The Future of Business is Interdisciplinary
The business world is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by rapid advancements in technology, globalization, and shifting market dynamics. As industries become more interconnected, there is a growing recognition that the future of business lies in breaking down traditional silos and embracing interdisciplinary approaches. This evolution demands that educators rethink conventional teaching methods and curricula, ensuring that students are not only proficient in their chosen fields but also equipped with a broader, more integrative perspective.
Earlier this year, at the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business’s International Conference and Annual Meeting, or ICAM, I joined a panel discussion with Dean Julie Petherbridge of Mercer University and Dr. Consuela Wilson of Delta Airlines on “The Future is Interdisciplinary.” This session highlighted the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the ever-evolving business landscape. Our discussions on interdisciplinary learning proved particularly enlightening, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts within academia to drive innovation and progress that better prepares the workforce.
Dr. Petherbridge noted the “increased need for partnership with other schools to create new programs in areas like computer science or environmental sciences.” However, she acknowledged the challenges in launching these programs, given that “schools within universities often operate independently and are already stretched with current workloads.”
At Delta Airlines, the upskilling of new graduates is a significant undertaking. Dr. Wilson shared how annual surveys of managers and senior leadership confirm that “most new hires directly out of college lack the necessary hard or soft skills for their positions.” To address this, her team expanded the internal training program to accelerate skill-building in areas such as project and product management, data analytics, and customer and user experiences.
From a publisher’s perspective, providing students with strong, interdisciplinary foundations and the skills to contribute to fast-moving fields like digital transformation or global sustainability is critical to our program’s mission. This involves developing new resources that help students practice and master professional skills, with tools like Hubro Simulations and Business Skills serving as examples.
Session attendees were eager to discuss the skills gap with Dr. Wilson. She recommended that business schools close this gap by “increasing investments in both internship and apprentice programs.” Delta’s Skills-First Apprentice Program is an example. In it, frontline employees spend 12-24 months developing in corporate positions aligned with their skills and interests. Upon graduation, they continue in full-time merit positions.
The insights shared at ICAM underscore the urgent need for business schools to take actionable steps in closing the skills gap. By actively collaborating with industry, developing interdisciplinary programs and investing in hands-on learning opportunities, business schools can equip graduates with the specific skills and experiences that employers are seeking. Embracing these approaches will not only enhance student readiness but also ensure that they can contribute meaningfully to the fast-changing business world.
