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Selecting a Masters Degree for Trade
Insights from Kathryn Dioth at Hinrich Foundation
Selecting the right master’s program is a pivotal decision for anyone looking to build a successful career in global trade. Last week CEO Kathryn Dioth of the Hinrich Foundation delivered an insightful and thought-provoking summary at the globinar: Global Chamber® Young Global Leaders: Selecting the Right Master's Program for Global Trade Career Success.
Watch the globinar on the Global Chamber® youtube channel HERE.
Kathryn shared valuable advice on how leaders—and future leaders—can navigate the complex decision-making process of selecting a master's program that aligns with their career and life goals. The session highlighted critical insights that many professionals wish they had known before choosing their own educational paths. Key factors to consider when evaluating master’s programs include assessing faculty backgrounds for their industry connections and real-world experience. These elements are essential for students aiming to succeed in global trade.
Thank You
A big thank you to Kathryn for her knowledge and leadership, which guided participants toward making well-informed decisions about their education and career futures. Her valuable insights were complemented by expert speakers who shared their own experiences:
- Helmut Schwarting, an industry expert, provided a compelling discussion on the key attributes employers seek in candidates, emphasizing the importance of practical experience and effective communication skills.
- Lynne Sprugel, with over 30 years of experience in global trade, discussed the role of practitioner professors in academic programs and how hands-on expertise is crucial for success in the field.
- Kim Ngan Ngo from Unilever shared her journey from a global trade master's program to her current leadership role, demonstrating how education can directly translate into career growth.
- Special thanks to Sali Alimam and Juan Quintana, both recent graduates of the Thunderbird School of Global Management, who shared their personal educational and professional journeys. Juan, in particular, highlighted how Thunderbird’s network and hands-on opportunities were vital in preparing him to launch a global business.
Key Takeaways from the Event
- Industry Experience Matters:
When choosing a program, it’s essential to consider faculty members who have strong industry experience. These professors offer real-world insights that academic-focused professors may lack, helping students connect theory with practice in a way that enhances their career readiness. - Internships and Networking Opportunities Are Crucial:
A robust network and internship opportunities should be a top priority when evaluating programs. Having access to industry professionals, mentorship, and hands-on work experiences makes a significant difference in shaping your career. Networking can provide invaluable career advancement opportunities, sometimes even before you graduate. - Focus on Cross-Border Communication Skills:
In global trade, effective communication across cultures and languages is a critical skill. Be sure to choose a program that offers ample opportunities to develop cross-cultural communication skills. This includes language courses, internships in international markets, or exposure to global teams, which are all essential for managing relationships in the interconnected world of trade. - Practical Application Over Theoretical Knowledge:
Programs that emphasize real-world application through internships, capstone projects, or global business simulations are invaluable. These opportunities help students build practical skills and prepare them for the challenges of international business. You’ll gain more than just theoretical knowledge; you’ll learn how to solve problems and adapt to ever-changing global markets. - Evaluate Industry-Relevant Curriculum:
While selecting a program, make sure the curriculum is aligned with your career goals. For example, if you’re aiming to specialize in logistics, customs brokerage, or international finance, ensure that the program offers specific courses, certifications, or partnerships with global companies in those areas. A tailored approach to curriculum can equip you with the niche expertise needed for targeted roles in global trade. - Opportunities for Education Abroad and Internships:
Exposure to different global markets through educational trips or internships abroad can dramatically enhance your ability to understand the nuances of international business. Learning about various trade policies, market entry strategies, and regulatory environments will deepen your understanding of global trade challenges. - Feedback Loops and Alumni Engagement:
The best programs offer strong alumni networks and encourage feedback. Engaging with alumni allows you to gain insights from those who have already navigated the same educational path. Their experiences can provide valuable context, helping you make better-informed decisions about the program and its real-world applicability. - Long-Term Career Support:
Effective career services are a must. Look for programs that offer robust career support services, from job placement assistance to interview coaching and resume workshops. Even after you’ve graduated, strong career support ensures that you’re well-positioned for leadership roles in global trade and business.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2025, global trade is evolving, and so too are the educational pathways that can help professionals thrive. The insights shared by Kathryn and the panel will continue to guide future leaders in selecting the best educational experiences to fuel their careers.
Thank you again to César Trabanco for organizing this invaluable event, and to all the speakers for their generous contributions. Keep an eye out for the recording of this Globinar—it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in pursuing a career in global trade.
By considering the key insights and advice shared during this Globinar, prospective students can make more informed decisions as they select the right master’s program to fuel their success in the dynamic and exciting world of global trade. The future of international business is bright for those who take a strategic, well-informed approach to their education—and this session provided the tools to get started on that journey.
Speakers:
Lynne Sprugel - Founder and CEO, Abuzz Global
Based in Houston, Texas, USA, Lynne is Founder and CEO of Abuzz Global, an advisory firm for the global retail supply chain. It helps companies with product development, production, import logistics, distribution, quality assurance, overseas country operations and factory compliance.
With her team at Abuzz Global, Lynne helps companies map their supply chain and develop a risk management and business continuity plan to adapt to future trends and mitigate disruptions.
Lynne was a Visiting Professor at the RMIT University Master of Global Trade in Vietnam where she taught International Strategy. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Dallas and teaches courses on Global Strategy, Supply Chain Management, International Logistics and Inter-cultural Management.
Formerly, Lynne was Vice President and Managing Director for International Sourcing Operations at Academy International, a subsidiary of Academy Sports + Outdoors, a US sporting goods and outdoor lifestyle retailer in Houston. She moved to Hong Kong in 2014 to establish Academy’s Asia sourcing office.
Lynne also worked as an International Sourcing Manager for American department store chain, JCPenney. In this role, she developed a strategic direction for sourcing private labels from manufacturers in over 50 countries. In four years, she increased direct orders from $800 million to $1.4 billion, and company savings of about $200 million.
Lynne earned her Doctor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management from City University of Hong Kong in 2019. She completed the Professional Development Program on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management at Stanford University in 2018 and the Advanced Management Program on Innovation Management at the University of California in 2017. She received her MBA from the University of Dallas in 1994.
Lynne’s vast experience in international trade is a culmination of a series of “mini journeys” that have led her to where she is today.
Helmut Schwarting - Managing Director, Markant Trading Organisation (Far East)
Based in Hong Kong, Helmut Schwarting is Managing Director at Markant Trading Organisation (Far East), a subsidiary of Markant Switzerland. It provides procurement-related services for consumer products in Asia, mostly in China. Its services are focus on purchasing and financing including documentation, payment processing, and exchange rate hedging.
Helmut’s team is responsible for managing their clients’ export documents and ensuring that these are compliant, on-time, and error-free. The Hong Kong office currently employs more than 30 people and is responsible for a total turnover of more than US$520 million in 2020.
Besides its Hong Kong operation, the parent company of the Markant Group — Markant Handels-und Industriewaren- Vermittlungs AG — has subsidiaries in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. Markant in total has more than 1,000 employees worldwide, with more than 14,000 companies supplying their roughly 150 retail partner members.
Prior to working with Markant, Helmut worked for Continental Engineering Products as a Sales Manager for Manufacturing in 1984 and as a Hard Goods Manager for Worldlines in 1987. He was later promoted to Managing Director for Worldlines before joining Markant.
Helmut is passionate in developing and mentoring high-functioning teams and is a Certified Coach and Behavioral Consultant.
He believes that trade creates a ripple effect to other industries and stakeholders should create “win-win” situations to enrich people’s lives.
Ngan Ngo - Procurement Country Lead Unilever Australia & New Zealand
Ngan is the Procurement Country Lead for Unilever Australia and New Zealand, in charge of strategic sourcing and developing innovative business partnerships. Unilever is a multinational Fortune 500 company producing consumer goods. Ngan is based in Sydney.
Prior to moving to Australia, Ngan was the Procurement Manager for Unilever’s Vietnam office where she was in charge for sourcing and partnership management. In total, she Ngan has worked for Unilever for 15 years after joining the Management Training Program in 2008. From there, she became the Assistant Manager of Raw Materials Supply in Vietnam. She then moved to Singapore as a Procurement Assistant Manager before returning to her home country to serve in several management positions.
She earned her Bachelor’s of International Relations from the University of Social Sciences and Humanity – HCMC Vietnam National University in 2008 and her Master of Global Trade at RMIT University through the Hinrich Global Trade Leader Scholarship Program in 2022.
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