Calling all CEIBS(Shanghai) Applicants: (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!!

To MBA or not to MBA – that is the question.

The MBA has a lot of critics. Many say that it’s an outdated qualification that has no real value in today’s business world which requires highly specialized skills. I, however, disagree with this wholeheartedly. I chose to do my MBA in China simply because being around like-minded people, yet in a completely new environment is opening doors to opportunities that I would never have otherwise had the chance to experience. Everyday my mind is being stretched and exposed to new industries and ways of thinking.

I decided to do my MBA at Chine Europe International School (CEIBS) in particular because of the truly unique experience that it offers – an MBA taught in English by professors from all over the world in the dynamic and exciting metropolis that is Shanghai, which sits on edge of the largest and most economically exciting country on earth. In the last 6 months I have learned about the Chinese people – how they think and what they value – I have been able to create my own first-hand understanding of this often-misunderstood country. I have had a chance to appreciate the differences between the West and the East, and I have expanded my network to more nationalities and industries than I ever thought possible.

Take what happened to me just this morning as a perfect example – I am currently in Hong Kong for the Chinese New Year holiday and through a professor I got in touch with the Director of Structured Investments of one of China’s largest Private Equity firms. We had an interesting discussion about an industry that I did not even know existed – hydroponic agriculture. Another recent example that has been of great value to me is the endless business competitions that are available for us to compete in at CEIBS. Even with no experience in the consulting industry, I was able to work with people who do have experience in the industry and understand their approach in terms of way of thinking and presenting deliverables. The point is, without an MBA from CEIBS I would never have been able to gain access to such people and information. Like everything, the whole experience does have its drawbacks but these are nothing in comparison to what I have gained thus far on this journey.