After graduating, today’s students will enter a working world that is much different than that of their parents. Business today is much more internationally focused. Being able to understand the complex interactions between global cultures is vital to success.

Today, businesses are becoming more reliant on foreign sales to expand. For instance, aerospace giant Boeing, which used to focus predominantly on the U.S. market, now sells 70 percent of its commercial aircraft abroad. Apple’s international sales now make up 61 percent of its total revenue, compared to 42 percent in 2007.

In order to connect with foreign markets, companies are doing all they can to “glocalize,” or cater to the unique culture in each region of the world. For example, Hollywood bends over backward to reach the large Chinese market by allowing the government to edit American films prior to their release. Currently, Quentin Tarantino is fighting to get “Django Unchained” back in theaters after censors pulled the plug on the already-edited version.

Additional examples of glocalization can be found in the ways that fast food restaurants tailor their menus for local tastes. McDonald’s, for instance, appeals to the vegetarian market in India by offering an item called the McAloo Tikki potato burger, which is its best seller there.

Because companies are constantly outsourcing to cut costs, American workers are increasingly required to collaborate with people from one or more countries. This is seen particularly in the growing information technology industry, where American companies are sending labor intensive programing jobs to countries such as India and the Philippines.

In order for American companies to excel in these global interactions, businesses need to bring in new people that are able to think on a global scale.

As the former CEO of the Coca-Cola Company, Douglas N. Daft stated in 2005, “Respecting and understanding the fundamental value of diversity is vital to who we are and the way we do business. Understanding and valuing different cultures has shaped my ability to lead our business, and it’s an absolute imperative for anyone who works at The Coca-Cola Company.”

This is why all University of Illinois students should make an effort to develop their global skillset. As Chancellor Phyllis Wise said, “We need to institutionally internalize the idea that diversity is in part for the competitive and economic advantage that it brings to us.”

For starters, taking a trip abroad — whether it is to study, to volunteer or just for pleasure — is a tremendous way to become immersed in a foreign culture. The University offers over 400 study abroad opportunities of varying length in 60 countries to fit student needs. In addition, there are a number of international travel opportunities offered by registered student organizations. These opportunities are often made affordable to students via scholarships offered by a number of private donors as well as the University.

For those students who don’t have the ability to travel, taking elective courses in foreign studies is another means of attaining a global perspective. These can include anything from international business to learning a new language. The important thing is that students seek out these opportunities even if they are not required by their academic department.

Finally, it can’t be forgotten that the University of Illinois is the most diverse university in the Big Ten. In fact, one in five students on campus is an international student. Simple engagements with these students are more powerful than people often give them credit. 

As President Obama said in .2009: “Simple exchanges can break down walls between us, for when people come together and speak to one another and share a common experience, then their common humanity is revealed. We are reminded that we’re joined together by our pursuit of a life that’s productive and purposeful, and when that happens mistrust begins to fade and our smaller differences no longer overshadow the things that we share. And that’s where progress begins.”

Adapting to the increasingly globalized world is essential, and there is no better time to start gaining the necessary skills than now.

Andrew is a sophomore in Engineering. He can be reached at [email protected].