Xavier Arbour is a 25-year-old Canadian studying for his MBA at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Born and educated in Montreal, he had already completed law school, so why did he decide to do an MBA?
What did you study for your first degree?
I studied Law at the University of Montreal for my first degree.
Where were you working before CUHK?
I first started working for the Autorité des marchés financiers, the financial markets regulator for the province of Quebec, and then moved on to create my own firm in 2010.
How do you like Hong Kong? What are the differences between Hong Kong and Canada, professionally and socially?
I simply love Hong Kong! It is such a welcoming city. The main difference with Canada is that Hong Kong is more dynamic and fast-paced than Canada. Hong Kong has a more socially bustling environment than most Canadian cities.
What do you do in your free time?
Since I have only been in Hong Kong for a few weeks, in my free time, I am still, for the time being, discovering and learning about the city and its history. Otherwise, I very much enjoy travelling around Asia and experiencing different cultures.
Why have you decided to leave law?
The decision to enrol in CUHK’s MBA programme did not mean to me that I would never return to law. I view it more as a way to gain a different perspective to the legal profession, acquire a complementary skillset and approach law more from a corporate legal counsel viewpoint than as an attorney.
Which b-schools did you get offers from?
I got offers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, McGill University and HEC Montreal.
How did you first hear of CUHK’s MBA programme?
I first heard of CUHK’s MBA program through the GMATCH online fair during my research for suitable Asian business schools.
Why did you choose it? What appealed to you about school?
I chose CUHK for two main reasons. Firstly, it was one of the few schools where courses were taught in English but still had a strong Chinese flavour and exposure to the mainland. Secondly, this school offered me the opportunity to complete two degrees (an MBA and an MS) at world-renowned institutions through their dual-degree programs.
Did you get a scholarship?
Yes I did get an entrance scholarship.
How much is your previous work experience helping you on the MBA?
Coming from a rather non-traditional background for an MBA student, my previous work experience allows me to approach problems from a different angle than my colleagues and suggest innovative answers to challenging issues.
Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities at school?
I am currently involved in both the CUMBA Finance and Consulting Club as Director of Internal Communications and I am a candidate for Vice-President in the Student Association.
Do you already know what you'll be doing next year?
Next year, I will be nearing completion of my MBA on exchange and hopefully will have a job offer!
Where would you like to live and why?
I would like to live in one of Asia’s prominent cities, whether it’s Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, or Singapore, as it’ll allow me to directly partake in the effervescent rise and development of this part of Asia. Also, it will allow me to be closer to a part of my family currently residing in Shanghai.
And what would you like to do in 5 to 10 years? What are your professional goals?
In 5 to 10 years, I see myself in a mid-level managerial position in a legal or compliance department or in an M&A advisory role with good prospects for career progression in the company.