This story is part of the Student Voices series, which provides a firsthand perspective of the student experience at Georgetown McDonough.

During his time in the Full-time MBA program, Shamik Shah (MBA’25) took advantage of multiple opportunities to further his global experience – including International Treks (iTrek), student-run excursions to domestic and international destinations – and a semester abroad in Asia. 

Here, Shah shares how these experiences enhanced his global perspective and the key lessons he plans to carry with him throughout his career.

When I reflect on my MBA journey at Georgetown McDonough, my mind doesn’t immediately go to case studies or financial models. Instead, I recall the vibrant, bustling streets of Seoul, the tranquil elegance of a Kyoto temple, and the electric energy of Hong Kong’s skyline. My decision to come to Georgetown was a conscious choice rooted in its unique positioning. Situated in Washington, D.C., the university offered more than just a world-class education; it promised a gateway to a global community and unparalleled opportunities. The curriculum’s emphasis on experiential learning and global immersion was the perfect vehicle for this. My three-part adventure across Asia – the Japan and Korea iTreks, followed by a transformative exchange semester in Hong Kong – was the living embodiment of that promise. These experiences didn’t just add lines to my resume; they fundamentally rewired my perspective on business, culture, and what it means to be a global citizen.

First iTrek to Japan

My journey began with the student-led treks, meticulously organized by McDonough’s student-run organizations. The Japan trek offered a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. As a group, we navigated the hyper-efficient bullet train system, marveled at the serene beauty of ancient temples and Mount Fuji, and in a moment that felt straight out of a movie, practiced our swordsmanship at a samurai studio. My favorite memory of that trip came from an excursion to the Morinaga company, a titan of the Japanese food industry. Their team explained the incredible science and technology behind their products, providing us with a glimpse into a corporate culture that values precision, innovation, and long-term vision. This experience was more than just a company visit; it was a lesson in how Japanese businesses approach quality and customer loyalty with an almost artistic dedication. Seeing this firsthand solidified my understanding that business success isn’t a one-size-fits-all model.

Next Stop: South Korea

As I was already living in Hong Kong for my exchange semester, the short flight to Korea made it easy to meet up with fellow Hoyas for my second trek. The trip’s highlight, and perhaps the most poignant experience of my entire time abroad, was our visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea. Standing on that line, surrounded by military personnel and hearing the history of a conflict that still shapes the world today, was profoundly moving. It was a stark reminder of how geopolitical forces directly impact culture, business, and daily life. Beyond this weighty history, the trek offered a taste of modern Korea’s dynamic culture. We delved into the country’s rapid technological advancements, explored the vibrant capital of Seoul, and of course, enjoyed some of the best food I’ve ever had. Sharing meals of Korean barbecue with my friends wasn’t just about the food; it was a communal experience and a way to bond over the warmth and generosity that permeates Korean culture.

Spending a Semester in Asia

While the treks offered incredible snapshots of these vibrant nations, my semester abroad in Hong Kong at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) provided a deeper, more personal immersion. My main objective was to experience non-Western culture and challenge my own preconceived notions. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the city’s unique identity – a breathtaking fusion of British colonial history, traditional Chinese heritage, and a forward-looking, globalized future. Academically, the experience was just as eye-opening. I gained a new appreciation for strategic theory and learned how businesses operate in an environment where change is not just a constant, but a defining characteristic. The city’s recent political shifts and its position as a financial hub at the crossroads of East and West made for a compelling and ever-evolving case study.

However, the real education happened outside the classroom. I was part of a cohort of 40 exchange students from all corners of the globe and we quickly formed a tight-knit community. We navigated the city together, sharing everything from late-night street food discoveries to weekend trips to explore Hong Kong’s beautiful hiking trails. Even more impactful were the friendships I formed with local students in HKUST’s part-time MBA program. Because I don’t speak Cantonese or Mandarin, they became my cultural guides, taking me to their favorite local spots that tourists would never find. I got to experience Hong Kong through their eyes, and they even introduced me to their places of work. A friend who worked at Cathay Pacific, for instance, took me on a tour of the airline’s facilities, giving me a glimpse into the logistics and operations of a global aviation giant. These connections taught me that the best way to understand a culture is not by reading a textbook, but by living alongside the people who define it. I was also able to travel to Mainland China, Macao, Okinawa, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand. Hong Kong truly became a second home to me, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next opportunity – perhaps a wedding invitation – to return.

Lifelong Lessons

Putting all these experiences together, the single most valuable lesson I learned is just how interconnected our world truly is. My time abroad shattered the Western-centric lens through which I had long viewed global business. I came to understand that in many parts of Asia, business is built on a foundation of long-term relationships, trust, and even family ties – a stark contrast to the more transactional, publicly traded corporate models I was used to. This realization was more than an academic insight; it was a personal paradigm shift. It taught me that in order to solve business problems in a global context you must first understand the cultural context that shapes them.

As I move forward in my career, I carry these lessons with me not as abstract theories, but as lived experiences. My time at McDonough, with its emphasis on global immersion, prepared me not just to analyze business but to live it. I now approach challenges with a newfound empathy and a richer understanding of cultural nuance. Whether it’s negotiating a deal, leading a team, or simply building a new professional relationship, I will draw on the lessons learned from these amazing experiences. My MBA journey was more than a degree; it was a global education that taught me how to look at the world with new eyes and accept different perspectives. I am forever grateful for the people and places that shaped me along the way.

-Shamik Shah (MBA‘25)