IMBA Viewbook by University of Memphis

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

IMBA vs. MBA

Curriculum

Corporate Connections

Summers Abroad

Admissions

Learn More

ARE YOU INSPIRED TO SEE BEYOND BOUNDARIES AND WORK ACROSS CULTURES? Then let your inspiration take you to the career you’ve always wanted. While taking courses in the International MBA (IMBA) program at the University of Memphis, you will develop the business skills, country understandings, cultural competencies and global mindset to do business just about anywhere in the world. An IMBA classroom is unlike any other classroom setting you’ve experienced before. A select number of students are admitted and balanced between U.S. and international students to provide a true multicultural environment. You will work alongside classmates with diverse ethnic and country backgrounds, appreciating each other’s differences and learning together toward becoming tomorrow’s global managers. Experiential learning is at the heart of our IMBA program, which features a an overseas summer study semester or an internship in a foreign country. The rest of our curriculum is just as impressive. Widely viewed as a strong academic program, our IMBA’s interdisciplinary approach combines professional business education with the study of cultures, customs, languages and business practices in your chosen region of the world.

WHY CHOOSE AN IMBA INSTEAD OF AN MBA? The economy is no longer confined nor defined by national borders. Advances in transportation and information technology have exploded, bringing the world together in unbelievable ways. More and more students are choosing an IMBA over a MBA to build skill sets useful to this exciting and ever-changing global corporate environment. Even long-term success in domestic markets depends on international skills. Our IMBA prepares you to be a business leader anywhere in the world. The intimate class size allows you to interact with and learn from your IMBA classmates — about half of whom originate from international countries. The bottom line is, all kinds of people with varied backgrounds and interests are enrolled in our IMBA program. The most important prerequisites for our students are a penchant for learning and a disposition for commitment. The curriculum is challenging, but the rewards can be outstanding.

ON BUSINESS IN FRANCE Business Conversation

In France, business conversation is quite formal. Don’t be the first to introduce topics of conversation such as spouse, children, pets, hobbies or sports. 2 / IMBA PROGRAMS

THE CURRICULUM IS AS CHALLENGING AS THE RESULTS ARE REWARDING. Our IMBA environment is engaging. The discussions are eye-opening. The internships are interesting. The faculty are recognized experts in their fields. You will be learning from leading scholars of international business. Classes are held in a modern executive classroom with cuttingedge audio/visual equipment. Classroom instruction leans toward open discussion rather than lectures. You will learn the finer points of dealing with business people from a variety of cultures. The program consists of four semesters, including one summer semester. Domestic students are expected to study or intern abroad over the summer semester. International students will intern in Memphis. The Fogelman College of Business and Economics will ensure that you receive a well-rounded business education. You will gain the insight needed to masterfully conduct business in the international arena. Each year only a select number of students are admitted, so classes are small. It is highly recommended that prospective students apply early, ideally by late in the calendar year, for the coming fall semester. To prepare non-business majors, one foundational course in each of the four following business subjects may be taken prior to beginning formal IMBA studies at any accredited university, including the University of Memphis:Âstatistics, accounting, finance and economics. These classes are recommended but not required for admission.

DOMESTIC (U.S.) STUDENTS U.S. students with three years of foreign language training can study the business practices, culture and language of a variety of countries such as China, Japan, India, Germany, France, Panama and Peru, just to name a few. You will gain practical experience through summer study or an internship abroad that offers an in-depth approach to understanding international business. U.S. students without foreign language skills can specialize in the practice of business in geographical regions where English is the primary business language. This interdisciplinary curriculum reflects the rapid growth of regional integration and business opportunities in world regions that are increasingly important to the United States. Study abroad and internships are arranged in a region that utilizes English to conduct business.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS International students receive an in-depth exposure to U.S. business practices and culture. Summer study for international students is conducted on the campus of the University of Memphis, and internships are completed with U.S. firms. The IMBA program attracts students from all over the globe, creating a diverse and exciting classroom. Note: Before studying abroad in a country that requires foreign language skills, U.S. students are required to have six semesters of undergraduate study in their respective foreign language.

ON BUSINESS IN GERMANY Did I Do Something Wrong?

Germans are sometimes said to be rather stiff and cool when doing business. Do not take it personally if your business associate does not smile, interrupts you, or speaks in a loud or gruff voice. Unfriendliness is almost never intended. IMBA PROGRAMS / 5

CORPORATE CONNECTIONS MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE. The IMBA program at the University of Memphis enjoys an elite status among major corporations. Consequently, our graduates are in demand. The University’s connection to premium internship opportunities, both at home and abroad, helps fuel that demand. We do our part to help place each student in a corporate environment that encourages growth and provides real-world experience. Corporations know that the University of Memphis produces capable leaders in international business. The City of Memphis is home to many firms that are active in international business. Many of these businesses are industry giants, with global name recognition. Among these corporations are FedEx, Smith & Nephew, First Horizon, Medtronic, International Paper, Thyssen Krupp, Storage USA and AutoZone. The presence of these and other internationally active firms helps the University to access internship and career placement opportunities for students.

A SAMPLE OF COMPANIES SPONSORING INTERNSHIPS: A. O. SMITH

DAUPHIN AFFICHAGE

IBM

MILLIPORE

UNITED AGRI PRODUCTS

ALTAIR TECHNOLOGIES

ENERTEC

INTERNATIONAL PAPER

MISSLBECK GMBH

VARCO PRUDEN BUILDINGS

AUDI

FEDEX

KOLB WELLPAPPE

VITRO

AUTOZONE

GATE GOURMET

MEDIA SATURN

ROBERT BOSCH POWER TOOLS

BDO CONSULTING CEMEX CUMMINS ENGINES

GENERAL MOTORS GRUPO IMSA HYPO BANK

MEDTRONIC MESSE MÜNCHEN INTERNATIONAL

WRIGHT MEDICAL

SMITH & NEPHEW STEELCASE STRAFOR THOMAS & BETTS

ON BUSINESS IN INDIA

India is a very diverse country:

multiethnic, multilingual and multireligious. While India has 18 official languages, English is the language of communication in urban areas. 6 / IMBA PROGRAMS

SUMMER STUDIES, A WORLD AWAY. One does not learn much about a foreign country and culture without experiencing it firsthand. Our curriculum takes you overseas and into the heart of foreign nations. Only after you immerse yourself in the culture and subtleties of another nation will you truly understand how business is conducted in that country. The University of Memphis has strong relationships with high-caliber universities around the world. Our partnerships with these quality institutions make our IMBA program globally recognized for its leading-edge instruction in international business. Students may spend the entire summer at one of these institutions, gaining valuable experiences that are unattainable at home.

A STUDENT LIFE YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER. The University of Memphis is located centrally in Memphis, Tennessee. Because Memphis is renowned for food, music and Southern hospitality, it is easy to understand why so many students cherish their time in the city and on campus. There is never a lack for things to do in Memphis. Take a stroll down Beale Street and duck inside some of the venues famous for barbecue and blues music. Attend a basketball game at the FedExForum or bicycle through Shelby Farms Park. You will find Memphis’ Rock ’n’ Soul Museum as entertaining as the National Civil Rights Museum is inspiring. Memphis in May is a month-long international festival of music, Southern food, and the culture of a different country honored each year. Graceland is open all year long, should you wish to pay tribute to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. While Memphis has its charms, the University also has a distinctive personality all its own. Though classified as an urban university, the 217-acre campus is located in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood brimming with ambiance. Cutting-edge facilities co-mingle with traditional, brick and stone buildings that create the character of the campus. The faculty is over 750 professors strong, including 23 Chairs of Excellence — more than any other campus in Tennessee. Over 20,000 students attend the U of M, hailing from virtually every state and from over 80 countries. The people you meet and the experiences you have will be ones you treasure forever.

ON BUSINESS IN PANAMA Given its geography, Panama has significant populations from many neighboring countries. Panama is a beehive of activity with commensurate growth in its economy. Spanish language skills are essential to achieving business goals. IMBA PROGRAMS / 9

ADMISSION TO A PREMIER PROGRAM. One class a year is admitted to the IMBA program each fall. Because the size of the class is limited, only qualified and dedicated students are awarded admission. Though students come from different countries, backgrounds and cultures, all are selected based upon academic ability and genuine interest in pursuing an international business career.

Admission

An applicant to the IMBA program must have completed (or be in the process of completing) a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution in the U.S. or an equivalent foreign degree. Candidates must satisfy the requirements for admission to the University of Memphis Graduate School and the Fogelman College of Business and Economics. All applicants are required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). International students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), in addition to the GMAT or GRE. The IMBA Admissions Committee considers additional factors that point to achievement potential and international interests, including leadership skills, work experience, foreign language ability and three letters of recommendation.

Application

The IMBA Admissions Committee begins a full review of applications on February 1. Students are encouraged to send in their application materials for the early admissions review cycle, which begins at the start of the calendar year. Please note that complete information regarding how to apply can be found on the following webpage: memphis.edu/internationalmba/admissions/apply.php.

Cost

Students attending the University of Memphis benefit from very affordable tuition and fees for Tennessee residents, as well as very competitive fees for nonresidents. In addition, the program offers a number of graduate assistantships, available to highly qualified students, based on academic merit and experience. Most graduate assistants work 20 hours a week on projects for faculty and administrators in return for a stipend and a waiver of FCBE tuition during the academic year. Applicants needing student loans are encouraged to complete appropriate financial aid applications as soon as possible. Business internships frequently provide monthly stipends to offset some room and board costs. Students are responsible, however, for all costs including travel to and from assigned foreign locations and for personal expenses.

ON BUSINESS IN CHINA Do I Shake Hands or Bow?

10 / IMBA PROGRAMS

In China, handshaking is the common greeting. However, when meeting someone for the first time — for instance, upon arrival at a business appointment — immediately bow your head slightly and offer your business card with two hands. Accept your colleague’s business card in the same fashion.

WHAT IN THE WORLD DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE? So there you are, a brochure in hand, with an exciting decision to make. Is this the right time for you to seize this opportunity? Do you have what it takes to reach out and find yourself in an international career? An IMBA degree can help you achieve this goal. The world awaits. Learn more about our IMBA program by visiting memphis.edu/internationalmba.

ON BUSINESS IN THE UNITED STATES Why Is Everyone So Casual?

Across the U.S., don’t be surprised if someone addresses you by first name only, or shortens your name from “Michael” to “Mike.” This casual approach to business is common in the States. IMBA PROGRAMS / 13

memphis.edu/internationalmba

The International MBA Program | The University of Memphis 101 Fogelman College Administration Building Memphis, Tennessee 38152-3120 Tel: 901.678.3721 | Fax: 901.678.4705 | Email: imba@memphis.edu The University of Memphis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action University. It is committed to education of a non-racially identifiable student body. UOM388-FY1718-1M