As part of the program’s commitment to experiential learning, students from the NYU Stern - NYU Shanghai joint Master’s programs had the opportunity to visit several local companies in China across various industries this fall. Students interacted with working professionals, learned about the daily operations of the companies, and gained insights into knowledge and skills in demand for today’s job market. The company visits also allowed students to reflect on job roles, functions, and industries that they’re interested in pursuing, and how they can prepare themselves for careers after graduation.
Professor Rayn Wang, Capstone Director for the MS in Marketing & Retail Science (MSMRS) program, emphasized the role of the company visits from a pedagogical perspective. “They bridge theoretical learning and practical application, addressing the need for post-pandemic reconnection and focusing on human-centric learning in the age of AI and generative AI,” says Rayn. “These company visits also invigorate classroom discussions while cultivating essential skills such as adaptability, observation, and curiosity.”
Students visited the following companies:
- Lotus
- Galeries Lafayette
- NIO Automobile Manufacturer
- Google Shanghai Office
- Lego
- Hormel
Lotus
On September 27, students visited Lotus, a British multinational automotive manufacturer of luxury sports cars and electric vehicles. The intelligent driving algorithm expert introduced the software and hardware for intelligent driving solutions and shared how Lotus collects, uploads, stores, and applies data. After the visit, students had a better understanding of intelligent driving and its impact on daily driving experience.
Students at the Lotus office.
Galeries Lafayette
Led by Professor Gabrielle Chou, students visited the shopping center of Galeries Lafayette in Shanghai on October 24 and met with the company’s China CEO and the social media and marketing teams. The experts shared the history, vision, and value of this global brand. Through an active Q&A session, students also learned about the company’s presence in China as a traditional high-end shopping mall and its strategies to compete with the decentralized and social-media-based online shopping market. At the end, students toured the shopping center guided by the China CEO.
Students in the shopping mall of Galeries Lafayette.
NIO Automobile Manufacturer
On November 8, students visited NIO, a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer and toured one of its factories located in Hefei city near Shanghai. During the visit, students gained insights into the company’s vision and innovations while experiencing how NIO’s zero-carbon green space blends technology, design, and sustainability. They also had a chance to test drive the NIO vehicle during the visit.
Students in the NIO factory.
Google Shanghai Office
Students visited the Google Shanghai office on November 15. One of the members from the greater China leadership team spoke about Google’s AI development and discussed how it is applied to all of Google’s products including YouTube, Google Drive, and Gmail. He also shared how Google AI is supporting Chinese brands to expand in the global market. At the end, students learned about Google’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program and its efforts to promote DEI initiatives in the local community.
Students at the Google Shanghai office.
Lego
On November 22, students visited the Lego Group factory in Jiaxing, a city near Shanghai, where the LEGO products are molded, processed, and packed. Experts from the Lego Group introduced the manufacturing procedures of each LEGO brick and highlighted the sustainable solutions to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the quality of products.
Students in the Lego factory.
Hormel
On November 22, students also toured the Research and Development (R&D) center and the manufacturing facility of Hormel Foods in Jiaxing. They learned about the history, vision, and daily operations of Hormel Foods in China. They also gained insight into how the company has innovated to tailor to local taste. At the end, students had a chance to taste some famous Hormel products including SPAM luncheon meat and snacks, Skippy peanut butter, and bacon.
Students in the Hormel R&D center.
For Kiki Zhou, a student in the MS Marketing and Retail Science (MSMRS) program, these company visits were eye-opening: "I observed how each company excels in its respective industry, from Lotus’s focus on sustainability, LEGO’s innovative strategies for brand growth, Google’s unique workplace culture and cutting-edge technology, to Hormel’s approach to balancing tradition with modern consumer demands.”
Added Professor Wang, “These visits empower students to take ownership of their learning, explore new possibilities, and build confidence in navigating complex global challenges. These experiences serve as ‘stepping stones’ for personal and professional growth, impacting students’ educational journeys and future success.”
After the winter break, students will resume their studies in the Spring semester starting in January. In addition to classes, they will have more opportunities to visit local companies to enhance their learning and continue to build on their personal and professional growth.