John Buglass OneMBA® Class of 2007 Business Strategy Consultant Shell Global Solutions, The Netherlands

Career Goal

My goal is to move into management with one of Shell’s commercial global companies, probably in a technology role. To do that, I needed to expand my business skill set to complement my PhD in chemical physics.  I also wanted to expand my global awareness, especially regarding China. 

Why OneMBA?

I’ve been with Shell about 15 years, so I valued the opportunity to work with a wide cross-section of professionals from around the world.  All parts of the OneMBA syllabus were relevant to my work.  I learned new academic tools that I took back to my job.  And from case studies and team projects, I gained fresh perspectives on my industry, which management encouraged me to share with my colleagues at Shell.

A broader global perspective
OneMBA gave me a broader perspective on global business.  For example, we researched FedEx for our logistics course global team project.   Each team member studied how the company operates in his or her region of the world. I thought I had a good handle on the company’s operations based on my experience in the United States and Europe.  But from my Asian teammates, I learned that FedEx has a totally different operating environment and business model in that part of the world.  And the Latins pointed out FedEx’s logistical challenges in developing countries where infrastructure is lacking and safety of goods is a challenge.   The project brought to life how a global company has to adapt its business model to local business environments.

The bottom-line value
At the beginning of a team project, we asked, “What do you want to accomplish?”  At one end of the spectrum was the typical American answer: “Let’s get the job done as efficiently as possible.”  But the Brazilian answer was “I’m looking for friendship.”   I wasn’t expecting that response.   Looking back, it’s interesting to reflect on which perspective was right.  While I gained new skills and confidence, it’s the friendships and global professional network I gained from OneMBA that will add the most value to my career and life.  

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