Brewing up global business
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—MBA student Dhyan Bopanna is gaining a dual perspective of business at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. From Coorg, India, Bopanna is preparing to become a leader who can build something meaningful and make a global impact.
Having earned a B.B.A. from Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Bopanna was looking for a way to propel his dreams forward and decided to enroll in the dual MBA program with Christ University and WMU Haworth.
“I am an enviropreneur who loves working with nature and building brands globally,” he says. A fourth-generation coffee producer, Bopanna is currently working on bringing authentic Indian coffee to the U.S.
“This dream of bringing our products to the U.S. pushed me to continue my education by getting my MBA with Christ University in Bangalore, India, and WMU. The dual MBA program has helped me work on my goals and has motivated me to keep positioning my brand in the U.S., the U.K. and India, building on our business-to-business success in Australia, Oman and Portugal.”
With a business already underway, Bopanna’s participation in the dual MBA program opens up a world of opportunity.
“The program is a great way to learn and gain experience in two different countries. My time in the program has shaped me greatly through global exposure and unique learning experiences in both countries. I’ve learned to be prepared for anything while also improving my overall analytical, communication and leadership skills. I’ve been able to learn about a different culture and connect with people from different parts of the world, which has been the best part of being an MBA student.”
During his time in the program, Bopanna has been able to grow his education and his career. “WMU gave me time to work on my business and apply what I’m learning in class in real time,” he says. “I am ready to register my business here in Michigan, and the program helped me build meaningful connections with local businesses who are potential business partners.”
As he plans to graduate this upcoming fall, Bopanna has his sights set on his career and the future of his business.
“My experience at WMU Haworth has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I feel prepared to begin setting up my business in the U.S. and expanding the market to India and the U.K. My ultimate goal is to help small businesses in the U.S. enter other global markets like India, and push and promote the younger generation to be more connected to the planet, people and profit.”
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