International teamwork, data-driven proposals and standout performance earn K-State students top honors in a global business challenge.
From deep dives into market data for a European health and nutrition company to weekly virtual meetings despite 13-hour time differences, K-State senior An Lam had his hands full. On top of all that, he was juggling coursework for two majors, one minor and a certificate.
Despite the time commitment, Lam says the international X-Culture Competition was well worth it, especially after his team received a prestigious Best Team award.
“We had a lot of freedom in what we could design with our business proposal,” Lam said. “My job was collecting and evaluating data and analytics with the other American team member, because we could communicate easier and without significant time differences.”
What is the X-Culture Competition?
As part of the International Management course taught by K-State Associate Professor Marne Arthaud-Day, the X-Culture gives students a preview of working internationally. Multiple universities across the world bring their students together to experience professional settings that span multiple time zones and language barriers.
After passing a readiness assessment, students are placed on teams with participants from at least three countries.
Lam’s teammates were from the Philippines, Pakistan, Switzerland, Colombia and the United States. They worked on a mock case study and presentation for Health & Happiness, a nutrition company in Europe that specializes in baby food. They collaborated via virtual meetings to compile research, design a business proposal, check each other’s work and polish the final project.
After a few months, Lam learned that out of more than 1,000 teams in the competition, just 18 were given the top award.
Lam credits K-State’s College of Business and the Department of Management and Marketing for preparing him well.
“The fundamentals of HR, business management and legalities we learned in class were the bread and butter for the competition,” he said.
The X-Culture Competition is a great opportunity for any student looking to build up their resume, gain international business experience and elevate time management skills.
By Kate Ellwood