Wits Business School (WBS) has wasted no time in 2021, providing its MBA students with a number of online networking opportunities with international industry experts. Known for its active international programme and on-point global study tours, WBS has seized the opportunity brought about by the Covid pandemic to, ironically, open up the world even more for its MBAs.

In the last four months, WBS has worked alongside its global trilateral MBA (GTMBA) partners [Howard University Business School (Washington DC) and the Chinese University of Finance and Economics (Beijing)] to create programmes which have brought together students, faculty and business leaders from 21 nations.

“Despite the pandemic that has severely hampered travel, WBS has initiated online globally immersive experiences for our MBAs with our partners in Mauritius, the US, Brazil, London and Europe. This has enabled them to serve as consultants to solve business challenges, and consolidate their knowledge and leadership skills,” says Dr Renee Horne, MBA and International Programmes Director at WBS.

WBS also gave its MBA students the opportunity to participate in two international conferences (or “online tours”) so far this year, through its partners Pearson Business School in London and the University of Laverne in California, US.

These experiences have helped to catapult the MBA programme into an innovative and creative future – with activities such as a “Virtual Amazing Race” and speed networking sessions among MBA candidates from all over the world.

“Our global online programmes have really given our students invaluable experience of networking and doing business in a global environment. They have been challenged to think like executives, consult to companies further afield and engage with top business leaders from around the world,” Horne says.

Workshops, presentations and informal conversations have been held with the likes of internet pioneer Vint Cerf, co-founder of Loke Global (Australia) Matthew Khoury, and founder of VERB Brands Chris Donnelly (who was named in Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2020). Students were also given the opportunity for one-on-one coaching sessions with Dr Paul Friga, Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at Kenan Flagler Business School in North Carolina, US.

Two further programmes that WBS MBA students have taken part in include Social Entrepreneurship with Emzingo Social Enterprise in Spain, and an Executive Leadership Programme in association with Howard University Business School.

Interestingly, Covid has not had a negative impact on MBA student enrolments at WBS in 2021. The school exceeded its targets for the January intake, and is on track to do the same for its midyear intake.

“For many people, this has been the right time to study, to get the competitive edge at a time when global business is facing unforeseen challenges. I believe our focus on leadership and providing opportunities for international collaboration is helping to meet this need,” says Horne.