Roundel

VIDEO | Hobbies & Interests: What We're Bringing To The MBA Classroom

VIDEO | Hobbies & Interests: What We're Bringing To The MBA Classroom
Say Qi is a keen soccer player and current student on the Global MBA at Peking University Guanghua School of Economics and Management

The MBA classroom is often made up of individuals from diverse geographic and professional backgrounds. But students' hobbies and interests are equally important in shaping the classroom

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22/07/2025

Learning from your classmates is one of the most fundamental parts of the MBA experience. Your fellow cohorts will bring them experiences gained from living in different countries and working in alternate sectors, which can make for interesting and dynamic class interactions. 

But what about your hobbies and interests? 

In this video, we hear from three students in Global MBA program at Peking University Guanghua School of Management who are bringing the unique lessons they have learned from their hobbies and interests into the MBA classroom. 



Marten Henry Tesdorpf, from Germany, is a keen runner who won the PKU Guanghua campus running race among the international students. He says he has learned skills such as patience, resilience, consistency, and strategic planning during his time developing as a runner. 

For Canadian Zhe Quan, who is currently the top-ranked chess player in the university's international chess competition and gained the prestigious title of 'International Master' in 2008, chess has taught him strategic thinking, decision-making, and pattern recognition. 

Say Qi, from Singapore, has long been passionate about playing soccer and has played both competitively and in friendly matches while a PKU Guanghua MBA student. He feels the greatest benefit of playing the game has been in helping him connect with others. 

Marten, Zhe, and Say are all bringing what they have learned through their personal lives into the PKU Guanghua MBA classroom to make an impact. 

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