Everything You Need To Know About Studying An MBA In Beijing

Sponsored by Peking University – Guanghua School of Management

MBA programs in mainland China are growing in popularity, attracting almost half a million students each year with the majority choosing to study in the capital, Beijing.

In recent decades, Beijing’s rapid economic and social development has cemented its position as a global leader in business and the economy, along with its reputation for business school education making it an attractive venture for those looking to get ahead in business where east meets west.

Over the last 10 years, Chinese business schools have also been climbing the upper echelons in university and business school rankings. In the most recent QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020: Business & Management Studies, Peking University – China’s oldest higher education institutes and one of its most prestigious universities and progressive think tanks – ranked second in mainland China and in the top 40 overall.

Guanghua School of Management is the only official business school at Peking University in Beijing, and together, their role in helping shape the nation’s economy and business landscape is nothing short of noteworthy. Its quality of education and international outlook helps to develop aspiring business leaders for both China and global society.

So if you’re wondering whether you’re suited to studying an MBA in Beijing, here’s a closer look at what you can expect.

What you’ll learn and how you’ll learn

An MBA in Beijing means you can take classes you wouldn’t be able to take anywhere else. China’s fascinating history and culture spanning 3,000 years is an integral part of the Guanghua Global MBA at Peking University. Its rigorous curriculum encompasses core business practices with specialist China-focused subjects, including Chinese history, Chinese culture and Chinese economy to give candidates a much better understanding of the complex business environment in China – something which got Clarissa Ng’s attention straightway.

Originally from Singapore, and having earned her undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom, Clarissa was keen to broaden her horizons even more when it came to her postgraduate education.

“The concept of China focused courses at Peking University strongly appeals to me,” she said, “it is a rare opportunity that provides individuals with valuable exposure to understand China’s business environment, firsthand.”

And while having an understanding of Chinese isn’t necessary to study an MBA in Beijing, it is helpful in the long-run. Considering how much of an important trading partner China is for companies worldwide, it would be both practical and smart, to learn the language. Doing so shows respect and effort, but in the world of business it can help build professional relationships and better negotiations.

While the Guanghua Global MBA at Guanghua School of Management is taught in English, candidates are offered the opportunity to take part in an optional pre-course in Chinese Mandarin.

What’s more, when it comes to putting your new-found MBA knowledge and skills to the test outside the classroom, real-life consulting projects, exclusive company visits, venture strategy simulations, as well as student clubs and associations, are part of the various opportunities that await.

One of the school’s real-life consulting projects is with Bytedance, one of the most popular tech companies in the world and parent company to TikTok, the viral video-sharing social networking service that has taken the world by storm in the last 12 months.

Promising job prospects and salaries to follow

Beijing ranked as a top 10 city in the 2019 Global Cities Report and the Schroders Global Cities 30 index, and smart corporate investments and technological innovations have transformed the city in recent decades into a super-economic hub, generating an abundance of international MBA careers.

Peking University’s desirable location in the center of Zhongguancun, dubbed the ‘Silicon Valley of China’, has seen 24 percent of its MBA graduates going in to finance and 18 percent going in to IT/electronics/communications.

With urbanization in mainland China increasing at a rapid pace, most finance and private equity firms in China are based in Beijing, including almost 20 of China’s Fortune 500 companies, as well as other leading global corporations and young innovative companies – all of whom are seeking motivated individuals who possess an in-depth understanding of Chinese and foreign markets. This is promising for graduates who wish to stay and grow as a professional working in these multicultural environments where you can bring new and varied perspectives.

Yuemiao Pan, who has five years’ worth of financial intermediary experience and has previously worked for Ernst & Young, knew the Guanghua Global MBA would give her the opportunity to make new connections with people from various industries and backgrounds, as well as help forge a new career path in investment related industries in China.

While Henry Sher, another current Guanghua Global MBA student, considers himself as “becoming a ‘bridge’ to the rest of the world, in both my personal and professional development.

“I want to be able to fully utilize my background, experience, and unique traits to maximize the positive influence and impact that I can bring as an individual everywhere I go,” he said.

You’ll be part of one of the most exclusive and influential network’s in Chinese society  

Peking University’s strong connections with corporate organizations, more than 600 recruiting partners and extensive alumni network are great resources for past and present MBA candidates alike.

Making new contacts and building professional connections is an important part of Chinese business culture, as is Peking’s Guanghua Global MBA program. Its exclusive alumni network and dedicated LinkedIn page is a great resource for past and present MBA candidates alike, and can hold the key to future career opportunities – something which Henry was most impressed with.  

“The MBA Alumni Mentor Program at Guanghua School of Management really showed me the strength and cohesiveness of the MBA alumni network,” Henry said. “This is the network and relationship that every MBA candidate seeks to build during his or her MBA journey, and Guanghua not only provides just a platform to connect, but also helps to establish a life-long friendship with all its MBA members.”

Lead image credit: Victor He on Unsplash