As part of my Master of Management (Marketing) degree, I’ve always looked to apply theory to real-world challenges. The Global Business Practicum provides an opportunity for Melbourne Business School (MBS) students to apply classroom learning in an international setting while developing professional skills. I was fortunate to be selected for the subject, which took me to Tokyo, Japan.
An immersive in-company experience
In Tokyo, I joined a student consulting team of four, tasked with a project at Conrad Tokyo, an opulent hotel in the heart of the city.
Our project involved elevating the customer experience in the hospitality sector. We worked closely with Conrad Tokyo’s management, whose openness and insights made the experience informative and inspiring. Through regular meetings and detailed feedback, we gained insight into how strategic decisions are informed by data, guest feedback, and market expectations.
Collaboration, communication, and consulting
Working in a diverse student team was a rewarding experience. Coming from different backgrounds, we had to navigate varying communication and working styles. While this was sometimes challenging, it taught me the importance of clear communication, flexibility and mutual respect in achieving our goals.
Learning through strategy and reflection
One of the most valuable lessons was understanding the importance of asking the right questions. Initially, we focused on fixing gaps, but soon realised our client wanted strategic enhancements to improve an already solid customer service system. That taught us that in real business, consultants must clarify objectives early and often, as stakeholders may have unspoken expectations.
We also developed a strategic, data-driven mindset. Instead of addressing individual feedback points, we asked: How big is the problem? How important is it? This helped us refine over 30 ideas into five strategic, high-impact recommendations.
Beyond the boardroom
Outside of working on our consulting project, my teammates and I spent our evenings exploring Tokyo. Tokyo is such a lively city, and there’s so much to see. We visited Shibuya and Kamakura, where we tried a variety of Japanese dishes such as unagi and tempura. The experience also gave me opportunities to make lasting connections with students from other teams, whom I still meet with today.
Final presentation and reflections
Our experience concluded with a final presentation to hotel executives. Standing before professionals who had trusted us with a real business challenge was both nerve-wracking and rewarding. It marked the peak of weeks of hard work, collaboration and growth.
This experience enhanced my technical and interpersonal skills. From conducting structured research to presenting actionable recommendations, the subject honed my ability to translate theory into practice. Beyond technical abilities, I discovered the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in stakeholder engagement, which are essential qualities for marketers and consultants alike.
I thank Conrad Tokyo for their generous guidance, and the Faculty of Business and Economics for offering this invaluable opportunity to Melbourne Business School students. The Global Business Practicum not only enriched my academic journey but also shaped my career aspirations. It confirmed my passion for pursuing roles at the intersection of strategy, marketing and customer experience in international business.
I wholeheartedly recommend Global Business Practicum to students seeking practical learning experience, global exposure, and the chance to make valuable professional connections.
Are you an MBS student and interested in taking Global Business Practicum as part of your degree? Find out more.