Crafting a Curriculum: Jon Golde ’26
Jon Golde, a student in the Master’s in Global Business and Society program, chose courses on entrepreneurship, philosophy, and even tarot.
Students in the Master’s in Global Business and Society program have the opportunity to build their own slate of courses from diverse electives at Yale SOM and across the university. We asked students to explain how they customized their curricula and how they will apply lessons from their coursework at work.
Hometown: Berlin, Germany
Pronouns: he/him/his
Favorite thing about New Haven: For me, that's definitely East Rock. It’s this close-knit neighborhood with charming houses and small cafés that most internationals—including me—would describe as “picture-book American.” On the north end, there is a beautiful park that’s perfect for a run or little strolls.
Best place to study: There are so many good spots at Yale! In summer, you can study outside in one of Sterling Library’s courtyards; in fall, watch the leaves drop from SOM’s glass-walled study rooms; and in winter, get cozy in Bass Library’s wood-paneled reading rooms.
How did you approach choosing your electives and shaping your customized curriculum?
All my skills from two years at BCG came in handy here. While the course options can be overwhelming, I tried to think in three buckets: immediate career priorities (like accounting or finance); long-term priorities (for me, entrepreneurship classes); and pure passion subjects. Balancing the three, I chose my top classes from each bucket.
What surprised you about the coursework available to you?
The GBS program lets you take any class at Yale, and I was surprised by how many fields that actually opens up. I found myself torn between philosophy, art, and a multidisciplinary course on the history of tarot cards. In the end, unable to choose, I took classes in all three fields.
What are your favorite courses so far and why?
One highlight was Negotiations with Professor Erin Frey—easily the most interactive class I ever took, and the most energetic professor I have ever met. Another one was the required course Business and Government After Communism with Professor Ian Shapiro, who delivered a global economic overview in just eight weeks, complete with guest speakers from around the world.
How are you hoping to apply your coursework in your career?
I believe interdisciplinary thinking will continue to be key to business success. The diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and insights at Yale—the hallway discussions and the lifelong connections—are what will help me the most. Every class can be a stepping stone to something bigger.
