MBA Discussion Board

Hi guys:

I would sincerely appreciate any informed advice.

I intend to apply for HKUST's MBA program. My backgound is as follows:

Currently working in Australia, originally from China.

Bachelor: GPA 3.7 major: international business (second-tier university in China);
Master: GPA 3.7 major: finance (top-tier university in Australia);
GMAT: will take in October, expect at least 720;
CFA level 3 candidate;
Work experience: five years as university lecturer, with some supervisory duties, one year in Education consultancy.

Could anybody please evaluate my backgound for the chance of being accepted? How likely can I get into HKUST's MBA?

My main concern is that I don't have any experience in Finance before MBA, so if I specialize in Finance at HKUST, do I have a good chance of finding a job in Finance (e,g IB or mutual fund)? How is the placement record of MBAs from HKUST, particularly in the Finance sector?

The other problem is, if I get accepted, I will be 34 years old when finishing the MBA program. At such an age without any pre-MBA experience in Finance, can I successfully make a career change? Is it really difficult?

I wish to work in Asian region, ideally HK, and eventually relocate to Mainland China.

Can anyone who knows more about the program and HK's finance job market give me some suggestions?

Many thanks!

Also interested in placement statistics at HK UST, anyone?

Thanks for sharing information guys.

But I am still unsure if I can make a career change at the age of 34, considering the fact that my experience before MBA is purely academic.

Also, I hear that Investment banks tend to hire people under 30, is it true? If I can not make IB, do I have other opportunities, say in Mutual funds or asset management?

Thanks again!

[Edited 28 Jun 2007 by kit]

The average salaries for HKUST MBA grads seem somewhat underwhelming. The highest, around $72k in 2006 for grads employed overseas, is ok but not stellar. I imagine a good number of pre-MBA types are already making that.

[Edited 28 Jun 2007 by copernicus]

I see a lot of distorted information on this board. HKUST is a good school, but it is not comparable to a global program.

Even if you want to work in HK post-MBA, you should still go to the top global programs. (Without a doubt, INSEAD is one of them.)

Obviously, you don't know how MBA recruitment works.

Check the investment banks and consulting firms and ask them where they recruit from.

INSEAD & LBS will get you further in Asia than most US schools. Also, check the salary numbers.

Let's not take a US-centric view of things now....

Even if you want to work in HK post-MBA, you should still go to the top global programs. (Without a doubt, INSEAD is one of them.)

Lastly, allow me to establish my credibility here. I graduated from Stanford and have been living in Asia since 1996. I am fairly familiar with the recruitment process for the financial services (investment banking, private equity & other front office functions) and consulting industries in Asia.

I am just telling you the truth.

I can tell you that while Stanford has great name recognition in Asia, reality is that its alumni network is actually pretty weak in the region, especially if you're in the non-tech arena.

Believe what you want to believe. I am just offering an alternative view on things.

If you want to impress people at a cocktail party, Harvard and Stanford will do the trick no doubt. But, I don't think that's what life (or school) is about.

[Edited 04 Sep 2007 by Admin]

Placement statistics

www.mbacareer.ust.hk/students/employment_highlight…

32% experienced salary increase of over 200%
20% experienced salary increase of 100-200%
24% 50-100%
12% 25-50%

These stats are very impressive! Even at the low end for someone who already made a lot , still up to 50% increase.

I am just telling you the truth.

I can tell you that while Stanford has great name recognition in Asia, reality is that its alumni network is actually pretty weak in the region, especially if you're in the non-tech arena.

Believe what you want to believe. I am just offering an alternative view on things.

If you want to impress people at a cocktail party, Harvard and Stanford will do the trick no doubt. But, I don't think that's what life (or school) is about.

First off all, my hat is off to anyone after Stanford, whether or not you went there thats another story.

Your last paragraph again contradicts your supposed "Stanford" education. However if you truly believe what you said, you would never take INSEAD-Singapore over HK UST, never!

Lets try to stick to the subject here, and that is placements after HK UST. No need to bring in other schools/continents in this thread.