Technology Management and Innovation extends its reach globally 

It’s been more than six decades since Marshall McLuhan coined the phrase “global village” to describe a world in which we are all connected through far-reaching media technologies. Time has proven the media theorist more accurate than even he might have ever imagined. 

Never before has it been easier to share information and resources, work together towards common goals, and build relationships. Thriving in an interconnected world — personally and professionally — requires understanding and navigating diverse perspectives, cultures, and practices, and NYU Tandon’s Department of Technology Management and Innovation has designed multiple programs with that in mind. 

One popular program allows master’s students who are interested in global opportunities to spend their first semester in Shanghai, or alternatively, to spend their first year in London before traveling to New York City to finish their degree in Management of Technology — solving a common dilemma faced by many: the need to hone in on a single location where they’ll be expected to stay for the duration of their studies. 

No matter which global business capital they choose initially, students will have a unique dual-campus experience that will introduce them to global technology-enabled innovation, organizational behavior and how it differs from milieu to milieu, and other essential knowledge for leadership in the tech-driven economy.

As a result, the program functions as a gateway to increased international opportunities and offers both professional readiness and personal growth, as well as the wherewithal to forge a personalized and gratifying career path. 

As a cohort of students in Shanghai prepare for their time in New York City, we spoke to them about their experiences and their advice for those considering the program.

What Our Students Say:

Justin Seymour-Welch

Q: What path did you take before choosing the MOT Shanghai-NYC program?

A: I went to a very good public high school in Massachusetts, and I had the chance to study Mandarin. That’s a difficult language to pick up when you’re starting from scratch at age 14, but I loved it. I’m a first-generation college student, and I chose the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. I have an interest in issues of social justice, so I studied public health, but I minored in Mandarin. 

Ultimately though, I ended up working in Information Technology at the Perkins School for the Blind and the Brooklyn Public Library. They were satisfying jobs, and they left me time to study Mandarin further on my own, but really, working in technology was a stretch for me, and I wanted to hone those skills.

The NYU Tandon program was a good fit, and thanks to a National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science (GEM) Fellowship, I traveled to Shanghai in Fall 2024 to start earning my master’s.

Q: What is the most valuable thing you learned during your time in Shanghai?

A: Every day I’m reminded that we’re all in this together. We’re a diverse cohort, and I’m the only native speaker of English, but we’re a team.  

We’re going to need the ability to cooperate bilaterally, no matter what happens in the coming years; the program is training us to be the kind of leaders who not only have the needed technical skills but the commitment to hold high ethical standards, because the world requires both.

Q: What is the most fun you’ve had there?

A: I was in Shanghai six years ago on a study-abroad program, so this time around I’ve enjoyed seeing all the changes. Even in that relatively short time, the city has become increasingly futuristic. This is definitely a tech-first society.

Q: Do you have any advice for students considering the program?

A: My practical advice is to make a pros and cons list, but if one of the cons is a worry that you won’t be comfortable in a new environment, disregard that. You shouldn’t always be comfortable; a little discomfort leads to growth.  

Zhuoyi Zou

Q: What path did you take before choosing the MOT Shanghai-NYC program?

A: I attended a school in my native China that used a Canadian-based curriculum, so when it was time to choose an undergraduate program, it seemed natural to attend the University of Toronto. I studied finance and wanted to continue following that path, so where better to do that than New York City. 

The added benefit to Tandon’s Shanghai-NYC program, as compared to other schools, is that I got to return home for a while after being in Canada for so long. It was like the best of all worlds, and I think it will position me well for my ultimate goal, which is to work as a consultant or data analyst at a major tech company.

Q: What is the most valuable thing you learned during your time in Shanghai?

A: They’ve really stressed the importance of building relationships, starting with our professors, who all have practical industry experience and are fonts of information and guidance. I’m also building connections as an intern at a Shanghai-based financial firm.

Q: What is the most fun you’ve had there?

A: I’m actually on the program’s inaugural graduate student leadership board, and we’ve planned workshops and social events that have allowed me to meet people from all over the world. 

Another highlight has been spending time with the professors and engaging in meaningful discussions. Really, everyone involved in the program is so invested in providing us with good experiences, that it would be nearly impossible to have a bad time.

Q: Do you have any advice for students considering the program?

A: I would say that even if you’re hesitant for any reason, take a chance! And once you’re here, get involved and make the most of it.

Kolbrun Bragadottir

Q: What path did you take before choosing the MOT Shanghai-NYC program?

A: I’ve always loved technology, so I studied industrial engineering at the University of Iceland and then got a job as a product and project manager at a credit bureau in Reykjavik. I learned a lot there and loved my coworkers, but I realized I wanted to gain a stronger background in business.

I’m not sure I should be admitting this, but I told ChatGPT what I wanted to accomplish, and it recommended that I pursue a degree in Management of Technology. When I looked up the courses, they really resonated with my goals. I had always wanted to study in Asia, so Tandon’s program was a perfect fit.

Q: What is the most valuable thing you learned during your time in Shanghai?

A: It’s impossible to pinpoint just one thing, as I have learned a lot. Everyone here is great, but if I had to pick, it would be Professor Joel Gallo’s class. He teaches Financial Analysis for Technology Managers, and it covers so much that is applicable to project management. It’s exactly why I wanted to go back to school.

Q: What is the most fun you’ve had there?

A: To be honest, I had no idea what I was signing up for — moving to a country where I didn’t know a soul or even the language. I’m thrilled to say that Shanghai has really surprised me. It’s not just a fun, beautiful city; it’s also an exceptionally easy place to live. I love everything about it — the culture, the food, and the lovely people.

Q: Do you have any advice for students considering the program?

A: If you’re feeling unsure or hesitant, don’t let it hold you back — you’ll be glad you took the leap. This program offers valuable experiences and opportunities for growth, both academically and personally. Embrace the challenge, and you’ll come away with skills and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime!