Current MBA student Ruxandra Calin spent the summer before graduation interning at Ernst & Young in Australia. She experienced the legendary Aussie friendliness, spirited football (or “footy”), European-style urbanity (street cafes, trams, and distinctive Victorian architecture), and the country’s abundant natural beauty.
During her summer down under, Calin also observed differences in the Australian and American business styles:
“What I’ll take back with me is not only the things I learned on the job but also a team approach that focuses on close discussions, meetings, and a lot of brainstorming. Australians have a high team spirit and take the time to get to know each other and build relationships.
“One example: Our team implemented a new way to connect and reward each other after a week of work during the busy season. On Fridays we each would say something we appreciated about another team member. What a great way to end the week on a positive note!”
The soon-to-be-grad’s experiences will definitely help her earn a competitive advantage in the job market. “In today’s world of deeply intertwined global relationships, the ability to move easily within and between cultures is not only an increasingly prized qualification for jobs in any number of fields but an indispensable component of a college education in the 21st century,” said Richard Mitten, director of Baruch College’s Study Abroad Office.
—Diane Harrigan
Read Ruxandra’s seven tips for conducting business like—and successfully with—Australians.