Author: Jack Rhodes | Major: Finance and Supply Chain Management | Semester: Summer 2024
Admiring the Art of the Uffizi
The past month in Italy at CIMBA has flown by, leaving me with more memories than any other period in my life. Both Molly Rapert and Eric Olson taught courses that broadened my business perspective to an international level. Specifically, in my Global Consumer course, I learned about the economic and social impact of China and its significant role in the future. In Global Economics, we analyzed the causes of financial crashes, such as the 2008 crisis, examined countries’ international trade agreements and their impacts, and explored the relationships between interest rates, GDP, inflation, and more. We also took many company visits which I will go into more detail on.
The first company we visited was La Ceramica VBC, a smaller ceramics factory located in Bassano, Italy. Their business revolves around the handmade, unique characteristics they incorporate into every piece they produce. This approach gives them an advantage over mass-production competitors. La Ceramica outsources products for household name brands such as Banana Republic and Tiffany & Co. The factory has a small warehouse that houses about 20 craftsmen. During the tour, it was evident that each piece was crafted with care and expertise. Despite the increasing scale of their clients, this family-owned business remains true to its original values.
The second company we visited was Hausbrandt, a larger-scale beverage company where about 80% of their revenue comes from coffee, with wine and beer also being produced. In contrast to La Ceramica, Hausbrandt focuses on mass production and machine-heavy manufacturing. This strategy allows them to reach a broader customer base, primarily hotels and bars, though it likely operates with a lower profit margin. Sampling their coffee made it clear why Hausbrandt has enjoyed long-term success. Both companies have remained true to their founding values and have been headquartered in Italy for decades.
This study abroad experience taught me so much about life, including that it is key to slow down and live in the moment. It’s easy to find yourself planning for the next travel weekend while still in the middle of your current trip. My group and I were doing just that while enjoying a seafood dinner on the coast of Monterosso. I quickly realized that I needed to take a step back and savor the present moment. There I was, on the beautiful coast of Italy, talking about how great the next weekend would be instead of appreciating the incredible memory unfolding before my eyes. While planning is important, it’s equally crucial to enjoy the present moment that you’ve worked so hard to create.
The number one takeaway from this trip is to seize opportunities. Countless small interactions and decisions turned into my favorite memories. Whether it was my first night in Venice with my roommate, exploring the city with a Frenchman we met at our hostel, discovering the best restaurants in Venice thanks to a local we just met, or hearing the stories of our Peruvian boat driver in Croatia who has been moving from country to country his entire life. I’ve gained invaluable knowledge both in and outside the classroom, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
I spent two years of my high school experience earning an International Baccalaureate Diploma, which places a strong emphasis on garnering an international mindset. However, this last month taught me far more than those two years ever could. There is only so much you can learn from theory; at the end of the day, you have to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in experiences that allow you to grow. That’s exactly what CIMBA provided, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
I am determined to ensure that the experiences and lessons I’ve gained do not end when I leave Italy in a few days. This experience has truly changed my life and shown me much about myself and the world. The memories I’ve made and the people I’ve met have been a blessing. I will never forget CIMBA and all that it has given me.