Globe swotting

Christine Jue travelled half the globe for the chance to acquire a learning experience in Asia and develop a career in the region.

Born and raised in San Francisco in the US, she studied a bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of California, Berkeley. After graduating, she worked in financial services for six years and made her way up to the role of administrative manager of a global financial services firm.

She left her job last year and flew to Hong Kong to start on a full-time MBA programme at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). She expects to graduate in 2013.

What prompted you to pursue an MBA?
Although I knew a long time ago that I wanted to pursue a master’s degree, I was not exactly sure the area in which I wanted to study. But after working in the financial services industry, I discovered I really enjoyed the business field, so I thought, why not do an MBA? This would not only expand my education, but also help me grow personally and professionally.

Why did you choose HKU?
At my previous firm, I worked in the international division and was exposed to the Asian market. From this experience, I really saw myself working in Asia someday. When it became time to apply for MBA programmes, I realised there would not be a better opportunity to start planning my path to a career in Asia.

I chose HKU because I knew I would be taught by well-experienced experts on the Asia economy and business environment. I also would have classmates from around the world and be able to network with Asia-based executives and professionals. I was sure that the HKU MBA experience would be more rewarding than something back in the US.

Also, although there are many prestigious universities in the US, I chose to pursue an MBA in Hong Kong because I felt that would give me the foundation to be successful in pursuing a career in the region. I see my studies at HKU as an opportunity to help me build up my Asia network, something which I would not have been able to do in the US.