The Foundation for a Newcomer in International Business
Dec 21
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Benjamin Agatone
As a mathematics and finance major, I was much more interested in the quantitative side of business going into college and eager to apply my analytical skills to my real-world job someday. I thought that specializing in the math field would give me the tools I needed to be successful in my career. However, the business world is constantly moving toward a more interconnected economy where technical skills will not be enough.
This semester, I completed a market entry project for my international business class. The project gave me a consultant role, where my team and I searched for a company ready for globalization. We then found a company prepared for globalization and two markets that would suit our chosen company. We then analyzed both markets using the swot and cage methods. And finally, we made a recommendation to our company on which market they should enter with a detailed implementation on how they would do it.
Throughout this project, I gained invaluable insights into strategic and practical considerations for global expansion. I’m excited to share the key lessons I learned and how they’ve shaped my perspective moving forward. It was unlike any project I’ve done before, as it gave me real-world experience as a manager, allowing me to step into a leadership role and collaborate on a complex, high-stakes decision-making process. One of the most important takeaways was that there isn’t always a single “right” answer—decisions in business often involve weighing multiple factors, analyzing trade-offs, and understanding the broader context in which those choices are made.
What I learned during the Case
During the case project, I learned that entering a new market is more than finding a good business opportunity. It’s about understanding the local culture, how the business environment works, and what investment is needed to succeed. I realized that each market has unique challenges, like different consumer behaviors or legal rules, and a company must adapt to these differences. There can also be multiple ways to enter, and this is where the manager’s role comes in.
What I applied during the case
I’ve used the SWOT analysis and CAGE framework methods in previous classes, so it was nothing new when I applied them to this project. In past courses, SWOT helps analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a company and market. The CAGE framework helps analyze the markets by examining cultural, administration, geographic, and economic differences. I believe that my experience with these prior tools helped me better understand the pros/cons of the company/markets compared to if I was using them for the first time.
What can I become stronger in
While I’ve learned much, I can strengthen in a few areas. First, I want to improve my market research skills, particularly in analyzing real-time data and trends. My group and I collected valuable data, but collecting the most present information is optimal. I also want to continue to work on my communication skills. This project benefited my ability to split work up and communicate with teammates to get the job done effectively, but there is always room for improvement.
What I will use in my future career and life
What I will use in my future career and life
This case will teach newcomers how to become managers and make accurate, valuable decisions. If I ever become a manager, I will rely on the communication and cultural skills I’ve developed throughout my studies and experiences. Clear communication is key to effectively leading a team, especially when working with diverse groups or in a global setting. Whether conveying ideas, giving feedback, or making strategic decisions, understanding complex concepts will help foster collaboration and ensure everyone is aligned with the team’s goals. Additionally, the cultural awareness I’ve gained will be valuable when working with other teammates from different backgrounds in a business environment. These skills will allow me to work effectively in a team, which is essential to any project/task.
Recommendation to future Newcomers
For newcomers entering a case project or studying International Business, embracing a mindset of adaptability and cultural awareness is imperative. One of the biggest things people also forget about is the ability to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek feedback, as real-world business decisions are rarely straightforward. Work within your teams and talk it out. Like I said before, we’re taught that there is one objective correct answer. Focus on developing strong communication skills to clearly articulate your ideas, and always consider how different cultural and business environments impact decision-making. Lastly, approach each challenge as an opportunity to learn. This project is not just about finding solutions but also about understanding the complexities of global business dynamics, and it will help you in other aspects of life, not just business.
