For Stella Myers, pursuing a Walton MBA was never just about earning another degree. After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing and minoring in Supply Chain Management, she knew she wasn't ready to leave Walton College behind.
"I felt passionate about what I was learning, but I had this desire to learn and experience more," Myers said. "It had always been a dream of mine to further my education and earn the next degree."
Encouraged by several Walton MBA alumni, Myers joined the program to expand her perspective and build on the foundation she developed as an undergraduate. From the program's first professional development session, she felt she had made the right decision.
“The uplifting energy in the room was incredible,” Myers said. “I knew choosing this post-grad path was one of the best decisions I could have ever made for myself.”
Over the next two years, Myers prepared for a career in consumer insights, a journey that would ultimately lead her to PepsiCo and, along the way, to one of the program's most transformative experiences: the Global Immersion trip. This year's cohort traveled to India with Dr. Rogelio Garcia Contreras, where students spent two weeks exploring the country's culture and business landscape through company visits, nonprofit partnerships, and cultural experiences.
Learning Business Through a Global Lens
The first leg of the trip took students through Delhi and Agra, where the group explored Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb before traveling to Agra to see the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Myers noted that the hospitality of the Indian people surpassed all expectations, from traditional gestures of protection and respect to support for food restrictions.
“I learned so much about their culture just through those small acts of kindness,” Myers said.
While the cultural experiences were unforgettable, the heart of the trip centered on learning how business operates in a different country. Students visited organizations representing a broad range of industries, including sustainability, manufacturing, retail, technology, transportation, and nonprofit leadership. One company that stood out to Myers was Goonj, a social entrepreneurship organization.
"Their work focuses on dignity, sustainability, and community development," Myers said. "It showed me how business principles can be used to create meaningful social impact and reminded me that business is not only about profit or growth, but also about people, purpose, and using resources responsibly."
In Bengaluru, students visited Walmart India, Ather Energy, Micro Plastics, Ninjacart, Gokaldas and the Akshaya Patra Foundation. For Myers, who will begin her career as an Insights Analyst at PepsiCo supporting the Walmart beverage account, the Walmart visit was especially meaningful.
"I have always known Walmart was a global company, but seeing one of its offices in another country made that idea feel much more real," she said. "This visit reminded me how far-reaching retail truly is and how important it is to understand different markets, cultures, and consumers when making business decisions."
The visit to Ninjacart, an agritech company connecting farmers, traders, and retailers through technology, also stood out because of Myers' supply chain background. Across every organization, she saw firsthand how culture, infrastructure, and local needs influence business strategy.
“From a leadership perspective, the trip taught me the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and cultural awareness,” she said. “Overall, the experience reinforced my excitement for a career in business and encouraged me to be more globally minded, curious, and intentional in my future work.”
The experience also strengthened the bonds within the MBA cohort. Navigating unfamiliar customs and adapting to new experiences created shared memories that extended beyond the classroom. During the Bengaluru portion of the trip, Myers celebrated her 24th birthday with a surprise birthday cake and a cooking class, creating an unforgettable experience.
Looking Ahead
Now a Walton MBA graduate, Myers is preparing to begin her full-time role at PepsiCo. She credits the Global Immersion experience with broadening her perspective and reinforcing the importance of curiosity, empathy, and global awareness.
“I feel even more motivated to approach my work with curiosity, empathy, and a global mindset,” she said. “As I move into my role at PepsiCo, I want to remember that behind every data point, business decision, and consumer insight, there are real people, cultures, and communities.”
Looking back, Myers believes the Global Immersion experience is one of the most valuable aspects of the Walton Full-Time MBA program.
“The Walton Full-Time MBA program gives you the tools and knowledge needed to prepare for a future in the business world, but the global immersion experience brings those lessons to life. You see business through a different lens and realize that it is not about knowing the right numbers or making the right decisions. It is also about culture, personality, and character.”
For Myers, the trip wasn't just about visiting another country. It was about developing the confidence to embrace unfamiliar experiences, learn from different perspectives, and approach the future with a broader understanding of the world.
“Growth comes from being willing to step into the unknown, whether that is through a conversation, a new business environment, or an entirely different country,” Myers said. “You limit yourself tremendously if you don’t give the unknown a chance.”
Jenni Wiltz is the Content Writer and Communications Assistant for Graduate Programs
and Research. She writes feature articles and press releases to promote the work of
students, faculty, and staff. Prior to Walton College, she worked as a Marketing Content
Manager for a financial planning and wealth management firm.
