More degree graduates around the world are applying to master’s programs at a younger age to possess advanced knowledge in their specialized areas in order to stay competitive.
Michael Raimund Dornkasch is one of the high caliber overseas students who were attracted to study at HKUST to gain international exposure through academic exchange. Michael, a student of Master of Science in International Management (MIMT), embraces the Chinese culture and is looking forward to doing his academic exchange in Switzerland to gain academic and cultural experience.
The MIMT program, a new pre-experience master’s program in international management, is offered by the HKUST Business School in collaboration with CEMS - a global alliance in management education comprising 29 leading academic institutions, more than 60 multinational companies and four social partners around the world. HKUST Business School is the only CEMS member school in Hong Kong.
Michael is an Austrian student graduated from Vienna University of Technology major in BSc in Business Informatics. “I knew about CEMS as a highly selective and reputable program from back in Europe. MIMT, combining HKUST’s outstanding reputation in Asia together with CEMS’ global reputation, clearly makes it the best management master’s program offered in Hong Kong,” Michael says.
International focus
According to Michael, both academic knowledge and the know-how to put it into practice are vitally important to stay competitive in a rapidly changing business environment. “Apart from the academic knowledge, the soft skills and cultural insights I gained from other students from culturally diverse backgrounds are invaluable experience,” he adds.
Having the computer science background, Michael looks to kick off his career in the technology sector after graduation next year. “My strong entrepreneurial spirit will set me on the road to an industry where both innovation and technology play a big role,” he stresses.
By leveraging on the CEMS' academic networks, students are guaranteed the opportunity to go on international exchange at one of the CEMS member schools overseas for one term.
Michael will do exchange at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland in the second term of his study. “I'm looking forward to finishing the academic part of my MIMT studies at another highly reputable university. Through my host term, I'll be able to gain both Asian and European views on the field of international management,” Michael says.
Another MIMT student Roger Zhi-yuan Wu, who comes from China’s Fujian province, is currently doing the CEMS exchange at his host university - London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK. “The international exchange opportunity was one of the reasons why I chose the MIMT program. I believe that the exchange opportunity will improve my ability to work in a multicultural work environment in the future,” he says.
Regular dialogue
According to Roger, Hong Kong is one of the best places to study and work, blending both the Western and Asian cultures. “The MIMT program offered by HKUST Business School provides internationally-focused curriculum with Asian contexts, combining business practice and international exposure. I studied in different cities in the past, but it is the first time for me to study at an internationally-renowned university,” he says.
“To me, study not only refers to the knowledge from textbooks or lectures, but also means frequent communications between professors and students or even outside experts,” he says, adding that the MIMT program gives him the perfect platform to land his dream job.
Speaking about his career goals, Roger says he aims to start his career in market research areas. “In the meantime, I would also like to explore the opportunity to become a consultant or a management trainee of multinational companies, he adds.
The MIMT program opens up a fast track learning opportunity for fresh graduates who seek advanced knowledge in management and practical experience in an international workplace. It allows students not only to reap the latest academic knowledge required for career development, but also to gain practical experience in the business world and to have extensive international exposure in a short period of time through the required international exchange and internship.
The one-year pre-experience program is tailored for fresh graduates or those with less than two years of postgraduate work experience. Similar programs are becoming increasingly popular overseas.
Upon completion of the program, MIMT students will receive dual qualifications, including a Master of Science in International Management from HKUST and a Master’s in International Management from CEMS.
