Each new group of students that join the Master's in Science in International Marketing program are given the opportunity to broaden their horizons not only in the classroom, but outside as well -- this year's class being no exception. With students joining us from Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, India, Brazil, Columbia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Holland as well as preparing for an adventurous study tour to London, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Prague in January, the MIM students had much to look forward to during the fall semester.

This semester marked a change in several different areas of the MIM program, beginning with the name change of the International Marketing Club (IMC). According to Ricardo Maldonado, founder of the IMC and currently employed as the Assistant Director, International Chambers - Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, “The International Marketing Club was established in the fall of 2003 to give students the opportunity to build relationships with the business community, provide networking opportunities and enrich the marketing knowledge of the members.” With this concept in mind and in an effort to both increase membership and convey a clearer definition of its original charter, the name was officially changed to the MIM Networking Association.

Another noticeable change in the program has occurred in the alumni department. MIM has begun taking an active role in reaching out to all alumni in an effort to keep up with both their successes and endeavors following their graduation from the program. Several mailings have been sent out, both by regular mail and e-mail, requesting contact information. This information, in turn, will aid MIM in maintaining a strong network of successful alumni as well as helping to put together future reunions.

Finally, MIM has taken several extra steps to recruit new students into the program. Informational sessions are being offered on campus, while all website student inquiries are given the opportunity to attend any one MIM class of their choosing in order to observe how classes are taught and how the students interact with their professor and one another. MIM has also provided incentives for people to spread the word about our program through our Land's End Campaign. Overall, it looks as though there is a bright future ahead for all MIM students- past, present, and future.

Ally Lee
President, MIM Networking Association

If you haven't already been there, we encourage you to take a peek at.the new website. If you have been there, please visit again because it is constantly being updated with new information and incentive programs. The website includes everything from admissions with on-line application ability, to course information, alumni event calendars and much more. The website is the only place where you can experience a glimpse of the MIM program without actually being there. Currently, the website is running a program that offers one free class observation for prospective MIM students. Be sure to check for updates on the MIM Study Tour 2006, which had our students traveling to London, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Prague. Pictures will be available shortly. Visit our site at www.sju.edu/mim at your earliest convenience and let us know what you think. Enjoy the site, and be proud of the direction in which MIM is heading.

The adventure began on Saturday, in London where students saw sights such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, etc. On Monday, their work week began with visits to companies such as Lloyd's of London, ACE, ASDA, Cadbury Schweppes, etc., where top executives shared their views on going to market.

The next stop was in the up and coming country of India in the ancient city of Delhi. Delhi is filled with over 5,000 historic sites of which the students were able to see the Red Fort and India Gate as well as enjoy a rickshaw ride through the markets. In Delhi, students visited with a variety of businesses that provided them with insights into Indian consumer behavior, product development, retailing and the high tech industry. There, the students met with presidents/managing directors of Panacea Biotech, Xerox and GE India as well as with US Ambassador David C. Mulford. Over the weekend, they traveled to Agra to one of the wonders of the world- the Taj Mahal.

In September, 2005, our class was introduced to the WTCGP's ABPIS (World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia - American Business Practices for International Students) program, by the MIM Networking Association. According to WTCGP, “This program consists of a series of educational activities for foreign students in the region, to prepare them for the business and cultural differences of having a career either here, or from their home countries, that will ensure success for international trade.” The ABPIS program targets opportunities for international students, who are from schools in the Philadelphia area. It allows us to attend numerous business seminars and events held throughout the year, while developing a network with international and government officials. Together with two other MIM international students, who were selected for the program, we are taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity to become even more well-rounded international marketers.

Are you prone to making lists or making it up as you go? Are you a detail-oriented person, or do you prefer to look at the big picture? How compatible are you with your team and fellow classmates? All of these questions were answered when the MIM students launched their semester with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test (MBIT). Career development ran an interesting informational session that consisted of taking the test and then examining the results as a group. A majority of the students were consistently grouped together, perhaps a good indicator of why they chose the M.S. in International Marketing program.

Most of us know that MIM students both past and present have, in their journeys around the world, traveled to “land's end”, so now they are teaming up with Land's End - a direct merchandiser that supplies everything from winter outerwear to business attire, each of which can come with a custom school/ academic program embroidered logo. The Lands' End incentive program works to encourage referrals of highly-qualified individuals to the MIM program. Here is how it works: a current or former MIM student simply fills out an online information sheet (found on our website www.sju.edu/mim in our Alumni section) of a qualified applicant who they believe wishes to receive information on the MIM program, or they can simply have the qualified applicant mention their name when applying. Upon acceptance to the MIM program, the one who referred the applicant will receive a $50 gift certificate to Land's End. It is that easy.

Saint Joseph's MIM program takes great pride in its international appeal. Our overseas students bring a dynamic component to the program that complements the entire academic experience. Their diverse backgrounds and views provide the classroom with real world, cross-cultural insight. This year's class is no exception. Hailing from eleven different countries, our students help to make MIM the enriching, quality program whose reputation has become so well known. Here are some thoughts from our multicultural “MIMers”:

Keiichi Hirayama from Japan states, “I really like the discussion format in the classroom because it's challenging, and we don't have this in Japan. You discover new dimensions in marketing through discussion; it's very productive.”

Koen Hermann from the Netherlands has a similar comment, “I notice there is a lot more interaction between the students and faculty as well as a high level of enthusiasm in the classroom.” Another area our foreign friends are quick to point out is the social aspect.

“The program is awesome! There is a great number of group activities outside of the classroom geared toward promoting cultural understanding, marketing know-how, ethics and social interaction. This aspect of the program complements our academically rigorous classroom experience and makes our learning all the more fun,” said Kishorenath V. from India. Overall, it seems as though our international students have been successful in enriching their academic experiences at St. Joseph's.