Editor’s note: This sponsored article is published as part of Georgia State University CIBER’s annual partnership with Global Atlanta.
With its home base of Atlanta serving as an international business gateway, Georgia State University’s Master of International Business (MIB) program is preparing all types of international leaders.
The intensive, 11-month program in the Robinson College of Business is designed to equip both seasoned professionals and recent graduates with the skills needed to thrive in the global marketplace, according to Dr. Cuneyt Evirgen, faculty director for the MIB program.
The program’s strong emphasis on global perspectives, experiential learning and real-world applications makes it a compelling option for those seeking to elevate their careers, whether just starting out or looking to transition into international business.
From Campus to Career: A Recent Graduate’s Perspective
The accelerated, full-time MIB program is designed to be completed in just 11 months over three semesters. It offers three specialized tracks: Global Management Consultancy, Global Supply Chain & Logistics and International Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
Saron Nigussie, a recent graduate of the MIB program, came to Georgia State with a passion for international business. Originally from Ethiopia, Ms. Nigussie has always been interested in the coffee industry.
“I wanted to develop the skills to help me navigate the complexity of the global market,” she says, referring to her goal of operating her own Ethiopian coffee import company.
With a background in finance, Ms. Nigussie was well-equipped with strong analytical skills, but she needed the specialized international business insights that the MIB program could offer – specifically the Global Supply Chain & Logistics track.
“The MIB program gave me the tools I needed to understand the nuances of international trade and cross-cultural business negotiations,” she explains.
Ms. Nigussie is now the founder of Sarco, a company that imports green coffee beans from Ethiopia to the United States.
“I deal with a lot of different stakeholders from different countries and having that international mindset [developed through the MIB program] has helped me communicate better and understand where each party comes from and understand their perspective,” she says.
She adds that the real-world examples highlighted during the program were invaluable for developing her own understanding of relevant issues. In her international business law class, a Turkish entrepreneur explained his journey of forming his LLC and the challenges he faced setting up his business in the U.S.
“That really helped me because I am an international student starting a business in the U.S.,” Ms. Nigussie asserts.
Leveraging Experience for a Global Pivot
MIB classes are typically held two evenings per week from 5:30-9:45 p.m. to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Most of the courses are also delivered in simulcast mode to ensure students who cannot come to class do not miss a live session.
This intensive format enables students to rapidly acquire the skills and global perspective necessary to excel in international business, Dr. Evirgen notes.
For Yetunde Kanu, who brought two decades of experience from a Big Four consulting firm in Nigeria, the MIB offered the chance to sharpen her global business acumen and pivot into entrepreneurship and international consulting.
“At the stage I was in my career, I had started to get international clients and take on international roles,” Ms. Kanu says. “I wanted a program that would better prepare me to succeed at that level.”
Georgia State’s flexible curriculum, particularly the International Entrepreneurship & Innovation track, aligned well with her goals.
“That was one of the main attractions to GSU,” she says, adding that she has already launched her own consulting firm helping startups grow. She attributes her readiness to the lessons and confidence she gained from the MIB.
“We were taught how to set up businesses as international students in the U.S., which made it easier for me to start my own company,” Ms. Kanu says. “The program exposed us to real-life situations where we had to work with global clients looking to establish businesses in the U.S. That experience gave me the confidence to do it myself.”
Looking ahead, the program will offer even more customizable options. In Fall 2025, GSU will introduce the new Global Business Sustainability Certificate for all students and continue to offer the Disruptive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate for those completing the International Entrepreneurship & Innovation track.
Experiential Learning and a Supportive Environment
Situated in Buckhead, GSU’s MIB program provides students with opportunities to engage with multinational corporations and international organizations.
Both Ms. Nigussie and Ms. Kanu agree that the experiential learning aspect of the MIB program was essential to their success. Through case studies, internships and collaborations with real-world companies, the program offers students the chance to apply classroom concepts to tangible business problems.
“The MIB program helped me develop the skills necessary to handle real-world business situations,” Ms. Nigussie says.
They both emphasize that the MIB’s practical learning approach is an important feature of the program.
“The consulting project, the study abroad programs—those gave me a better understanding of the challenges international companies face and helped me see how theory applies in practice,” Ms. Nigussie says.
Ms. Kanu added that the coursework went beyond academics to prepare students for the U.S. business environment.
“It exposed me to the nuances—the cultural and ethical expectations—of the U.S. workplace,” she says.
The program’s close ties to the business community remain a strength. “We bring in guest speakers from multinational companies and offer hands-on consulting opportunities that mirror what our students will encounter in their careers,” Dr. Evirgen adds.
Advice for Future Students
For those considering the MIB program, both Ms. Nigussie and Ms. Kanu have words of encouragement.
Ms. Nigussie’s advice to undergraduate students who may lack work experience is simple: “Just go for it,” she urges. “The MIB program is a great way to learn and grow, and you’ll gain valuable skills no matter where you are in your career.”
Ms. Kanu adds that the MIB program is a great choice for professionals looking to transition into international business: “If you are looking to make the jump to international business or expand your knowledge in that field, the MIB program will give you the tools and experience you need,” she says.
Dr. Evirgen encourages prospective students to view one of the program’s monthly information webinars, attend a class to experience what being an MIB student is like or talk to the staff at the graduate programs office to learn more.
“The staff are just excellent in terms of providing guidance; you’ll feel like part of a family there,” he says. “And once you graduate, you’ll be a different person, more equipped with a stronger knowledge base and capabilities,” Dr. Evirgen adds.
Learn more about the Master of International Business program at https://robinson.gsu.edu/mib or contact the program department at [email protected].
