Referred to as ‘China’s Silicon Valley’ and, in 2021, named the Chinese city with the highest growth potential by The Economist, Hangzhou is a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and ambition.
Hangzhou is one of the most tech-ready hubs in China and the total funding in Hangzhou tech companies has amounted to $1.6 billion.
In fact, the Zhejiang government has partnered with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba to create the ‘Future Sci-Tech City’—an innovation and venture incubator located in Hangzhou.
Learn how Ruodan Wei leveraged her MBA from Zhejiang University School of Management in Hangzhou to enter into this innovative ecosystem and navigate the business landscape in China.
Deciding to pursue an MBA to enhance an entrepreneurial career
Ruodan's journey into the business world was unconventional.
Prior to pursuing her MBA at Zhejiang University, she had already earned a master’s degree in advanced engineered materials from the University of Manchester in the UK.
She specialized in diverse areas such as composites, advanced alloys, and functional ceramics, laying a solid foundation in materials science and engineering.
She had also co-founded her own company, Zhejiang Huajie Material Technology. However, Ruodan (pictured) wanted to complement her technical expertise with business acumen and management skills.
“I felt an MBA would further enhance these capabilities and prepare me for more senior management positions or potential entrepreneurial endeavors in the future,” she says.
With a background in project management at Zhejiang Dahua Technology and as a supplier quality engineer at Foxconn Technology Group, Ruodan understood the importance of effective project management and cross-functional collaboration in driving business success.
Ruodan’s decision to pursue an MBA at Zhejiang University School of Management was influenced by its reputation and proximity to the innovative environment.
"Zhejiang's innovation environment is very friendly," Ruodan says.
“The proximity and potential synergies with regional enterprises and innovation centers were a big factor in my decision [to study at the university].”
Developing skills and a network during an MBA
Throughout her time at Zhejiang University School of Management, Ruodan honed several industry-specific skills essential for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Zhejiang prioritizes the development of a cutting-edge curriculum and recent additions to the Global MBA program include Frontiers in Business Analytics and AI Decision Making, Brand Management in Digital Age, Business Intelligence, Blockchain Technology and Applications, Digitalized Strategic Synergy, Corporate Innovation, and Strategy for Carbon Neutrality.
The school’s ‘GREAT initiative’ fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, inspiring students to launch their own start-ups or pursue entrepreneurial roles within established companies. They also participate in entrepreneurship competitions and conduct roadshows as they collaborate with high tech labs and research centres.
Through these opportunities—and courses such as Entrepreneurial Marketing Research and Entrepreneurial Finance and Venture Capital—Ruodan was equipped with the tools necessary to thrive in the competitive business landscape of Hangzhou.
“I developed the ability to analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and craft innovative strategies for competitive advantage,” she says.
One highlight of Ruodan's MBA experience was the operations management course, where she participated in a simulation business operation game.
"It taught me how to make enterprise capacity forecasts, production planning, and rational procurement," she explains, emphasizing the hands-on nature of the program.
“The university’s close ties with various industries, frequent guest lectures, and participation in business competitions and conferences helped me connect with industry leaders, potential investors and mentors, and further expand my professional entrepreneurial network.”
Developing an entrepreneurial career in China after her MBA
For Ruodan, the Zhejiang MBA has not only shaped her entrepreneurial and innovative approach but has also paved the way for her continued success in the dynamic business landscape of China.
She says it advanced her entrepreneurial mindset.
“I learned about cultivating adaptability, risk tolerance, and resilience, essential traits for navigating the uncertainties of entrepreneurship.
“The program has [also] contributed to my professional development by improving my strategic thinking, leadership skills, and understanding of various business functions," she says.
Since completing her MBA, Ruodan has continued to progress her career in Hangzhou.
Now co-founder and supervisor of Zhejiang Huajie Material Technology, Ruodan plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's strategic direction.
She concludes that her time at Zhejiang University has left an indelible impression. “It has shaped my entrepreneurial and innovative approach.”
