Global Mobility Program
Thai Global Mobility Program February 2008
Melbourne GSM ran its inaugural Global Mobility Program to Thailand in February 2008 to enhance students’ understanding of the globalised economy and boost their professional career opportunities.
Four Melbourne GSM students who took part in the program were Christopher Greig, Hanisha Lalwani, Vi Phuong and Wenbo Liu. The students were accompanied by Dr Danielle Chmielewski from the Department of Management and Marketing.
The fourteen-day program provided participants with the opportunity to be exposed to true Thai culture and business customers. The trip included:
- A cultural sightseeing component
- A two-day introductory lecture series at Thammasat University and;
- An eight day work placement with a high-profile Bangkok based company to solve a real business problem.
The program was designed to provide the students with some work experience that exposed them to international work practices and provided them with access to a global network of valuable contacts. The two Bangkok-based companies that participated in the work placement program were Touchwood Asia Co., Ltd (a private Forestry investment company) and MSIG Insurance.
The program ended with students presenting their findings and recommendations to their Board of Directors on the final day of the placement. The presentations were highly impressive, both companies were extremely pleased with the calibre of the students and the hard work they put into their projects. Both companies also intended to implement some of the recommendations proposed by the students.
This program offers an exceptional opportunity for students to gain work experience and a global perspective simultaneously. An additional benefit of participation in such a program is that propective employers value global work experience and it is thus an excellent way for students to add value to their Curriculum Vitae and differentiate them from other job candidates.
The above photo was taken on 5 February 2008 during cultural tour of Jim Thomson's house.
From left to right: (Back row): Dr Danielle Chmielewski, Chris GReig, Stephanie Shepherd.
(Front row): Jane Chynoweth, Hanisha Lalwani, Wenbo Liu, Vi Phuong and Ediz Babacan.