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Transform and Soar with
HKUST MBA

“I am now one step closer to achieving my 3 ‘C’s (career change, industry change, location change)” 
by Bo XU

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Bo XU (China)
Class of 2021
Pre-MBA: Senior Project Economist, Suncor Energy Inc. (Canada)
MBA Internship: Credit Suisse APAC Summer Associate Program 2020

1. Why did you choose the HKUST MBA program?

For me, pursuing an MBA is about taking calculated risk and experiencing change. Having studied and worked in Canada, I wanted an MBA experience that would further broaden my horizons and provide me with a global perspective. Given Asia’s status as the world’s economic growth engine, I decided to explore this part of the world and reconnect with my roots.

HKUST’s MBA, offered by Asia’s top business school, which is also ranked among the global top 20 MBA programs, had everything I was looking for: high-quality education, an accelerated and highly flexible structure, a diverse student body, and, most importantly, a unique location, Hong Kong, which is a well-established international financial hub in Asia.   

2. How have your experience at HKUST and life in Hong Kong been so far?

Situated on the Clear Water Bay seafront, the HKUST campus truly lives up to its reputation of being the most beautiful campus in Asia. The campus is equipped with all of the necessary facilities, including a hair salon, medical clinics, and multiple gyms, along with various restaurants and other food outlets across the campus, offering a wide variety of cuisines.

What I love the most is the outdoor soccer pitch, located right on the seafront. This is a dream come true for me, as a soccer enthusiast. Another highlight is the five-story library, which boasts a panoramic view of the scenic islands and ocean from every floor. I have never enjoyed going to a library as much as I have at HKUST. Living on campus is not only convenient but also economical. The retail outlets, daily necessities and services, and food options on the campus are very affordable, and students enjoy discounts on them as well. 

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Bo (far right at the back) at a soccer game with his MBA classmates and MBA staff members on the seafront soccer pitch of the HKUST campus

Life in Hong Kong is just as I had imagined: exciting and dynamic. As a foodie, I can find just about anything here. Once a month, I go on a “treasure hunt” across the city for the best dai pai dong and Michelin starred street food vendors, which represent the city’s history and culture. Apart from its exciting city life, Hong Kong has many natural attractions, with amazing hiking trails on our doorstep. Although the protests and COVID-19 outbreak have caused some inconvenience, they haven’t stopped me and many others from making the most of our time here in Hong Kong. 

3. What has been the most impressive moment of your MBA journey so far?

I have been most impressed by the lengths to which the program goes to ensure that students’ needs are well supported. This was especially clear during the unexpected local and global events that took place in 2019/20. The conveners of the HKUST MBA program have done a great job in minimizing disruption to our studies while ensuring students’ safety.

The tremendous career support and advice that I received from the Career and Professional Development Team of the HKUST MBA have also impressed and reassured me. To help us overcome the potential challenges involved in searching for a job in today’s climate, the team has poured in additional resources to expand students’ search for job opportunities and provide additional professional training to help increase our competitiveness in the job market. For example, the multi-day financial modeling course provided by a globally renowned investment banking training provider was of great value, helping me to earn a place in Credit Suisse’s APAC Summer Associate Program.  

The Career and Professional Development Team also connects students with an extensive network of successful industry professionals. To help prepare for my job interviews, I was paired with a seasoned career coach with more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. The insights and advice I obtained were invaluable. Most importantly, they gave me the confidence I needed to excel and stand out in my interviews. With the help of my support network from the MBA program office and fellow students, along with my own hard work, I am now one step closer to achieving my 3 ‘C’s (career change, industry change and location change).  

I also want to add that my HKUST MBA experience has not just been academically enriching. Since the start of the program, I have also learned many valuable life lessons and received overwhelming support from the amazing people I have met. I could not have asked for a more fulfilling MBA experience.  


4. What’s your motto when dealing with challenges?  

Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. 

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Bo (middle) visiting Victoria Dockside, Hong Kong’s new art and design district in Tsim Sha Tsui, with his MBA classmates during a student club event.

Scholarships

Wide selection of scholarships for HKUST Full-time MBA Program, covering up to 100% tuition fee supporting outstanding candidates to pursue your MBA study.

Admitted candidates are automatically considered for this scholarship and no additional application materials are required. 

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Full Scholarship

This Full Scholarship will be awarded to highly distinguished and carefully-selected candidates who demonstrate exceptional interview performance and quality in their HKUST Full-time MBA application. High-caliber applicants with excellent professional track record, academic achievements and collaborative mindset are our ideal awardees who can contribute and bring positive impacts to the HKUST MBA community.

Awardee(s) of the Full Scholarship will be the role model showing their ultimate dedication on pursuing an MBA and make the most out of their MBA journey in HKUST.

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Merit Scholarships

The Merit Scholarship is offered to top admitted candidates who demonstrate strength in work exposure, international exposure, academic performance (strong bachelor or postgraduate degree/GMAT score), references and interview performance.

Merit Scholarship and all Professional Awards are only available for HKUST Full-time MBA Program.
 
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Professional Awards

HKUST MBA acknowledges achievements of candidates from extensive aspects:
- HKUST MBA Global Citizen Award
- HKUST MBA Women Award
- HKUST MBA Entrepreneur Award
- HKUST MBA Business Technology and Innovation Award
- HKUST MBA Consulting Strategy Award
- HKUST MBA East and Southeast Asia Business Professional Award
- HKUST MBA India Business Professional Award
- HKUST MBA Diversity Award

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Jebsen Scholarship (For permanent residents of Mainland China & Hong Kong)

Donated by Jebsen & Co. Ltd., the Jebsen Scholarship is available to full-time MBA students who are permanent residents of mainland China or the HKSAR. Selection will be based on candidates’ academic background, work experience, and career interest.

Scholarship amount:
HK$125,000

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MBA Mentorship Program

Close-knit elite MBA Community

Over 150 alumni and students shared the joy of the newly formed mentor-mentee bonding.  The carefully paired mentors & mentees will connect regularly to exchange their first-hand experience on personal and career development.

HKUST MBA Highlights

World's Top 20 MBA

Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2008-2020

No.4 in Career Progress 

Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2020, among Top 20 Programs

95% Employed in Asia Post-MBA

HKUST MBA Employment Results 2019

91% 3-month Employment Rate

HKUST MBA Employment Results 2019

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CONTACT US AT MBA@UST.HK

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