From: dbrimberg <dbrimberg@global.t-bird.edu>
I actually just graduated a few weeks ago from Thunderbird with an MBA in International Management. I'm fairly sure that having a Spanish major was an important factor for admission since a second language is required at Thunderbird. I spent last summer in Guadalajara for a semester abroad (not required, but the option is there). If you have Spanish majors who are interested in international business, I would definitely recommend Thunderbird. The web site is www.t-bird.edu. Over half of the student body is from overseas, so it's an especially unique environment in which to learn. I made several Latin American friends there, and because of that spoke Spanish much more often than I would have somewhere else.
Before Thunderbird I worked in New York City for 7 years, mostly in telecommunications and software sales. Spanish didn't really come into play, with the exception of my first job. I worked briefly at a textile company that had a rep in Mexico City, and I was the only sales assistant who could communicate effectively with her. I also remember making a sale to a Spanish company that had come to NY for a trade show.
At the moment, I'm still doing a job search, and I plan on Spanish being an integral part of what I do. One of the main reasons I went to Thunderbird was so I would be able to incorporate it into my work life. I also believe that it's becoming more important as business becomes more and more global, and the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas is on the horizon.