Global Immersion in Norway and Malaysia for UPES MBA students

Global immersion is crucial for students, as it expands their perspectives, enhances their cultural awareness, and encourages adaptability in an ever-globalising world. Believing in this concept UPES continually seeks to empower its students with unique and specialised education that aligns closely with industry needs. In pursuit of providing holistic development and unique opportunities, UPES follows an innovative Global Immersion Program aimed at enhancing global exposure and industry readiness among its students.

Why Global Exposure Matters

Global exposure is essential in today’s interconnected world as it extends learning beyond conventional classrooms into international landscapes. At UPES, the Global Immersion Program was designed to provide students with experiential learning opportunities that delved into new cultures and business dynamics. This exposure was not merely academic; it emphasised leadership development, digital transformation, and enhanced creative and analytical thinking. By living and learning in culturally diverse environments, students faced challenges that inspire personal growth, resilience, and a broader understanding of global work dynamics, thus boosting their confidence and global competence.

Immersion Experiences in Norway and Kuala Lumpur

In line with its commitment to providing real-world experiences, UPES had carefully curated international industry visits to Norway and Kuala Lumpur for its MBA oil and gas sector students. These visits served as a prime example of how the university blended academic learning with international industry exposure.

Norway: Partnership with the Ministry of Energy

From April 16-18, 2024, 9 students from UPES visited Norway, an endeavour facilitated by the Ministry of Energy and Norway India Chamber of Commerce (NICC). The students began their journey exploring the cultural landmarks of Oslo, including the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Vigeland Sculpture Park. This cultural immersion set the stage for the following days.

The visit was particularly special as it aligned with Norway’s reputation as a leader in sustainable energy practices. Engagements with Equinor and Statkraft provided insights into renewable energy technologies like green hydrogen and market operations. The program also included strategic meetings with key industry players and stakeholders, such as NICCI and Kongsberg Group, where discussions centered on energy storage innovations and automation technologies.

The students explored various facets of the oil and gas business, technology, and field services, providing them with a comprehensive view of how Norway’s energy sector operates sustainably. This exposure was not just about viewing the operations but also understanding the intricacies of energy policies and technological advancements in a country that leads in hydrocarbon exploration and renewable energy solutions.

Kuala Lumpur: A Deep Dive into Petronas

Simultaneously, another group of 18 students explored the dynamic energy landscape of Kuala Lumpur from 17 to 19 April 2024. The itinerary for Kuala Lumpur was meticulously designed to maximise students’ exposure and learning. In addition to teaching students about petroleum operations, the sessions provided insights on technological advancement of Asia’s leading oil and gas companies.  The visit started at the iconic KLCC Petronas Twin Towers, where students registered and were greeted with an introductory address. Next, insightful on exploration, leadership, development, and management in the oil and gas industry were delivered by Petronas leadership.

On the second day, attendees had an exhilarating trip to the Petronas Sky Bridge and a comprehensive tour of tourist attraction such as Batu caves, Royal Selangor Pewter factory, KL tower etc.

On the last day, the emphasis switched to Schlumberger, giving the students an opportunity to tour the company’s Kuala Lumpur office and learn about the real-world applications of oil field services.

Program Outcomes and Student Advantages

Through the Global Immersion Program, students at UPES returned with a significant advantage in employability and industry knowledge. The university’s focused approach on providing practical industry exposure ensured that students were not only ready to face global challenges but were also poised to innovate and lead in their respective fields. Moreover, the selection of specialised streams within the program, such as Global Leadership and Design & Innovation, allowed students to tailor their international experience to best suit their career goals and interests.

Commitment to Student Success

UPES’s dedication to its students extends beyond global educational experiences to providing placement opportunities for its undergraduates, reinforcing its high QS employability rating. This commitment underscores the university’s role not just as an educational institution but as a launchpad for future professionals who are ready to make a global impact.

Cultivating Global Leaders

The Global Immersion Program at UPES is more than an educational initiative; it is a commitment to preparing students for the demands of a global professional environment. By providing them with direct exposure to industry leaders and operations worldwide, UPES not only enhances their educational journey but also equips them with the tools to thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving world. This program epitomises how UPES stands out in today’s higher education landscape, offering its students not just degrees, but a pathway to global leadership and success.