Yoshifumi Morita, Class of 2017
Pre-MBA: Associate, Mizuho
Current: Senior Associate, PwC Advisory LLC

1. Why did you decide to do an MBA and how has the experience transformed you?

My main goal in pursuing an MBA was to broaden my career opportunities. Before joining HKUST, I had already worked for more than five years at one of Japan’s largest corporate banks in relationship management, covering both listed and private companies. I was eager to try something new to expand my horizons, and being in my late 20s, I felt that this was a good time to switch my career focus.

My MBA experience at HKUST was life-changing, to say the least. It empowered me to explore my career potential. I gained solid experience through internships in a private equity fund, a hedge fund, and an M&A role at a listed company. In addition, I learned a lot not only from the professors but also from my fellow classmates and alumni, who greatly motivated me and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.

2. How did Hong Kong and HKUST become your top choice for doing the MBA?

Location was one of the most important factors when I chose my MBA program. To me, Asia is the most vibrant region in the world. Having already closed a couple of cross-border deals between Japan and other Asian countries, I was inclined to look for an MBA program in Asia.

As the world’s prime financial hub, Hong Kong seemed to be the perfect place for someone with my banking background, and also the best choice in Asia, given the advantage of its geographical location as a gateway to China. I was determined to stay in Asian business post-MBA, and it was important to choose a place that could provide relevant internship opportunities during my studies.

I chose HKUST because of its amazing diversity. In my class, we had 30 nationalities represented among around 100 students. This has equipped me well for succeeding in a global business setting