The future of work is set to change drastically due to rapid technological advances in artificial intelligence, big data and robotics.
In the business world, these new technologies are already disrupting the industry. That’s why it’s pivotal for students to choose institutions that deliver business studies in innovative ways, adequately preparing students for future workplaces.
For those who want to pursue business studies, it’s essential you choose the right university; one with strategic industry partnerships, international exposure for students, hands-on learning opportunities and course structures that teach you how to think critically.
Located in the heart of Asia, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) is one institution that helps students adapt to the future working world and thrive within it.
HKBU’s School of Business was named one of the Top 25 Asia-Pacific business schools in 2018 by the Financial Times (FT), whereby the ranking acknowledged the quality of the school’s postgraduate programmes.
Furthermore, the Master of Science in Business Management programme ranks within the top 100 in the FT Master’s in Management (MiM) ranking for 2018.
The school is also among the one percent of business schools worldwide (and the only business school in Hong Kong) to hold triple accreditation by three leading global accreditation bodies (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS).
Plus, HKBU is ranked 60th in the Times Higher Education World University Impact Rankings 2019.
All this and more makes it an excellent choice for students thinking of pursuing a graduate business programme.
Industry-relevant business studies
Offering the ideal balance of in-depth business know-how and applied knowledge, this school hosts a number of innovative and high quality full-time graduate business programmes.
For example, the Master of Human Resources Management (MHRM) provides graduates with vital knowledge in human resources, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in the industry.
This internationally-recognised programme is mapped to the CIPD Advanced Certificate in Human Resources. As the CIPD Approved Centre, MHRM students who register as CIPD student members are eligible to achieve the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Certificate in Human Resources qualification and apply for the CIPD Associate membership after graduation.
Graduates of the programme become effective communicators and analytical critical thinkers who possess the ability to develop people-management programmes and processes, based on an awareness of the importance of the organisational and cultural context of human resources.
Those in the Master of Accountancy programme receive contemporary and progressive knowledge of accounting, and are taught to develop analytical and critical thinking skills to solve real business problems.
Jenny Lim from Malaysia, who graduated from the Master of Accountancy, Class of 2018-19, is now working as an Audit Associate, Financial Services Business Unit, PwC (Singapore office).
She said, “Apart from gaining knowledge that is necessary to be prepared for the challenging working environment, the best thing about a university life is to know friends who will always be there to celebrate your success or accompany you to pass through unexpected bumps in your life. I am such a lucky girl to gain both knowledge and friendships throughout the study year of the master programme. Thanks, HKBU!”
The Master of Science in Applied Accounting & Finance is the only Master’s programme in Hong Kong that combines both accounting and finance studies to develop future industry leaders.
New electives have been introduced to help students develop the ideal skillsets and increase their employability factor, such as ‘Financial Regulations and Compliance’.
Tuimebek Karabay, originally from Kazakhstan, graduated with his MSc in Applied Accounting & Finance in 2018. He has been working in the Auditing Wealth and Asset Management Sector of one of the four biggest accounting firms – Ernst & Young (EY) in Hong Kong since graduation.
He said, “Many of my friends who studied with me in this programme were from different backgrounds.
“Some were like me from business management, some from IT, and the programme was designed so well that it could really take you from the beginning level to an advanced level.
“One of the courses called Corporate Finance was really amazing because we had these Bloomberg Terminals. We did it for a month and I learned a lot on how to use that Bloomberg Terminal.”
He also benefits from the school’s strong alumni network, connecting him with senior alumni during lunch gatherings at his current workplace.
Thomas Huang, a Cambodian American, graduated with an MSc in Applied Economics – another cutting-edge graduate business programme at the school. He is now working as the Business Developer of Agorize.
He said, “I interned in the International Office helping oversee the exchange programmes, excursions, and also the 100-person Student Ambassador Programme. I was also part of Model United Nations. I think both of these programmes really helped me develop a sense for how to interact with diverse people and with local people in Hong Kong.
“Attending some HKBU events, I somehow was linked to people like former US Vice President Al Gore and Alibaba’s Jack Ma. It was so cool hearing about these successful people and sustainability and innovation, and it really inspired me to continue moving forward.”
Global exposure and innovative programmes
There are also joint degree programmes with leading international universities, such as the MSc in Global Marketing Management with the University of Sheffield in the UK and a joint MSc in Entrepreneurship and Global Marketing with the Grenoble Ecole de Management in France.
These allow students to gain more insights into the international business world and receive global exposure so they can work abroad or in multicultural cities like Hong Kong and Singapore.
The school has also recently introduced two new programmes to serve the increasing demand for talent in the rapidly growing industries of Big Data and FinTech; the MSc in Finance (FinTech and Financial Analytics) and the MSc in Data Analytics and Business Economics.
All students are required to participate in at least six Professional Development Activities (PDA). This enhances their academic experience and makes them more attractive hires after graduation.
The school also offers International Postgraduate Scholarships for highly-qualified international students as well as other Scholarships and Awards, such as Diversity Contribution Scholarships, entrance scholarships and graduation academic awards, to international students before admitting to the programmes or completions.
Michal Chmielinski, a recipient of the Diversity Contribution Scholarship of the MSc in Business Management programme from Poland, graduated in 2019. He was then awarded a full Belt and Road Scholarship (Research Postgraduate) by the HKSAR Government to pursue his PhD study.
He said, “With this generous scholarship, I am glad that I can further my research postgraduate study at HKBU because my supervisor is an excellent researcher in the field I am interested in.
“Thanks to the frequent conversations with my professors over the past year, I understood that pursuing an academic position is a perfect career path for me considering my passion for research and knowledge discovery. I am looking forward to my PhD study at HKBU.”
For cutting-edge graduate business studies that position students as responsible leaders and change-makers of industry, Hong Kong Baptist University’s School of Business is the ideal choice.
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