In today's dynamic business world, ambitious professionals are constantly seeking new ways to elevate their careers. To stay ahead of the curve and unlock new opportunities, investing in continuous learning and professional development is essential. Cherry Chen, currently Manager, Investor Engagement at HKSTP and a graduate of the HKUST MBA program, has adopted this approach by taking up her Part-time (Weekly) MBA study at HKUST. 

A Passion for Learning and Growth

Coming from a background in investor relations and communications, Cherry recognized the need for a broader business perspective to elevate her career after having built her expertise in the profession for several years.

“In order to advance in my career, I realized the need to cultivate a macro-overview, enhance my vision horizontally, and develop strategic thinking. Pursuing an MBA provided an opportunity for self-reflection and exploration, and I wanted to explore new chances and possibilities that align with my strengths and interests,” said Cherry. 

Why HKUST?

As Cherry was seeking an MBA that would open doors to diverse career opportunities, she came across HKUST’s strong regional reputation in its extensive range of internation exposure, and highly flexible program and curriculum design.

“Despite being a part-time student, I was thrilled to discover that HKUST offers various international programs such as the GNAM Small Network Online Course program, GNAM Global Network Week, and Exchange program, allowing students like me to tailor our experience to our specific situations and broaden our global perspectives. The Weekly study provided the perfect balance between academic rigor and personal flexibility, and students from different fields could find courses and schedules that suited their needs. Professor Chris Doran's Management Consulting was my favourite course! It gave me a professional consultant’s perspective with analytical mindset and problem-solving skills, which is going to benefit me for a lifetime,” said Cherry. 

A Day in Life Juggling Multiple Roles: Working Professional, MBA student, and Family
We asked Cherry, how did she prioritize her different commitments, both as a working mum and part-time student? She recalled her once-in-a-life-time study experience during the pandemic, “This two-year journey gave me profound sense of fulfilment. This challenging period taught me valuable lessons in efficiency and time management. Along the unwavering support of my family, I also adjusted my routine to make the best use of my time – working on coursework with a takeaway lunch on a working day, then spending quality time with my child once I got home, and still, dedicating time to study or attend class after that. Undoubtedly, I needed to eliminate unnecessary distractions, but being able to accomplish everything I set out to do made this an incredibly enriching process that brought me substantial gains and life-long impact.”

A Unique “Family Exchange” Experience

Cherry leveraged HKUST MBA’s global network and went on for an exchange in Melbourne, Australia during her MBA study. Having sought great support from her then employer, Cherry was able to reassume a purely student role and even shared this unique experience with her family.
“My husband’s job allows him to work remotely, and my child was attending kindergarten at that time. They accompanied me to Melbourne, and we enrolled our child into a local kindergarten for a few months. Our family also took this opportunity to explore a new country and way of living. It was an incredibly enriching experience for all of us and shaped me into a more adaptable and culturally aware individual!” Cherry noted. 

We ended the interview by asking Cherry, what is her advice to visionaries who also share the aspiration for continuous growth and professional development. As she reflected on her MBA journey, Cherry highlighted the transformation of her mindset and achievements she made, “The dynamic nature of the MBA program has reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability. It has instilled in me a habit of continuous learning and a mindset of adaptability to different external environments. Studying such a rigorous program part-time is undeniably challenging, but it also enriches your life, adds another dimension to your daily routine, and allows you to accomplish things you may never have dreamed of. Remember, you are not alone on this continuously evolving journey. Along the way, you will meet like-minded individuals who share your aspirations and thoughts about personal and professional growth. The connections you make with them will become invaluable treasures in your life.” 

Start your journey of change and growth today to prepare for future opportunities. Book an admissions consultation or join our admissions event to learn more about our Part-time MBA program! 
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