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After graduating from university in Australia, I embarked on a career in finance, focusing on accounting and corporate planning. Over the years, I found myself deeply involved in formulating business strategies, overseeing financial situations, and working closely with top management. However, two years ago, I felt the need to advance my career and sought ways for continuous learning and professional development. This led me to the HKU MBA part-time programme.
“I want to be a business leader who is not only focusing on the budgeting and planning, but also have a good understanding about business as a whole, from operation, logistics and supply chain to marketing and more.”
I chose HKU because of its strong reputation in Hong Kong and its robust alumni network. Unlike other institutions that focus heavily on research and coursework, HKU offers a more interactive and presentable approach, which I believed would help me grow not just academically but also personally. “HKU represents Hong Kong,” I thought, “and its students and alumni come across to me as very presentable.” I was eager to be part of this prestigious institution.
One of my primary goals was to gain a holistic understanding of business operations beyond my expertise in budgeting and planning. The HKU MBA programme exceeded my expectations by providing numerous opportunities to interact with top management, peers, and professors. These interactions were invaluable, allowing me to absorb wisdom and insights from diverse perspectives.
As a weekday mode part-time student, I vividly remember the excitement of rushing to class at 6:30 PM, engaging in discussions, the occasional heated debate, and working on assignments with my classmates from diverse backgrounds. These moments, though challenging, were incredibly rewarding and have taught me the value of collaboration and the importance of diverse perspectives. I learned to create not just nice-looking but also effective PowerPoint slides, organise schedules, and enhance my reporting and presentation skills, which have been invaluable in my role when presenting to management.
One of the highlights of my MBA journey was a week-long International Field Project trip to Germany with Professor Marcus. As a German with extensive experience in corporate planning, Professor Marcus provided us with unique insights into Volkswagen’s operations. We visited the Volkswagen headquarters and connected with senior executives, gaining first-hand knowledge of their practices. This trip was not only educational but also an unforgettable experience that broadened my horizons.
The HKU MBA programme has had a profound impact on my career. It has enhanced both my hard skills and soft skills. For instance, working on group assignments taught me how to collaborate effectively with different people, each bringing their unique strengths to the table.
“Now I understand more about balancing relationships within a business. As someone involved in corporate planning and cost reduction, I learned how to navigate the nuances of relationships, ensuring that I am neither too close nor too distant from my colleagues. This balance is crucial for executing plans effectively.”
It has also enabled me to learn more about my organisation, Uniqlo and now GU, through one of the case studies and how we are doing well with supply chain. Working in one function for a long time, we might lose sight of the bigger picture of business. MBA classroom also allowed me to jump out of the tunnel light to look at how business works outside of my organisation.
“If I aim to advance to C-suite level at some point in my career, I cannot only know my organisation’s practice but not how other companies are doing. Hearing other classmates sharing about their industries and practices was the best way for me to fill in the gaps, evaluate different businesses and learn how to make forward-thinking business decisions.”
Reflecting on my journey, I realised that the HKU MBA programme has been more than just an academic pursuit. It has been a journey of personal growth.
“Just as visiting a nutritionist can help you lead a healthier life and learn the right techniques to maintain such a lifestyle, an MBA equips you with a different way of thinking and nurtures a growth mindset that one can apply lifelong.”
It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing challenges even during downturn or time of struggles, and continuously growing for improvement. This experience has not only provided me with the tools to excel in my career but also the mind to achieve even greater success in the future.
To those considering the HKU MBA, my advice is to clarify your goals and actively engage with the programme. Embrace the challenges, make connections, and fully immerse yourself in the experience. “I encourage you to take the leap.” The journey may be tough, but the rewards are immeasurable.
Christol (Left Two) at alumni sharing session for current part-time MBA students
