Students Forge Connections across the World at Global Network Week
Three students in the Master of Advanced Management program reflect on a week of learning and exploration at schools in the Global Network for Advanced Management.
Cici Hua ’25
IE Business School, Madrid, Spain
Participating in Global Network Week at IE Business School was an incredible experience that introduced me to student life in Europe. I had the unique opportunity to collaborate with future leaders from diverse countries and renowned business schools, learning from my peers’ perspectives and building connections that now span across the globe.
Beyond the academic and leadership aspects, immersing myself in Spanish culture was a highlight. Watching a flamenco show and enjoying Spanish tapas and sangria gave me a taste of the vibrant local lifestyle. This experience offered both personal and professional growth, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking to broaden their horizons.
Shivanjan Srivastava ’25
Said Business School, University of Oxford, England
My week at Oxford was everything I’d hoped for—a unique blend of learning, connection, and immersion in the university’s rich history. Surrounded by 71 of the brightest minds from over 20 business schools around the world, I felt inspired by our collective energy from the start. Our course Psychology, Economic Decisions, and Financial Markets, led by Professor Pedro Bordalo, pushed us to think critically about how internalized biases affect real-life decisions in finance and beyond. As someone passionate about education, I was especially excited to explore Oxford’s campus and soak in the town’s culture. Walking through fabled university halls built nearly 1,000 years ago and enjoying evenings at traditional pubs with our cohort added layers to the experience, making every day memorable.
My favorite aspect of my time at Oxford was the opportunity to meet and make memories with such fantastic people. Whether in the classroom or over casual meals, each interaction brought fresh perspectives and lasting friendships. I was struck by how quickly our cohort bonded over shared experiences, from exploring iconic landmarks like All Souls College and Trinity College to late-night celebrations after lectures, we created deep connections in just a few days. I even got to share the magic of Oxford with my partner, who flew to join me from Spain. Together, we indulged in some Harry Potter tourism while exploring Christ Church College, where several scenes in the movie franchise were filmed.
This week has amplified my excitement for the rest of my MAM journey, as I know that my Oxford friendships will stay with me for the long run, and that I have many more connections to make at Yale. My sincere thanks go out to Yale SOM for this opportunity, to the Oxford community for being such gracious hosts, to my partner for making the experience even more special, and especially to my incredible classmates, who I now have the privilege to call my friends.
Kevin Mellado ’25
University of British Columbia Vancouver, Canada
For Global Network Week, I chose to attend the Innovation and Sustainability course, led by Justin Bull at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. As someone passionate about the intersection of sustainability and business strategy, I was drawn to this experience because of its focus on cutting-edge technological innovations and practical sustainability solutions for businesses. The discussions about how businesses can turn sustainability challenges into opportunities for growth were incredibly insightful and will be useful in my post-SOM career.
My favorite part of the week was our integration into the city of Vancouver and the positive dynamic that our group of students quickly formed. It was great to learn from classmates from all around the world with diverse views, educational backgrounds, and professional experiences. I would highly recommend this GNW experience to anyone looking to expand their understanding of innovation and sustainable outcomes in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
