When I embarked on my Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at SP Jain School of Global Management, I was certain the experience would go above-and-beyond that of a regular degree. What I never imagined was how much it would impact my classroom, professional, and personal outlook. The curriculum is designed to not only to teach students about business concepts but also to instil global exposure, cultural sensitivity, and experiential learning — all essential skills in today's globalised world.

Year 1: Building strong foundations in Mumbai

The experience started in Mumbai, where the initial year was spent developing a solid foundation in management and business. Apart from classroom learning, SP Jain Global ensured that learning translated into experience. We visited Della Adventure to understand team dynamics, and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) to understand how financial markets work.

Our curriculum included a visit to Govardhan Eco Village, where we learned about sustainable business ethics and community building. Guest sessions by business leaders, including visits to Godrej Mangroves, provided insights into corporate strategy, innovation, and sustainability.

These experiences taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of initiative, while giving me a deeper understanding of how business operates in practice. They laid the groundwork for leadership by combining theoretical knowledge with practical exposure.

My experience in Mumbai helped me learn to adapt quickly to new circumstances, be logical in the classroom and in real life, and be problem solvers when dealing with roadblocks, which formed a platform for future learning.

Year 2: Shaping global mindsets in Dubai

The second year in Dubai has been a dynamic blend of academic rigor, cultural immersion, and global exposure. A city that embodies diversity and innovation, Dubai provided the perfect backdrop for SP Jain Global’s BBA program to extend learning far beyond the classroom, combining real-world experiences with academic growth.

Visits to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre, the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, and Global Village highlighted the importance of cultural awareness and adaptability in global business. Team-building exercises, such as cooking challenges at the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA), reinforced collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving in dynamic environments.

Academically, presentations and projects encouraged critical thinking, strategic decision making, and the efficient operation of multiple teams. Through each experience, my belief in the application of theoretical knowledge in real-world situations grew stronger.

My experience in Dubai taught me the value of cultural intelligence, the necessity of being able to work in multicultural teams, and how teamwork and flexibility are the key to prospering in a global business environment.

Years 3 & 4: A chapter ahead in Sydney

Heading to Sydney, I am excited to apply all that we have learned so far in the BBA program. Each one of the cities in this tri-city program has shown me something new: Mumbai taught us strong basics, Dubai taught us international perceptions, and Sydney, where I have chosen Marketing as my major and Finance as my minor, will provide me with opportunities to apply these learnings in an international setting. I anticipate enhancing my general industry exposure, further developing my finance and marketing skills, and creating the professional networks that will benefit my long-term career progression.

Reflections: Beyond a degree

SP Jain Global has not only given us an academic education; it has been an experience of overall growth. Exposure to various cities, industries, and cultures has prepared me not only for a business career but also for leadership in the international world. What is gained goes beyond textbooks — it is the experiences we gain, the individuals we come across, and the obstacles we challenge.

Education at SP Jain Global is a continuous journey that encourages growth, curiosity, and adaptability. As I continue this path, I am confident that the skills, perspectives, and memories I gain will remain invaluable throughout my personal and professional life.

For students considering a global program, my experience at SP Jain Global shows that growth happens when you combine academic learning with real-world exposure. Embrace opportunities to engage with different cultures, industries, and leaders — these experiences build skills and perspectives that cannot be learned from textbooks alone.

About the Author:

Sainyam Agarwal is a part of the 2023 intake of our Bachelor of Business Administration program.

Thinking about a BBA at SP Jain Global? See how other students built their journeys here.