FTMBA Students Take Learning Global with Panama Residency
Over March 14–21, Full-Time MBA students completed the international residency component of ADMN 840: International Business in Panama City—an immersive, field-based experience that connects classroom frameworks with real-world global business practice.
Throughout the week, students engaged directly with leading organizations across industries, including Adidas, DHL, Maersk, Banco General, the Panama Canal and the Panama Football Federation. These visits provided valuable insights into global supply chains, logistics infrastructure, financial systems and international market strategy in one of the world’s most important trade hubs.
The program also incorporated cultural immersion, including visits to the Emberá indigenous community and a Geisha coffee tasting experience—helping students better understand the role of local culture, heritage and context in shaping global business environments.
A central component of the residency was the Global Business Challenge project. Over several months, eight student teams collaborated remotely with two Panamanian organizations—La Prensa, the country’s largest newspaper, and Clínica Ford Dental Spa—to develop strategic recommendations addressing real business challenges.
During the residency, students worked directly with company leaders and delivered final presentations on-site, offering solutions focused on growth, innovation and operational improvement.
For La Prensa, student teams developed initiatives in marketing strategy, digital transformation, audience analytics, operational efficiency and internal communication systems. For Clínica Ford, projects focused on market expansion into Caribbean markets, operational improvements, growth strategy and long-term succession planning.
Students Earn Recognition
The impact of the students’ work extended beyond the classroom. A UNH MBA team working with La Prensa was featured in a national headline story on March 18, 2026—an exceptional recognition that highlights the real-world value of their contributions.
Client managers from both organizations expressed strong appreciation for the students’ work, noting that several recommendations were immediately actionable and aligned with ongoing strategic priorities.
Led by Professor Jun Li and Professor Shuili Du, the residency reflects the core philosophy of the redesigned FTMBA curriculum: integrating rigorous academic content with hands-on, experiential learning and direct industry engagement.
By combining global immersion with applied consulting experience, the program equips MBA students with the analytical, strategic and practical skills needed to navigate complex international business environments—reinforcing Paul College’s commitment to preparing graduates for impactful, real-world careers.
