How swiftly time flies. After two years of study, my MBA journey in the BI-Fudan MBA Program has come to an end. At this moment, my heart is filled with both joy and gratitude.
Having worked in new product planning for many years, I always hoped to have an opportunity to expand my knowledge base and enrich my understanding of in-market business operations, strategic planning, and management. This is why I decided to apply to the MBA program two years ago. After careful analysis and comparison of many options, the BI-Fudan MBA program became my first choice. I was especially attracted by its unique international environment, carefully designed curriculum, and impressive alumni network. Without hesitation, I applied to the BI-Fudan MBA Class 35.
However, before the new semester started, the pandemic rebounded worldwide. This presented many challenges for the program, with overseas faculty and on-campus courses. Fortunately, shortly after classes began, all my concerns disappeared. It was in this VUCA environment that I realized how innovative and flexible the BI-Fudan MBA program actually is, demonstrating the concept of "The Best of Both" in every regard.
The BI-Fudan MBA Program provided a fantastic environment for students to study, reflect, and discuss. We cherished every opportunity spent with professors from various top institutes, including Fudan, BI, and other overseas universities. In classes, we discussed and debated various topics, freely exchanging our opinions on business operation and corporate strategy. I vividly remember our heated debates in the Marketing Management course and the deep reflections in the Leadership Development class.
The curriculum in the BI-Fudan MBA Program is one of its best features. It is carefully designed, with core courses covering all essential aspects of business administration. Besides, we also had the opportunity to choose among interesting electives, ranging from entrepreneurship, design thinking to luxury brand management; all of which were provided by several outstanding universities, including IE and UC Berkeley.
Another impressive aspect of the BI-Fudan MBA program was how the faculty, despite the pandemic preventing most foreign professors from coming to Shanghai, tried their best to support us and provide a high-quality academic experience. For instance, the program booked a large office space equipped with advanced multimedia facilities and breakout rooms for our Business Strategy course. For the Organizational Management and Control course, Prof. Hanno joined our WeChat group ahead of time to answer our questions about pre-course assignments. It was evident that the faculty made great efforts to adapt to the uncertain environment and provide students with unwavering support.
Furthermore, the friendships and connections I made with classmates and alumni will forever be my invaluable treasures. My classmates were all talented and experienced individuals coming from diverse industries and backgrounds. We shared an eagerness to learn with open hearts and minds. Two years of studying together forged a solid bond and sense of trust among us. We had many conversations outside of school and I found myself continuously learning from my classmates’ perspectives. They were always there to help when I faced challenges in my work or daily life.
Also, the BI-Fudan MBA Program established several alumni groups and arranged numerous alumni sharing sessions. Alumni connections are one of the most valuable aspects of an MBA program, and the networking provided by the BI-Fudan MBA program introduced me to a diverse range of professionals that I may have otherwise never connected with.
Finally, as BI-Fudan MBA students, we had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of seminars and events arranged by the Management School of Fudan University and the BI Norwegian Business School. The Norwegian Business Societies and Institutes in Shanghai also organized many fascinating lectures on international business and sustainable development. These seminars provided us with valuable opportunities to expand our vision and interact with leading scholars and business leaders.
Looking back, my two years in the BI-Fudan MBA Program have not only provided me with the advanced management knowledge, but also instilled in me the courage to embrace new challenges, no matter the circumstances. Graduating from the program marks the beginning of my post-MBA life. Today, I am more willing to step out of my comfort zone, actively participate in various innovative projects in my company, and continuously strive to become a better leader.
