MSEL Global Consulting: A week in Santiago, Chile
Last month, I was in Chile with about 63 of my classmates and friends. I’ve tried capturing the experience in pictures and in words, and while I think neither could do it justice, I’m going to give it a try.
Chile: A country of innovation
Over the course of this semester, my cohort has been preparing to work in Santiago, Chile with a total of 10 different startup companies. I didn’t fully realize the large entrepreneurial spirit in Chile until we got there. Organizations like Startup Chile and Maker Space are doing everything they can to inspire and equip entrepreneurs to initiate innovation in various industries and opportunity spaces, both within Chile and around the world.
Over the course of the week, our entrepreneur let us work in Maker Space, a collaborative workspace in Santiago.
Bringing value to entrepreneurs
My team of six had the honor of working with Lagrimas De Luna, a luxury jewelry company whose mission is to promote the culture of and employ the indigenous Mapuche people. Our host entrepreneurs – mother and son, Jacqueline and Nicolas – were two of the most passionate, gracious people I’ve ever met in my life.
From the get-go, it was clear that our main purpose for being there was to provide value in any way we could. If they wanted us to research the jewelry market on Mars, we would have done it. Luckily for us, they didn’t literally shoot for the stars.
Babson’s Lágrimas de Luna team!
Discovering All Chile Had to Offer
While we were only on the ground for a week, everyone took the opportunity to explore the beautiful country when they could (and when I say “explore,” I mean eat every empanada within a 5-mile radius…seriously, I don’t think I could look at another precious emp for at least 6 months!)
We also had the opportunity to tour the historic Valparaíso as a group on our first full day in Chile, and it didn’t take long for me to realize it was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to.
Bringing it back to America
Leaving Chile was as melodramatic for me as you could have imagined. I didn’t want to leave the beautiful culture, views, and people I’d grown accustomed to over the course of that week.
But our work wasn’t finished. This past week, we submitted our recommendations for LDL and presented those ideas to our professor (and to our entrepreneurs, remotely.)
Overall, I can’t thank Babson enough for this opportunity and their commitment to global initiatives such as this global consulting project. I learned more about myself, teamwork, and culture in those 7 days than I have all year – and that’s saying quite a lot! Special thanks to our strategy professor, Miguel, the Glavin office, and the staff members who were able to accompany us, for making this trip happen. I think I speak for everyone when I say it was the highlight of the program!
If prospective students (or already committed students) have any further questions about the experience, feel free to email me. I’d be happy to answer any questions or connect you with other students in my program!