Amidst the Hubbub: Hurricane's Calm Center Under Scrutiny
In the stormy streets of London, the iconic Holborn Tower Househeld tense meetings for Team England, the organization representing England in the 2022 Commonwealth Games. As wind Howled outside, executives were preoccupied with Brexit, the UK's tumultuous departure from the European Union, and the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak in China.
Making their way through Storm Ciara, nine North Carolina State University undergrads were granted a unique opportunity to meet with Team England's upper management within the tower's walls. Jason Bocarro, a professor of parks, recreation, and tourism, shared his insights on the impact of COVID-19 and Brexit on the sports and tourism industry.
This encounter marked the beginning of an eight-week adventure that started in January at NC State's European Center in Prague. From there, the students embarked on a thrilling journey through London and Reutlingen, Germany. This whirlwind tour earns the title "study abroad on steroids," as it incorporated classroom instruction and hands-on experience in global leadership and team decision-making.
Under the guidance of faculty from NC State and partner institutions, students gained exclusive access to esteemed business sites, including Kontoor Brands' Wrangler and Lee apparel distribution center in Prague, Ernst & Young's headquarters in London, and Mercedes-Benz's Logistics Center in Reutlingen.
For Sarah Roskam, a dual international studies and economics major, this journey presented daily cultural shocks that broadened her horizons. Each country provided a fresh perspective on decision-making, adding another layer of complexity to her understanding. Jason Bocarro, a London native, oversaw the London segment of the trip, focusing on leadership and decision-making in the recreation and tourism sectors.
Throughout their journey, the students gleaned valuable insights into corporate decision-making, particularly during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The world lay bare its challenges, showcasing the need for capable leadership from organizations and their leaders.
Roskam found herself immersed in the intricacies of leadership, learning how to adapt her approach to various situations, and recognizing the importance of listening and receiving input. Hannah Ziegler, a fashion and textile management student, witnessed firsthand the benefits of employee suggestions being addressed, fostering a productive work environment.
The shelter Leadership Center's four-year effort bore fruit in the creation of the global leadership minor. Debbie Acker, senior associate director of the Center, emphasized the importance of the curriculum enabling students to cultivate a growth mindset, enabling them to learn from their experiences and apply that knowledge to future challenges.
As the students embarked on their return to the United States in March, an unexpected obstacle arose—the suspension of travel from Europe to the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students scrambled to secure passage home, marking the end of their journey ten days earlier than planned.
Despite the abrupt conclusion, the students were astounded by the breadth of their experiences, gaining a renewed sense of motivation to step outside their comfort zones and make a positive impact on their communities. The challenging circumstances presented them with a valuable opportunity to test their resilience and adaptability, equipping them for future accomplishments.
[1] City-REDI Working Paper Series, University of Birmingham. (2019). Brexit and the United Kingdom: Challenges and Opportunities for the City-Region Economy.[2] Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. (2019). Delivering a Sustainable Commonwealth Games.[3] Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. (2018). Lessons from a Host City Series: London 2012 and Rio 2016.
[1] Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Brexit and the coronavirus outbreak, a group of North Carolina State University undergraduates delved into the intricacies of leadership and decision-making during their study abroad program, hosted by the university's European Center in Prague.
[2] From meeting with Team England's upper management within the historic Holborn Tower to visiting prestigious business sites like Kontoor Brands' apparel distribution center in Prague and Mercedes-Benz's Logistics Center in Reutlingen, these students gained unprecedented exposure to the world of business and corporate decision-making.
[3] The program, which provided a unique blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experience, was part of a four-year effort led by the Shelter Leadership Center, resulting in the creation of a global leadership minor.
[4] Through this program, students like Sarah Roskam, a dual international studies and economics major, explored the complexities of leadership and decision-making in various contexts, broadening their horizons with each cultural shock.
[5] Engineering and fashion students, such as Hannah Ziegler, witnessed firsthand the impact of employee suggestions on fostering a productive work environment, understanding the importance of innovation in the business world.
[6] As they navigated through the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, these students gained valuable insights into corporate resilience and adaptability, equipping them with the necessary skills to face future challenges in their personal and professional lives.
[7] Despite the sudden halt in their travels due to travel restrictions, these students returned to the United States with a renewed sense of motivation, having overcome challenges and embraced their resilience and adaptability, ready to make a positive impact on their communities and the business world, contributing to the broader realm of education-and-self-development and lifestyle.
