DUSTIN HERMON

ICP Asia was one of the most memorable and valuable experiences during my time at Boston College. As an evening MBA student, I had the opportunity to work on a team with other evening MBA and MSF students as well as two full-time students from the law school, which provided a truly unique learning opportunity. We essentially worked as bona fide consultants, doing research and building real-world case studies based on U.S. firms, in support of our Chinese colleagues at CCAFM, a Chinese boutique accounting and finance strategy consulting firm. During the course of the project, we became de facto subject matter experts on the topic of Activity-Based Costing, a management technique popular in the U.S. in the early 90s but which is just now picking up speed in China. While the research and case studies were immensely valuable, it was the first-hand international experience that reigned supreme!

The course culminated in a trip to Beijing, to present our findings to our Chinese counterparts and their clients! It was both an honor and privilege to represent Boston College in such an endeavor! Make no mistake, though…Beijing was not all work and no play! We had ample free time to do some sightseeing and enjoy the local culture: bargaining with street vendors and eating scorpions on sticks in Wangfujing, walking across the vast expanse at Tiananmen Square, exploring the Forbidden City, feasting on the local cuisine, and enjoying Beijing’s nightlife (Latte!). However, the two best parts of the trip: lunchtime karaoke (seriously!) with our gracious hosts from CCAFM and climbing the Great Wall of China.  

I will never forget the experiences I had and the friends I made (both at BC and in China) during this course. It was a phenomenal and life-changing opportunity!