While Barcelona offered unique scenery, terrific cuisines, and great excursions, the main emphasis I gained the most knowledge on was the realm of business and how its conducted in Spain. We visited several companies, of which including local wineries like Cellar Diez and Freixenet. Both displayed their own respective qualities, really demonstrating the spectrums of a small business to a global franchise. While different in size, both company’s had a focal point on quality and customer service. US companies also practice this, though it was just visually different in the Spanish approach. Barcelona itself had many more family/local businesses on its streets. Corporate giants were not as apparent, only being seen by myself in that of fast food companies and clothing stores in shipping centers. Spain’s business is much more formal and relaxed than in the United States. There is an equal amount of emphasis on how to conduct business as opposed to just seeking profit. This capitalist value was not deemed as much of a necessity when shopping and viewing transactions. Hierarchies are present, alluding to this formal structure.
Our group project consisted of aiding Cellar Diez in its operations approach. Being in an almost consultant-type role really developed my understanding of the business operations for the company, even teaching me about myself as an entrepreneur.? Diving into marketing schemes especially was fun as Cellar Diez’s local artwork incorporation into their story was fun to learn about. I gained cooperative experience in this exercise and it was fun to apply my skills learned from classes throughout my collegiate tenure. Being a management major, I plan to oversee projects from all walks of life. This almost “trial run” emphasized my confidence and ability to analyze a company and its business model.
Our visit to the Port Authority offered valuable lessons on the supply chain in Spain. Learning about their current supply issues in ports due to irregularities like COVID put into perspective how important these industries are for consumers to actually get their products.
I hope to continue to expand internationally to become more involved with the logistics of business abroad. I would highly recommend programs through CIBS for any other student at Texas A&M with the same or similar ambitions!