NMIT boost for doing overseas business

NMIT’s Department for Business head John Inglis says globalisation has created a 24/7 business market and, to compete, companies must be armed with the latest knowledge and skills.

The Postgraduate Diploma in International Business (PGDipIB) is a one-year course, beginning in February, which is designed around the work commitments of entrants. It can be studied from both the Nelson and Blenheim campuses.

Mr Inglis says the diploma covers every aspect of doing business overseas, from looking at impacts of politics and culture through to the practicalities of supply line management and packaging. 

“The programme has been designed after consulting with local and national businesses so it is practical and people can immediately apply what they’ve learned.

It’s likely programme applicants will already have a degree in business or have equivalent practical business experience.

He says the diploma can be studied full or part time. It covers transferrable skills such as advanced communication, presentation, interpersonal and problem solving skills as well as the development of specific international business knowledge.

Theory is mixed with practical applications. “We look at the globalisation, changing demographics, different political, economic and legal systems and we drill down into cultural and social structures before we get to finance and marketing. So if you are going into a particular market you go in with your eyes wide open.

“For instance, it could be a local wine producer who identifies a market sub-set opportunity; targeting, say, Vladivostok, whereas everyone else has gone after Moscow.”

The programme is also open to international students. Mr Inglis expects applications from people from as far afield as South America and Asia. “Nelson is on the radar of people overseas who are looking at places to study. A lot of that interest starts with secondary school students coming to Nelson.”

NMIT have Business Programmes from entry Level 3 through to Postgraduate Level 8. Find out how we can help you take the next step in your business career.