From the UK to the US: My PIM Exchange Experience

From applying her WBS learning to a global environment, to experiencing Friendsgiving, and digging into AI and emerging technologies, Graciela talks us through her human-centred, future-focused PIM Exchange experience at McCombs School of Business, University of Texas.

In a sentence, what is the PIM Exchange?

The PIM Exchange is a fantastic opportunity to experience another country's culture and collaborate with other renowned universities around the world, giving us the chance to put what we've learned at WBS (both inside and outside the classroom) to the test in a global environment.

Why did you choose to apply for the PIM Exchange?

My goal before starting the MBA was to prepare myself to be able to work and lead in any environment, any industry, and anywhere in the world. I believe in cross-disciplinary collaboration at all levels. For me, it made perfect sense to complement my studies in the UK with a semester in the US.

Where was your PIM Exchange and why did you choose/apply for this location?

My exchange programme was at McCombs, at the University of Texas at Austin. From the beginning, I knew it had to be the United States. Initially, it was because the EV (Electric Vehicle) industry is thriving there, presenting a complex and interesting challenge. There are large and important emerging technology projects in the energy industry in Texas, and the school has an excellent reputation. Perhaps what ultimately decided everything was knowing that McCombs aligned with my core values: “Human-Centred, Future-Focused”.

What was covered whilst on the Exchange?

AI for Competitive Advantage, led by Professor Ben Bentzin, not only helped me form an opinion but also challenged it and nurtured others about emerging technologies in general. The final project (I told him a thousand times!) was simply exquisite. It allowed me to use what I had already done in my dissertation at WBS in a different context: AI Diffusion at McCombs. It was like playing with Legos - fun and challenging. At the end, my team was chosen to present our project on the analysis and implementation of AI tools in the faculty to the Dean, Lillian Mills. The presentation was one of the highlights of this semester; we offered recommendations based on real data. This was a challenge, but it allowed us to directly apply what we had learned in class.

The Leading Human-Machine Collaborations course, led by Professor Shefali Patil, was simply amazing. Perhaps I'm understating it, but I believe that both courses (AI for Competitive Advantage and this one) complement each other almost perfectly. The way the professor structured the course made us look forward to discussing things every day. The first time we discussed AI with another group? I can still feel my heart in my throat from the excitement! I think the experiments and the content are not only valuable but essential for any leader. Professor Shefali provided us with research, risks, and opportunities, and it's thanks to her that I have a clearer idea of the path I want to follow in my professional career. The Accountability project has resonated deeply with me, especially the part about calibrating trust. Mind-blowing.

Finally, Strategic Branding was a course I took because of my passion for branding. This wasn't just another course, Professor Steven Brister not only worked in the industry with major brands, but he also offered something more: creativity with a purpose and structure. Interestingly, even though it wasn't directly related to technology, this course helped me see why and how AI could be applied in marketing. Our NASCAR project was a challenge, but despite our differences, we worked together almost seamlessly (shout out to Alysha, Owen and Graham!), encouraged by a professor who offered support without ever stopping us from taking the lead.

What other opportunities were there?

McCombs has many clubs and events, and student participation is contagious. The staff is incredibly helpful: they don't just focus on one thing, but offer support with any paperwork, networking, and more. What I want to emphasize is the culture of self-worth at McCombs: students recognise their own value and are empowered to be selective.

What benefits did you get from participating in the Exchange?

Socially: Meeting people from diverse backgrounds, with varying levels of expertise, and being able to collaborate on projects with them.

Academically: I learned far more than I genuinely expected about a subject I wasn't initially very interested in, thanks to professors who (I can't stress this enough) are passionate about what they teach and about teaching itself.

Professionally: WBS trained us to be critical thinkers and adaptable leaders, and this exchange proved that those skills translate globally. I believe I learned about my career paths and built a network of contacts I've collaborated with and will continue to support in the future.

What was life like outside of the classroom?

Vibrant, loud, amazing! Austin is a beautiful, multicultural city with a climate that's almost as warm as its people. However, it wasn't all intensity and noise, there were moments of simple, easy connection. Walking in Mueller with Talita was one of the best things I experienced, travelling around Texas (it's huge!), going to San Antonio for Halloween. There are so many memories, perhaps the most beautiful being Friendsgiving - I felt not just like a guest, but like part of the group (a big hug to Cohort 3, to Maura, and to her amazing pie!).

What was your favourite part of the Exchange?

The connections I made were the best part - they all worked together like gears to give me a clearer vision of what I want professionally and the path I need to take to achieve it. My classmates, my teams, my professors, they all not only gave me opportunities to showcase my vision, to demonstrate what I knew and apply it to something completely new, but they also pushed and challenged me openly. I'm grateful to everyone and I know I made lifelong connections.

Would you recommend future Full-time MBA participants apply?

I wouldn't just recommend it, I think it's mandatory. Going with a very open mind brings our learning at WBS to life, and allows us to see beyond the surface, seize every opportunity and trust your instincts.

With or without fear, dive in with the possibility— No, scratch that, the hope—that not everything will turn out as you expected.

Isn't that, in the end, the most wonderful thing?