T’25s Ryann Miguel and Will Burroughs reflect on their Tuck Global Insight Expedition (GIX) experiences. Ryann joined Professor Gordon Phillips in Australia to learn about venture capital and incorporating inclusivity in the workplace, while Will joined the Vietnam course to learn more about manufacturing and globalization.
Ryann Miguel T’25
What interested you about the GIX location and topic?
While completing my undergraduate degree, I did not have the opportunity to study abroad. When I decided to pursue an MBA, I recognized that applying to Tuck would prioritize my access to global learning opportunities. As such, I was determined to participate in a GIX during my first year and pursue a term exchange during my second year. As a bonus, traveling during the spring of my first year enabled me to connect with more T’24s!
After narrowing down the timing, I found myself drawn to the Australia GIX because the topic spanned venture capital, private equity, and entrepreneurship. Just before the application period, I was selected for a VC-related development program, so I knew going on this trip would be a great way to expand my learning.
What site visits, tours, meetings, and/or people were most impactful for you during the GIX?
The most impactful site visit for me was to First Australians Capital, a firm that exists specifically to invest in Indigenous entrepreneurs. During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet with two team members in a historic building near St. Kilda. Their passion and philosophy gave me a new perspective on investing. As someone who pursued an MBA to be able to do more in the service of others, I was newly energized to think outside the box and challenge myself to apply course material in innovative, value-driven ways.
How did Tuck faculty and/or staff contribute to your overall GIX experience?
This GIX would not have been possible without the enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and generosity of Professor Gordon Phillips and his network. At one point during the trip, Professor Phillips went around and asked each of us to rank the most valuable site visit(s) thus far. I struggled with this because I had learned so much from each one. Some of the sites we visited include, a public sector advocacy group, a VC firm rooted in stoicism, and a PE firm leading the energy sector. With just nine students in total, each of us held a significant role in stimulating discussion and contributing our unique pre-MBA expertise.
Beyond the visits, Professor Phillips and operations leader Lauren Morse went out of their way to make this trip individualized and fun! At one point, Professor Phillips even lent me snorkel gear and showed me to his favorite bay so I could catch a glimpse of the aquatic life.
What is a key takeaway from this experience? What have you learned?
Before the trip, I was not well aware of the mistreatment of Aboriginal Australians by European settlers. Something that stuck with me, but I also found most disturbing, was the story of the “Stolen Generation.” This refers to a dark period in Australia’s history spanning from the 1800s to the 1970s, during which Aboriginal Australian children were stolen from their families and placed into schools where they were systematically deprived of their cultural heritage, language, and familial connections. It is estimated that there are about 17,000 stolen children—a source of deep and painful generational trauma. It wasn’t until February 2008 that the government finally issued a public apology.
This trip inspired me to learn more about the Native American populations that were displaced in the U.S. This history is often overlooked, and my experience in Australia emphasized the importance of integrating newfound recognition into current business practices and everyday life. A notable practice of this in Australia is that every tour and meeting I attended began with an acknowledgment of the Aboriginal Australians who had first inhabited the land and the leaders who are now emerging.
What should prospective students know about the GIX and/or TuckGO requirement?
This was a trip like no other. While it is indeed possible to visit Melbourne or Sydney on your own, it is unlikely one would be able to do so in this way—with a small group of close-knit graduate students led by a professor with unparalleled access to some of the top experts in their industries. I wish I could go on five more!
At Tuck, Ryann Miguel T’25, is a Consortium member, Center for Health Care Fellow, and active on the Student and Judicial Boards. Ryann is passionate about care delivery and specifically building and improving solutions for aging in place. This summer, Ryann will be interning at UnitedHealth Group in Strategy and Innovation followed by a term exchange in South Korea.
Will Burroughs T’25
The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not reflect those of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or U.S. Government.
What interested you about the GIX location and topic?
Embarking on the Vietnam GIX held personal significance for me. I am named after my birth father’s brother, Private Willie Bedford, USMC. Private Bedford passed away due to non-hostile action (specifically, accidental drowning) while serving in the Vietnam War, as indicated by information available in internet databases. Heading into this trip, I aimed to learn more about the experience of service members during the war and grasp the impact it had on Vietnam after it concluded. Additionally, I hoped to connect with the second-year students before they graduate. Luckily, our group in Vietnam proved to be great, and I formed many friendships that I feel very grateful for.
What site visits, tours, meetings, and/or people were most impactful for you during the GIX?
Mr. Kha, our local tour guide, and Sanhita, our tour administrator, stood out as two people who were tirelessly working behind the scenes to make sure our itinerary ran efficiently. The experience would not have been the same without their dedication and diligent work to coordinate and execute the schedule.
The company visit that stuck with me the most was to Wanek Furniture and its manufacturing facility outside of Ho Chi Minh City. During most of our company visits, we were made aware of the importance of manufacturing in Vietnam and the significance of the relationship between Vietnam and the United States. Our visit to Wanek exemplified this, showcasing the pivotal role of manufacturing and its impact on the international consumer. While there, we got to speak with Andrew Lien, the Vice President and General Director of Asia Manufacturing at Wanek, who was extremely gracious and spent hours answering our group’s questions and walking us through the various manufacturing processes.
How did Tuck faculty and/or staff contribute to your overall GIX experience?
Professor Blanchard and Professor Miller dedicated themselves to meeting each student through pre-trip assignments and early group meals. When we arrived in Vietnam, they made sure we had enriching cultural and educational experiences. One moment in particular, which felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, was our visit to a museum in Ho Chi Minh City at Independence Palace. This excursion was particularly special as Professor Miller, who helped curate the exhibit, personally gave us the tour. Additionally, Professor Blanchard’s expertise in global economics as well as her recent service with the U.S. Department of State as Chief Economist brought a depth of knowledge to every meeting and site visit. It was nice to step out of the classroom and apply economics to real organizations.
What should prospective students know about the GIX and/or TuckGO requirement?
Completing a GIX during your first year is not a requirement, but it offers a chance to bond with second-year students. There is no rush to figure out when you will complete the TuckGO requirement, so take the time to speak with a variety of students and make the decision that is best for your situation.
Will grew up in Yuma, Arizona, and graduated from Brown University in 2005 with an A.B. in biology. Upon graduation, he taught biology at Tolleson Union High School in Tolleson, Arizona as part of the Teach for America Phoenix Corps. Will then attended Notre Dame Law School and received his J.D. in 2010. Following Notre Dame, he started his career with the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. In his most recent tour, he was assigned as the Deputy Assistant for Legal and Legislative Matters for the Office of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. His previous tours include serving as a deployed legal advisor over multiple deployments and serving as the Professional Development Officer for the Western Pacific. Will and his family enjoy exploring the Upper Valley, attempting to play tripod hockey, hiking, and snowboarding.
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