Brandeis International Business School

Joshua Joseph ’23, MA’24 is passionate about social justice.

After graduating from Brandeis International Business School, he wants to expand access to renewable energy in disadvantaged communities.

During his recent trip to India as part of the Hassenfeld Immersion Program, Joseph visited several multinational companies and learned more about their efforts to promote social justice and sustainable business practices.

“It’s great to see how they compare to one another,” said Joseph, a student in the Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance (MA) program. “The Hassenfeld trip gave me a first-hand opportunity to determine which companies in India are dedicated to improving society and the planet.”

Joseph was particularly impressed with Mahindra & Mahindra, a multinational automotive firm that also promotes women’s education by building schools across India. By comparison, another firm with a larger consumer footprint appeared less invested in using its platform and resources to give back, he said.

“It’s important to look at how much revenue and profits contribute to the company’s actual impact,” said Joseph.

Every year, the Hassenfeld program offers International Business School students an intensive introduction to the businesses, economy and culture of a dynamic overseas market.

For Joseph, the India trip was an opportunity to build close bonds with fellow students.

“You make friends from all over the world that you’ll be friends with forever,” said Joseph. “It’s a tremendous experience. You do a lot, you learn a lot and you make lifelong connections.”

Below are photo highlights from the recent Hassenfeld trip to India.

Students walk toward historic Agra Fort, residence of the powerful Mughal Dynasty.


Learning about the products and operations at VBL, a beverage company that partners with Pepsico to bottle and distribute Pepsi products in India.

Two students pose in chairs during a tour of Bollywood Studios in Mumbai.


Students use a race car simulator during a visit to Mahindra & Mahindra.


Visiting Dabur, the leading Ayurvedic company in India, and learning more about traditional Indian medicine and the company’s culture.


A student poses outside NSE, a national stock exchange in India, during a tour of the marketplace in Mumbai.


Students pose together during a tour of Humayun’s tomb, a monument built for the Mughal emperor.