Nine Executive Master’s in Human Resource Development (HRD) students recently returned from a global learning experience in Prague, Czechia (known widely in English as the Czech Republic). This week-long engagement provides a crucial opportunity for learners to explore new experiences and increase cross-cultural competencies to prepare for a future in an increasingly globally-connected business world.
"Just about everyone in the program right now is employed full-time, and the work that these individuals do in their organizations — they have to leverage human capacity. They have to be able to connect and relate, and in many cases, they're doing this with colleagues across the globe. Even here within Houston, there is a rich cultural fabric that shows up in the workplace," said executive HRD professor and program director Consuelo Waight, Ph.D.
In previous years, the program has taken students to Brasil and Portugal. This year, the destination was Czechia. While there, the group visited branches of IBM and T-Mobile as well as the local LINET Group.
Prior to takeoff, students spend time learning about the history and culture of their destination as well as its current happenings, whether the news pertains to business, politics, education, or other relevant topics.
"The core piece they learn is to recognize that context matters, especially when participating in global business," said Waight.
In 1989, a series of non-violent demonstrations protesting decades of one-party governmental rule by the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia ultimately resulted in the party's relinquishing of power and the installation of a new government. This transition of governance became known as the Velvet Revolution.
Six months later, Czechoslovakia held its first democratic election in over forty years. The company now known as LINET Group formed that very same year — 1990. The installation of non-communist government and policy allowed business to change and grow in a way that had been impossible just a few years prior.
"It gives you a lens that you wouldn't think possible… just being there truly see history, see culture and meet with the companies that we meet, including LINET Group," said executive HRD student and experience participant Lola Dang.
"It is beneficial to be able to situate business within a historical context, but to also be able to have those conversations through the eyes and experiences of the people who have lived it is invaluable," Waight explained. "They can strengthen your relationships and connections, and give new opportunities to learn."
Participating students echoed Waight's appreciation for the ways that these experiences can forge new connections and opportunities.
"When you travel and meet new people, it gives you networking opportunities," said executive HRD student and experience participant Briana Sherbenou. "It may not be evident when you meet someone, but it could turn into something valuable years later. There is a lot of power in networking."
"The goal was to develop professionally during the program, but I think I had assumptions of that that would look like," Sherbenou added. "It turned out to be a journey of self-discovery learning skills in adaptability, empathy, communication, and the joys of lifelong learning."