Robert Mittelman in Guatemala
Please describe what the organization/company you work with does, how it is set up and where it is located?
I worked for the Reinhart Foundation, who is based in San Diego, USA. They are a private not- for-profit foundation that invests in projects in rural Guatemala. It is a family foundation led by Leon Reinhart and his son Robert.
What is the organization/company doing well?
The organization is committed and very well financed. Leon’s passion for his work comes through very naturally and he shares that with his family and friends.
Where could the organization/company improve?
There is no Reinhart Foundation office or staff in Guatemala.
What are some aspects of the local cultural that should be understood when foreigners consider doing business in this country?
In terms of development work, the Mayan influence is very strong and Spanish is not always spoken or understood. Things progress slowly for the most part. There is also an unfortunate feeling of despair and resignation to their situation that needs to be overcome. This is changing, but slowly.
What are some aspects of the local business environment (e.g. registration of company, government’s role in business, business items unique to this country) that should be understood when foreigners and locals consider doing business in this country?
From a business point of view, Guatemala is very similar to other Latin American countries in that relationships are of paramount importance and might even surpass profitability in terms of importance. Corruption is still rampant in business, politics, and law enforcement.
What were the direct and indirect results/deliverables as a result of your placement? Please be as specific as possible. Please provide both soft and hard examples. Hard examples include number of clients/people trained, dollars raised, people impacted, etc)
I completed a feasibility study on the potential creation of a new online educational resource business.
I also completed a study on the Guatemalan banking and microfinance institutions.
Questions about Personal Experience:
Why are you interested in international development and private sector development?
Why is a hard question other than to say I am. I think there’s so much potential and opportunity in this area and the best way that I can help is through my business experience. I think it’s about a balance in life between earning something for myself and helping others. It’s rewarding and challenging too.
Originally, why did you want to participate in this program?
See above. I mean, I wasn’t working yet and this is an area I really wanted to get further involved in.
What were your main challenges, both personally and professionally?
Given the nature of my particular position, the answer is the same for both – solitude. I lived and worked alone. I wasn’t in an office, I worked from my apartment in Guatemala City and there were no other staff members in countries. Contact with my sponsor was sporadic at best.
Was the monthly stipend of $1,000US/month sufficient and how, if needed, would you change the way and what MBAs Without Borders financially covers?
The stipend JUST covered everything. At the conclusion of the program I was in the same financial position as when I left. Wasn’t in this for the money. I wouldn’t make any changes, it was hassle free.
What would have made this experience even better for you?
Working within an organization with other staff members in an office – but I knew my situation when I accepted the position.
What advice would you like to offer future MBAs who work abroad for MBAs Without Borders?
Keep an open mind and embrace the transformational experience that this can be. To see how the two worlds of international development and business can come together opens the door to incalculable opportunities. To be able to speak both languages, NGO and MBA, will be a valuable skill to have.
Why would you recommend others to participate on MWB programs?
To dispel they myths about what an MBA is good for, what your career options are upon completion of your MBA, and most importantly to know what a difference you can make by using the skills you’ve gained from your MBA program.
What are some of your goals and aspirations (i.e. job, personal, etc), that you are planning for once this placement has concluded
I’m using the skills and experience I gained on this program to help start a new business. I hope to stay involved in both the corporate world and the international development world, plying my efforts to help make a difference and profits.