Rotterdam School of Management :
"An international Learning Environment"
Interview with DIANNE CLETON

WorldStudent Interview with Dianne Cleton, Director MBA Programs, Rotterdam School of Management/Erasmus University Graduate School of Business.

The Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) is one of the leading international business schools, internationally accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. Their full-time MBA program, dual MBA/MBI program, and mission to acquire, transfer, disseminate and apply knowledge triggered by the future needs of international business, makes them a competitive choice for graduate business studies. Dianne Cleton shares some of her insight with WorldStudent regarding the world of international business management education.

WS: What does RSM look for when evaluating prospective candidates?

DC: What we look for in candidates is their ability to contribute to, and benefit from, the MBA program. They must be active members of the MBA community. To screen for these types of candidates, we assess their international outlook, we look for a good GMAT score, a feisty personality, and a sensible analysis of career goals after the MBA. We want to see that they have given their careers some thought and that the MBA is a stepping-stone in that strategy.

WS: What is the international advantage for a foreign candidate to study at RSM?

DC: The advantage for international students at the RSM is the unique learning environment. They will be studying with students from over 50 different nationalities, where there is no dominant culture or nationality in the class. This environment broadens MBA students by giving them so many different perspectives on business and on society that they will be in a much better position to make decisions that affect international business later in their careers.

WS: Do you have strong Corporate ties with companies who are looking to recruit RSM grads? 

DC: Many companies come on to campus to recruit, others invite students to their offices. Our Placement Report, which gives examples of some of these companies, can be found under http://www.rsm.nl/pdf/placement_rprt.pdf

WS: Can you explain what your MBA/MBI program entails? What type of candidate does this program attract?

DC: The MBA/MBI Program is dual degree with the MBI (Master of Business Informatics) being an add-on to the regular MBA in General Management. Within the MBA/MBI program, the students develop an understanding both of the building blocks of IT systems and IS strategy, and discuss how these elements apply to exciting new areas in the Telecoms, Media, and Technology sectors and in the evolving world of electronic commerce. The cycle is completed through a broad portfolio of electives and synthesizing courses in areas of Global Information Systems and Strategic Information Systems for Electronic Markets. This program attracts all types of students, from the computer fan to the student wishing to apply for General Management positions who has no background in IT but understands that some IT knowledge will be required in the future to make a good manager anywhere.

WS: Why is the Netherlands a good place to study for an internationally geared MBA program?

DC: The Netherlands occupies a strategic position and serves as a harbor entrance to Western Europe. This location has helped The Netherlands to become an ideal distribution country and has given the Dutch oil refining and basic chemical industries a prominent position in the world. It is therefore a very popular business location for international companies. The Netherlands rates among the world’s top ten exporting countries and in the top four of the European Union. Innovation is one of the cornerstones in The Netherlands' strong position in a variety of industries. It is renowned for its agricultural products such as flowers, fruit and milk. The beers of Heineken, Bavaria and Grolsch are sold all over the world. The Netherlands is also the home of many multinationals, such as Philips, Shell and Unilever, as well as reputable homegrown financial institutions such as ABN AMRO Bank, ING Group and Rabobank. In a recent report by The Economist Intelligence Unit, the Netherlands has been named the best country in which to run a business.

WS: What effect do you think E-Learning will have on an international MBA education?  

DC: Although it may open up more opportunities for learning to students who would otherwise not have this opportunity, it is not a replacement for the real excitement of being in an international classroom. At the RSM, we use E-Learning to augment our MBA by providing background information and tutorials to accompany "live" courses.

WS: Do you have any advice for candidates interested in an international MBA experience? 

DC: Yes, do it! An international MBA is a once in a lifetime experience that gives you a unique opportunity to develop contacts and networks that can span the globe. You will benefit from different views of the world, understand issues you never understood, and have a great time while you are doing so!

For more information about RSM check out their website at: www.rsm.nl

Or contact Dianne Cleton, Director MBA programs, at:

Email- dcleton@rsm.nl

Tel- 31-10-408-2062