Students investing in an MBA rightly expect something more than what the core curriculum promises. Along with picking up the theory, technical knowledge and soft skills which constitute the key elements of the course, they are also looking to develop their personal networks and explore new career possibilities.
Conscious of that, overseas-headquartered business schools which offer programmes for students based in Hong Kong are therefore stepping up efforts to create contacts and give practical assistance.
In most cases, they find the natural starting point is to strengthen links with the alumni community, bringing past and present students together. And doing so often has two additional benefits: it helps faculty members keep in close touch with the latest developments across the business spectrum and it provides a conduit for senior executives to pass on their experience as guest lecturers, programme advisers, or mentors.
“We have started organising events in Hong Kong to connect current students with alumni and will continue to build our MBA community,” says Robyn Gleeson, director of career services for the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at the University of New South Wales. “There is a shared sense of experience among like-minded individuals who are at different levels and working in different industries. This encourages people to talk and can act as a catalyst for new career opportunities.”
While ostensibly social occasions, such events are clearly seen as a platform for change. Students can get a feel for what life is really like in other sectors and start to weigh up more deliberately the pros and cons of a possible move. What subsequently develops is up to the individuals, but at least they have the added assurance that goes with access to the advice and ideas of a wider circle of acquaintances, many of whom have faced similar decisions and challenges a few years back.
“We find the bulk of students are using the MBA as a transition and see it as a way of broadening their options enormously,” Gleeson says. “Usually, they are looking to go into more of a management role. The programme gives them the ability to make that step, or even be a ‘triple jumper’ changing country, industry and role.”