About Major
Through my individual major, I aim to explore how to become an effective global business leader and marketer. In a rapidly globalizing world, I aim to understand how businesses can adapt their strategies to connect with diverse cultures, values, and markets.
My major follows two key threads: one focusing on the technical aspects of business and marketing (economics, marketing strategy, business fundamentals), and the other centered on cross-cultural leadership and consumer behavior(sociology, psychology, global leadership). By combining courses from these disciplines, I seek to develop the skills needed to lead multicultural teams, create impactful marketing campaigns, and adapt business practices to a global audience.
Major Questions
1: How does culture influence purchasing decisions?
2: How do leadership styles differ across cultures, and how can a leader effectively adapt to these differences?
3: How can marketing strategies be adapted to resonate with diverse cultural values and preferences?
4:What skills are essential for a leader to successfully manage multicultural teams in a global business environment?
5: What role do digital marketing and social media play in connecting with global audiences?
6:What are the ethical considerations in international marketing, and how can companies ensure responsible practices?
Rationale For Major
In today’s rapidly evolving and interconnected world, understanding how businesses and marketing strategies operate across cultures is more important than ever. My International Business & Marketing major is designed to address this need by blending multiple disciplines to provide a comprehensive, global perspective on business, leadership, and cross-cultural communication.
This interdisciplinary major integrates social sciences, business fundamentals, marketing strategies, and global studies. By examining how cultural values, ethical considerations, and human behavior shape business practices, I gain the tools necessary to approach global markets with adaptability and insight. The major equips me to ask and answer critical questions, such as:
- How does culture influence purchasing decisions?
- How can marketing strategies adapt to diverse cultural contexts?
- What skills do global leaders need to manage multicultural teams effectively?
The major also emphasizes applied learning experiences—such as internships, international programs, and hands-on projects—that bridge coursework and practice. These experiences have provided me with real-world insights that classroom learning alone cannot. They help me understand how marketing and leadership principles are applied across different countries and industries.
Ultimately, this major prepares me to navigate the complexities of a globalized business environment with the adaptability, strategic thinking, and cultural awareness necessary to succeed. By integrating diverse disciplines and perspectives, I am building a strong foundation to become a thoughtful, ethical, and effective leader in international business and marketing.
Why Does This Major Make Sense For Me?
I have always had a strong interest in business, marketing, and international travel. Growing up in a multicultural family with relatives in Mexico provided me with early exposure to different cultures. Frequent trips to Mexico City allowed me to experience a lifestyle different from my own, which sparked my curiosity about how businesses operate in various cultural contexts. My father worked in international business, and his career gave me an inside look into the global marketplace. He often shared stories about how his work involved promoting the transfer of goods, services, people, and ideas across national boundaries, which helped shape my understanding of international business.
My passion for business and marketing developed early on. During my eighth-grade year, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where I started my own business. I sold a U.S.-produced energy drink that was sponsored by popular social media influencers. Initially, I targeted my classmates, but soon expanded my customer base to tourists visiting the region. As my business grew, I hired employees to help with sales, which taught me essential skills in product management, logistics, sales, and leadership. Managing inventory, transporting products from the U.S. to Mexico, and negotiating resale prices required strict organization and responsibility. In just four months, I was able to generate $5,000 in revenue, which reinforced my passion for business and marketing.
This entrepreneurial experience laid the foundation for my interest in international business and marketing long before I attended St. Olaf College. At St. Olaf, I’ve been able to deepen my understanding of international business and marketing through coursework and practical experiences. The interdisciplinary nature of my major allows me to combine my passion for entrepreneurship with my interest in global cultures and strategic communication. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to 21 countries while at St Olaf, expanding my view of global marketing, cultures and values.