From Dental Surgery to Business Strategy

For many professionals, advancing their careers means pivoting to leverage their existing skills in new and more lucrative ways. However, sometimes the change comes as a surprise. That was the experience of Dr. Disha Kataria, who trained as a dental surgeon in India.

“Even though once you come out of dental school, you’re supposed to be running a business, you have no understanding of how to actually run a business,” she says.

Dr. Kataria was drawn to the business aspects of running dental clinics. After moving to Hong Kong, she was confronted with needing a local dental license to continue practicing. Instead, she pursued her interest in business and joined the one-year Full-time MBA program at HKU Business School to formalize her business education. The program was a perfect match for her because it was incredibly international, focused on developing soft skills, and taught by friendly and approachable professors.

The HKU MBA program is also designed to support career transformations. Many of their graduates have made the “triple jump,” which includes changing industry, function, and location. The program offers extensive career support and networking opportunities to help students achieve these ambitious goals.

The degree has opened new doors for Dr. Kataria, including the opportunity to undertake internships to gain work experience in Hong Kong. Internships are critical to MBA programs, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Having completed two internships, Dr. Kataria has developed greater confidence in pursuing the business side of medicine.

Internships as a Stepping Stone

Dr. Kataria’s internships in Hong Kong have allowed her to understand what it’s like to work in the international hub.

Her first internship was with a US-based medical equipment company, which she undertook part-time alongside her MBA program.

This role involved conducting market entry research, identifying locations for expansion, and determining appropriate product pricing strategies. Dr. Kataria was given a lot of responsibility and reported directly to senior leadership.

“I was the only person working on that project with the marketing director,” Dr. Kataria shares.

Thankfully, the Marketing Strategy course from the MBA had given her the tools she needed to succeed.

Her second internship, a full-time role with Pfizer, presented different challenges. Pfizer is a well-established company with a strong organizational culture and rigorous operational standards. Here, she led a corporate wellness project in a more structured environment. She gained valuable experience collaborating with a larger team and navigating the complexities of a global company.

Dr. Kataria’s diverse internship experiences have been instrumental in her personal development. They helped her understand and adapt to different environments. Additionally, the internships gave her a deeper understanding of the business side of healthcare. Her internship experiences solidified her interest in product development and analytics within the sector.

Getting Connected Through Career Services

HKU’s Career Development and Training Team plays a pivotal role in student success, offering tailored guidance and support. The team ensures graduates are well-prepared to achieve their career goals through personalized coaching, industry connections, and practical workshops.

For example, the mentor program pairs students with professionals who match students’ career goals and provide guidance and networking opportunities.

“We also have a formal mentorship program at HKU, so my first internship I got through there,” she says.

The support didn’t stop there, however. The career services team at HKU offered coaching sessions on networking effectively and preparing for interviews. Dr. Kataria found her internship with Pfizer through the networking skills that HKU helped her develop.

This comprehensive support system is invaluable for MBA students, especially those like Dr. Kataria, who are transitioning into new fields in a new location.

Experiencing Hong Kong’s Diverse and Dynamic Work Culture

Hong Kong’s vibrant and diverse work culture has been a highlight of Dr. Kataria’s experience.  The acceptance and integration of expats make it a welcoming environment for professionals from all over the world.

Hong Kong’s status as a global financial and business hub attracts a diverse array of industries and multinational corporations. This dynamic environment offers MBA students unique opportunities to engage with leading companies and gain exposure to international business practices.

With HKU Business School’s strong career services support and the opportunity-filled business landscape of Hong Kong, students like Dr. Kataria are well-equipped to excel in their new home.