Emerging markets students create 1st club of its kind in United States

It’s the only undergraduate club of its kind in the United States, as far as they know.

In spring 2007, three students went to China for spring break during the first year of the Kelley School of Business’ Emerging Economies class. When they came back to IU, they decided they wanted to create the Emerging Markets club.

Current Vice President of Strategies Carol Maldonado was one of those three students.

The Emerging Markets club was founded in 2008, and Maldonado said it provides students with networking opportunities.

However, one of the club’s focal points is generating discussion about current events
among members.

Maldonado and President Steven Eikenbary both said this aspect of the club is very beneficial in interviews because prospective employers will appreciate graduates’ knowledge of emerging markets.

In fact, Maldonado said her favorite event was the debate this semester about Google in China because it was a great dialogue with the members.

“I’m kind of always in the know about current events because of Emerging Markets,” Maldonado said.

Currently the club has about 60 active members, and they’re always trying to get new members to join.

The events that Emerging Markets has throughout the year are divided into two categories: current event debates and fun cultural nights.

“Promoting cultural awareness is important to us because in order to do business with other countries you have to understand their culture,” Eikenbary said.

He said due in part to his work with the Emerging Markets club, he has already lined up a full-time job for next year in a division of a diesel engine company that deals heavily with emerging markets.

The club also gives students a chance to distinguish themselves through a yearly corporate-sponsored case competition.

Kelley professors and graduate students are currently judging the competition, but Eikenbary said he is hoping for companies to be involved in the judging process soon.