MBA graduates are in big demand on the mainland where they can expect to boost their salary by up to 126 per cent, according to a survey carried out last year by the London Business School.
The survey showed that, worldwide, MBA recipients received an average salary rise of 46 per cent immediately after graduation - compared with their pre-MBA pay - 129 per cent three to five years later and 208 per cent six to 10 years after leaving business school.
It is not just corporate giants that require the skills learned on an MBA course. In the today's economic climate small firms need managers who are able to help grow the business. An MBA takes time and commitment and it is not cheap. Most students are working full time, usually in management positions.
Carol Lo is studying part time at Polytechnic University (PolyU) and is halfway through her second year. She works for an outsourcing company that supplies security data management solutions to Hong Kong's banks. 'The economic downturn means it's more important than ever to be competitive in the workplace and an MBA will give me an edge,' she says. 'If you have this qualification you will not be the first person to be fired.
'I studied translation at University of Hong Kong, but I didn't take any business studies courses. I've been working with my present company for three years and in the commercial world for 10 years, and I have come to realise that further qualifications will be beneficial to my career development.'
Lo says the MBA is giving her the opportunity to study subjects such as organisational behaviour.