From Toronto to Barcelona: Rotman Commerce students step onto the world stage
Last November, a dozen Rotman Commerce students embarked on an experiential learning journey to the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain, where they attended a trade mission that introduced them to international business practices and transformed classroom concepts into real-world applications.
“This course looks interesting…”
The trade mission was offered as a first-time independent study course aimed at providing Rotman Commerce students with global learning in an international environment. Taught by Professor Bernardo Blum, the course was an optional component of RSM480 (Business in the Global Economy). The opportunity was facilitated through a partnership between Rotman Commerce and the Institute for International Business’s Global Manager Initiative (GMI) at the Rotman School of Management, whereby RC students joined the trade mission alongside MBA students from the Rotman School of Management. This aligns with the University of Toronto’s 2022-2027 International Strategic Plan, which aims to involve 40% of undergraduates in an international learning experience by 2027.
Katya Ilnitskaya (BCom ‘24), participant in the 2023 Smart City Expo World Congress“[This] was my first time getting exposed to the world of startups…[it] was one of the most valuable learning experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Real-world experience
The students were filled with excitement as they eagerly awaited the trip of a lifetime. In October 2023, participants were matched with a Canadian company to help prepare them for the Smart City Expo World Congress taking place in Barcelona, Spain. Students performed tasks such as lead generation and client sourcing and then attended the expo from November 7-9. This annual event is organized by Fira de Barcelona, a leading trade fair institution in Europe, with the goal of facilitating urban innovation worldwide. The 2023 Expo hosted 1,106 exhibitors and brought together 25,300 attendees from over 800 cities.
For Phil Robins (BCom ‘24) and Katya Ilnitskaya (BCom ‘24), this was an opportunity to expand their skill sets and gain exposure to businesses and cultures from all over the world. Katya supported Fülhaus, an AI-powered interior design and furnishing startup, with public relations and identifying potential vendors and clients. Phil was tasked with developing partnership opportunities for QEA Tech, a clean technology startup which minimizes energy use and carbon emissions in commercial, institutional, residential and industrial properties. The organization’s aim in Barcelona was to gain market traction and develop a go-to-market strategy. On the trade mission, Katya represented For Phil Robins (BCom ‘24) and Katya Ilnitskaya (BCom ‘24), this was an opportunity to expand their skill sets and gain exposure to businesses and cultures from all over the world. Katya supported Fülhaus and Phil represented QEA Tech, articulating the company’s value proposition to potential partner organizations.
One short trip, many long-term benefits
Both students spoke highly of the trust and support they were given by the participating companies and faculty members, as well as the long-term benefits of joining the trade mission.
Katya was able to apply skills from her previous marketing internships to make an impact for the company: “I had a lot of say in giving possible ideas on how [Fülhaus] could market and position themselves. Even my individual contributions could make a big difference.”
Phil remarks that it was highly intriguing to conduct business discussions with individuals from all over the world and observe a plethora of cultural differences. His interest in the clean technology industry was advanced through discussions with fellow delegates, influencing his decision to write a research paper on the future of the semiconductor industry later that semester.
Phil Robins (BCom ‘24), participant in the 2023 Smart City Expo World Congress“I am now a firm believer that testing your thinking in practice is the best way to further one’s understanding and interest in a topic…I believe the program to be the main driver contributing to my career aspirations post-Rotman Commerce.”
Expanded perspectives
Reflecting on the experience, Katya recalls, “It was my first time getting exposed to the world of startups. Seeing how startups operate and market themselves was completely different; nothing was really set in stone and things were ever-moving.”
Phil’s time in Barcelona allowed him to bring a new perspective to his studies and future career aspirations in clean energy and venture capital (VC): “I have since been able to confidently network with the VC ecosystem, opening doors to many conversations I would likely not have had the pleasure of having without the program. I believe the program to be the main driver contributing to my career aspirations post- Rotman Commerce.”
For Katya, the trade mission both strengthened her soft skills and expanded her worldview, inspiring her to learn Spanish and consider living abroad: “Afterwards, I was far less intimidated by interviews and networking events—I felt like I just went through a bootcamp of networking. This was one of the most valuable learning experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.” She hopes to draw upon her newfound knowledge that there is an abundance of opportunities and a supportive community for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. She shares that she would love to join that community in the future, speaking highly of the long-term connections established on the trade mission.
The professor is impressed
Professor Blum shares: “Students who traveled on the trade mission to Barcelona were transformed academically and personally and I saw this development in class when they returned. They were more enthusiastic and interactive, and they used their experience in the trade fair to engage better with the course material.”
Katya and Phil both highly recommend that current RC students seek out global and experiential learning opportunities and go beyond traditional classroom-based learning. Phil concludes, “I am now a firm believer that testing your thinking in practice is the best way to further one’s understanding and interest in a topic, whether it be in conversation with peers, solving complex client problems during an internship, or participating in a program such as the GMI.”
Similar course opportunities in 2024/25
In fall 2023, the course that the students took was considered an independent study course. It has now been passed through governance and has been given a designated course code of RSM489 with the name ” Business Abroad-International Experiential Learning”. Students earn a CR (0.5 credits) instead of a specific grade. In 2024-25, students will be asked to apply and then some applicants will be selected to participate, based on a CGPA cutoff of at least 2.25 plus an application. Our website has been updated with the details and the application form will be posted by mid-August 2024.
We hope to offer this course yearly if funding permits. For this academic year, participating students receive funding from Rotman Commerce; however, this is not guaranteed past this academic year. At the present time, students can also apply for additional funding from the University’s Centre for International Experience to support their participation in this opportunity.
Given the tremendous success and positive impact of the inaugural trade mission, there is a strong desire to extend it to more students and make it a consistent offering every year. If you’re interested in supporting this initiative or learning more about how you can contribute, please reach out to Liza Smithies, Associate Director, Development (416.946.3169).
Related links
By Jaclyn Wang (BCom ’25) | July 29, 2024
