Student perspective

The masters’ program in Growth Through Innovation and International Marketing has really been great both from an academic and social point of view. To attend a program where the majority of the students come from several different countries, USA, China, France, Italy, Canada, Cameroon, Russia, Sweden etc, really gives the educational environment an unique cross-cultural and international touch. The international focus has really given us a competitive advantage when it comes to understanding globalization and international business. The two sub-courses; Know-who based entrepreneurship and International business marketing in emerging country markets have different focus, but together they combine a adequate toolbox for those who aim to work with international business and marketing.

The very practical orientation of the education is something that we find as off great importance. So far we have conducted case studies for Tetra-Pak, Electrolux and Volvo. The close collaboration with the business life has really enhanced our knowledge and practical skills in analyzing and formulating business strategies for multinational corporations. Furthermore, the strategy to focus on emerging country markets such as China, Russia and India makes the agenda even more relevant for today’s global business infrastructure.

The spring semester consist of thesis writing where most of the students are given the chance to make international field studies for MNC. This is a great opportunity to learn more about business activities taken place on an international basis as well as enabling the students to create a personal network in companies and organizations for the future. I and another student were given the opportunity to write a master thesis for Volvo Construction Equipment. We got the chance to visit South Korea for two weeks, a field study that gave us the opportunity to conduct a close study of the company and the global environment they compete in.
Henrik Florby, SwedenGrowth Through Innovation and International Marketing '08


With a Bachelor in Business Administration from BBS, major in marketing, I felt well prepared for the challenge of participating in the Master Programme Growth Through Innovation and International Marketing. Overall, my four years spent at BBS have resulted in increased knowledge and personal development. Additional, I have also met a lot of new friends and contacts that are valuable for the future.

During the Master Programme, I wrote a Master Thesis for Tetra Pak, BMW and Volvo together with Prolet Kostova from Bulgaria. Our thesis was made possible by the strong practice orientation of the Master Programme and its intimate collaboration with different industries and multinational companies. I really feel that the Master Programme and the work with my Master Thesis contributed to a development and an enlargement of my personal network.

With my Master Degree I got the opportunity to find a challenging and exciting job. Today, I work for NCM Donaldsons in Stockholm, which is a leading consultancy firm in development and management of commercial properties.

Theres Palmgren, Sweden
Growth Through Innovation and International Marketing '07


The mix of cultures gives a unique opportunity to prepare you for an international business career. Adoption to cultures is very important for anyone in any company since the world gets increasingly more globalized. This programme and the encouraging environment, is significantly improving our abilities in entrepreneurship and marketing. We believe the programme excels in combining academic studies with pragmatic connections to companies.

Pia Rasmussen, Peter Stensgård Hansen and Peder Veng Søberg, Denmark
Growth Through Innovation and International Marketing '07



To be a part of this Master Programme has been very interesting and motivating. Teachers are highly competent, and have a lot of practical experience, which can be seen in their teaching. The lectures are interactive and discussions are an important part of the lessons. When class comprises of 14 different nationalities and cultural backgrounds are different, discussions become very interesting, and you learn not only about the topic in question, but also to communicate with different people with different backgrounds.

To do a Master Thesis in co-operation with BMW provides a great opportunity to put your learning’s in practice, and gives a good picture of the whole industry. Through the Master Thesis work I have got the possibility to visit companies like Nokia and Siemens, and get some understanding of their processes as well. Additionally, staying six months in Germany gives a good opportunity to improve your language skills!
Aila Ihalainen, FinlandGrowth Through Innovation and International Marketing '06



BBS provides the ideal surroundings for pursuing a work-intensive Master’s programme. The facilities are all brand new and the staff is helpful and friendly. The quality of teaching has been great, and the fact that professors and lecturers, many with practical experience with leading companies in relevant industries, are so approachable has proven extremely helpful. I found the combination of different teaching methods highly stimulating; the diverse background of classmates has further stimulated exchange and discussion in class.

The placement at BMW has been a great opportunity, being immersed right in the center of action gives you an immediate practical application of the theory studied and opens up possibilities of acquiring experience and knowledge that would otherwise be impossible to find. Mentors supervise your project and give you theoretical and practical input.

Alexander Stern, Germany
Growth Through Innovation and International Marketing '06



Studying at Baltic Business School has been a wonderful experience. First of all, I like Swedish educational system, which provides a lot of opportunities for individual and team-learning. Secondly, I never expected the professors to be so approachable and open to discussions with students at any time. I suppose, this reflects the Swedish culture; but I also believe this is only possible because the university is not particularly large, so every student can enjoy a personal approach by the faculty. The professors have been exceptionally helpful in providing Master thesis topics, which match the students’ interests, and linking us with the companies to study. Our thesis topic focuses on my favorite field – the automotive industry. It has been a very rewarding experience to study the projects of Volvo Cars and BMW by obtaining information first-hand from the key people in the companies.

Besides, we are writing the project at BMW headquarters in Munich, which in itself is a unique opportunity. We can see first-hand how one of the worlds’s leading automotive manufacturers operates, and enjoy access to all the necessary information. The professors’ guidance throughout the thesis has been exceptional. Besides, our long-term stay in Germany provides the chance to learn another language!

Liliya Altshuler, Ukraine
Growth Through Innovation and International Marketing '06





"My study experience in BBS is enjoyable and rewarding. Being with the classmates from all over the world and the experienced teaching staffs, is kind of preparation for my successful career in international arena. I am sure you will be as happy as I am after spending one year unforgettable life in Kalmar. "

Qi Chen, China
Growth Through Innovation and International Marketing '05


"Kalmar is really a peaceful paradise for study. By studying with many international students in BBS, I have understood and learned a lot from different culture in the world. On successful completion of the Msc International Marketing programme, I am confident to make a better contribution in my future career."
Oi Ching Wong, Hong Kong (S.A.R)Growth Through Innovation and International Marketing '05