IMBA appeals to expat and local executives alike
Print Edition
As an international executive who鈥檚 been based in China for a number of years, Pieder Gieriet understands how studying an executive MBA can boost his career opportunities and help keep him competitive in the global jobs market.
Originally from Switzerland but now based in Suzhou, Pieder is studying on the two-year International MBA program for executives at International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) at Xi鈥檃n Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU).
Launched in 2014, the part-time program combines rigorous academic modules with a wide range of professional development activities aimed at fostering students鈥 managerial and leadership capabilities.
Gieriet saw studying on the program as an ideal opportunity to gain a new perspective on his current role as head of finance and controlling at a leading manufacturer of high-performance polymers, as well as to refresh his skills should he look to move on professionally in the future.
鈥淚 am deeply involved in my work so I thought I needed to gain some outside views and updated knowledge,鈥 he says. 鈥淭he IMBA will look good on my CV when it comes the time to move on in my career.鈥
The program is taught at IBSS and located in the Suzhou Industrial Park, home to more than 130 Fortune 500 companies within a community of some 5,000 Chinese and international enterprises. This makes the city one of the most vibrant centers of business activity worldwide and home to a number of international executives.
For Alex Walschewski, who is originally from Germany but now a manager at global ceramics company CeramTec in Suzhou, studying the part-time program fitted in with his work routine perfectly. Students on the program study part-time in blocks of teaching, usually delivered once a month over a weekend.
鈥淚 travel a lot for my job so XJTLU鈥檚 location was an important motivating factor for me,鈥 says Walschewski. 鈥淭he part-time program was also very convenient for me.鈥
With the support of his employers, Walschewski sees gaining the IMBA as an important step in both his current role and his career more generally.
鈥淪tudying this program will be a really huge benefit for my career,鈥 he says. 鈥淚 came here to China to do something else but then there were some changes in my company and I was given much more responsibility. In order to go to the next step I need the experience from this program.鈥
鈥淚t is important that CeramTec supports our employees in doing international qualifications such as the IMBA as we do not want to loose good young employees like Walschewski,鈥 says Claudia Frank, head of Human Resources Development at CeramTec.
鈥淭his international program opens and extends the global thinking of participants. Thanks to Walschewski鈥檚 working experience in Suzhou and his participation in this program he will be able to perform further leadership and management activities in any of CeramTec鈥檚 worldwide locations. The XJTLU IMBA is a very good program for his further international professional career.鈥
It鈥檚 not just expats based in China who see the benefits of this internationally-focussed program. Chinese executives also see it as an opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain vital international experience.
Current student Mao Jianyuan, a financial controller at a major international company that designs and manufactures high-performance plastic netting, believes the program, combined with Suzhou鈥檚 unique environment, is an excellent base for gaining international experience.
鈥淲e have many professors from different international backgrounds, which give this university an international view and a unique outlook from a business point of view,鈥 he says.
鈥淭he program鈥檚 flexibility and diversity make it a perfect fit for managers from international and domestic companies as well as those in the public sector,鈥 says Roberto Don脿, professor of practice and director of MBA programs at IBSS. 鈥淚t is designed for professionals who want to enhance their career and acquire more managerial tools.鈥
The program is divided into four quarters, with core modules integrating key themes concerning management and leadership in an international context. These modules are accompanied by ongoing career development and leadership activities.
The international focus is an important element of the IMBA and it鈥檚 not just students based in China who take advantage of the program鈥檚 global opportunities.
General manager Charlie Harte was able to visit XJTLU on a weeklong exchange that allows students from three academic partners, the University of Toronto, Tel-Aviv University and Bocconi University, to visit XJTLU and attend classes. In exchange, XJTLU IMBA students have opportunities to go to these universities for international field trips.
Charlie was the first student from the University of Toronto to visit XJTLU, wanting the chance to experience China and to understand the potential opportunities for his company.
鈥淭he (visit to XJTLU) allowed me to expand my network outside of my regular channels,鈥 he says.
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