W. P. Carey launches fellowship program for globally focused executives

The International Executive Scholar Fellowship program will equip learners to tackle complex international business challenges.

The W. P. Carey School of Business is launching the International Executive Scholar Fellowship (IESF) program this fall. A one-year, research-based program with a residency requirement on the ASU Tempe campus, IESF supports Executive MBA and Doctor of Business Administration graduates seeking to expand their business knowledge by addressing complex global business issues through research and classroom learning.

"By providing a global perspective through stimulating classroom dialogue and personalized guidance on independent research, IESF empowers executive scholars to tackle international business challenges with a pragmatic and scientific approach," says Xiqing Sha, IESF faculty director and clinical associate professor of information systems.

"W. P. Carey is thrilled to launch this fellowship program to expand opportunities for international executives while contributing to the school's commitment to cultivating an ecosystem of knowledge creation and impactful discovery," says Ohad Kadan, Charles J. Robel Dean and W. P. Carey Distinguished Chair.

IESF helps executives enhance their understanding of international market intricacies, cross-cultural collaboration strategies, and the impact of trends on diverse industries through classroom discussions and learning modules. Participating executives also complete individual research projects during the program, focusing on a challenging or interesting global business problem with one-on-one advising from a W. P. Carey faculty member. This research component is designed to help scholars gain a nuanced understanding of how business strategies evolve within the intricate web of international markets. Scholars receive an IESF certificate of completion after successfully defending their research projects to a panel of W. P. Carey faculty members at the program's conclusion.

To fulfill IESF's residency requirement, learners spend a year on the ASU Tempe campus and participate in professional development and networking activities, including tours, lectures, and events. IESF scholars have access to ASU's extensive library systems and other university resources. They are encouraged to audit W. P. Carey's graduate courses to broaden their academic knowledge in various business disciplines.

"The residency is designed to immerse executive scholars in a comprehensive learning environment that fosters academic and professional growth," says Sha. "Scholars won't simply study business in a silo; they'll analyze it through the lens of a dynamic, interconnected global landscape."

Sha hopes the program inspires executive scholars to hone their critical thinking and research skills while creating and executing transformational business ideas to benefit a globally connected world.

"There is a critical need for leaders who can navigate the complexities of international markets and cultural differences. IESF was created in recognition of this need," says Sha.