to think beyond our local perspectives and appreciate how culture, history, regulation, and societal values influence management decisions across Europe.

A particular highlight was learning from Professor Shahla Ameri-Rinaldi, whose extensive experience and passion for cultural intelligence and global leadership made every session engaging and thought-provoking. Her insights reinforced the importance of understanding different perspectives when working across borders and leading diverse teams.

One of the most memorable moments of the elective was the visit to Airbus/Aeroscopia. Seeing first-hand the scale, innovation, and complexity behind one of the world's leading aerospace companies provided a valuable perspective on how global organisations coordinate operations, manage supply chains, and drive continuous innovation.

The elective reinforced an important lesson: successful global leaders need more than technical expertise. They must also possess cultural awareness, adaptability, empathy, and the ability to connect with people from different backgrounds.

Developing Effective Consulting Skills: Creating Value Through Structured Thinking

Following Toulouse, I travelled to Glasgow to complete the Developing Effective Consulting Skills elective at Strathclyde Business School.

This module provided practical insight into the consulting profession and how consultants help organisations solve complex challenges. Through case studies, discussions, and practical exercises, we explored how consultants structure problems, engage stakeholders, analyse situations, and develop recommendations that create meaningful impact.

A key highlight was learning from Professor Simon Haslam, whose extensive consulting experience brought the subject to life. His ability to combine theory with real-world consulting examples made the learning highly practical and relevant.

One of the most valuable lessons was the importance of problem structuring. Organisations often focus on symptoms rather than root causes, and consultants play a critical role in bringing clarity to complex situations. The module reinforced the importance of asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and defining the real problem before developing solutions.

Another important takeaway was stakeholder engagement. Even the most technically sound recommendation will fail without stakeholder buy-in. Understanding organisational dynamics, building trust, and communicating effectively are therefore just as important as analytical skills.

The elective also highlighted the growing importance of consulting skills beyond traditional consulting roles. In today's business environment, leaders across all functions must be able to diagnose problems, influence stakeholders, and drive change effectively.

Bringing the Learning Together

While the two electives focused on different disciplines, they complemented each other exceptionally well. Managing in Europe expanded my understanding of international business and cultural intelligence, while Developing Effective Consulting Skills strengthened my ability to analyse problems and develop practical solutions.

Together, they reinforced the importance of combining global awareness with structured problem-solving. In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, leaders must be able to navigate cultural differences, collaborate across boundaries, and address challenges with confidence and clarity.

Beyond the academic content, both electives reminded me of the value of lifelong learning and the strength of the Strathclyde MBA community. Learning alongside talented professionals from different industries and countries enriched every discussion and broadened my perspective.

As I continue my Executive MBA journey, I am grateful for the experiences, friendships, and lessons gained in Toulouse and Glasgow. These electives were more than modules; they were transformative experiences that will continue to shape my professional and personal growth for years to come.

About Shamini Gunasagaran

Shamini Gunasagaran is an Executive MBA candidate at the University of Strathclyde Business School with more than 12 years of experience in the market research and consumer insights industry. Throughout her career, she has worked on multi-country projects across diverse markets, developing expertise in project management, strategic problem-solving, and cross-cultural collaboration. She is passionate about lifelong learning, global leadership, and helping organisations navigate change in an increasingly interconnected business environment.