Find out why HKUST Business School is becoming the go to destination for Asia's returning MBA candidates
Career opportunities for returning Asian MBA students
Bo says that he and a lot of his classmates with Asian descent feel they have an advantage when it comes to language and cultural assimilation.
“Most of us can either speak Mandarin or Cantonese,” he says, “which I think is very useful in a jobs market like Hong Kong.
“Hong Kong is the access point to the mainland China market from a consulting and financial services perspective too, and so most of us feel we have an advantage—which is why I think a lot of returning Asians come back to Hong Kong.”
Bo’s summer internship with Credit Suisse is an example of the opportunities available to HKUST MBAs. After a successful internship, he’s been offered a full-time position with the company.
HKUST offers career coaching tailored to each candidate’s goals. Coaches provide students with mock interviews, and whenever a student has an interview in a specific industry their career coach will prepare them with cv and cover letter writing advice.
The Career and Professional Development team also advise students on the jobs market in Hong Kong, what skills companies are after, and how to identify the traits that give them a competitive advantage.
Bo’s advice for returning Asian MBAs
Bo says that returning Asian MBA students should be prepared first and foremost for the pace of change.
“No matter what industry you go into, the pace of growth is definitely a lot faster, and I think a lot of people coming from North America have to adjust mentally to the way things work here,” he says.
“That’s one thing a lot of us were exposed to during this MBA journey. You’re moving halfway across the world from Europe or North America, so be prepared for that change. When the opportunity comes, make sure you market yourself appropriately.”
Student Reviews
Excellent Supporting Staff
HKUST campus is a very scenic place. However, the best part of the university is the professors and administrators. I have had numerous instances where I have approached them outside their office hours and asked them for help. I have always received full support, and they have helped me escape some very tricky situations. I will miss the faculty and especially the UG Hall 5 Residence Master. I am grateful for his help during my undergraduate program. I will recommend people choose HKUST for their bachelor, master, or Ph.D. studies. Do experience the hall life and you will never regret it.
Stressful university
Vibe
Students in HKUST is really competitive, they study really hard.
Environment
Nice sea view and modern campus
Teaching
Many professors are from mainland, whose accent are difficult to understand sometimes.
Harsh grading from most of the professors from my department
Opportunities
HKUST provides many opportunities and guidance for students on careers and extracurricular activities
Hard working and motivational
Major selection activities are very competitive. 1st/2nd year students work hard to get into popular majors they want. If you enjoy working in a competitive environment, this is a great place. Great ocean view with sports facilities and activities ready for you. Many programmes and social clubs available to boost your cv, learn practical skills for future jobs and interviews.
Good for academics but not that good for student life
Professors and teaching staffs definitely know what they are teaching and have strong knowledge in their discipline; Academics can be quite tough and stressful for students as everyone works very hard and course grades are rather competitive; Student societies exist but are not extensive. Activities are also mostly non-existent.
