There are plenty of jobs for MBA graduates in China. These four growth industries offer exciting opportunities
Jobs for MBA graduates in China are in demand. With its population’s lightning-fast uptake of the latest technology, plus its legendary economic growth, a career in China has become an enticing option for many Western professionals.The opportunities are especially rich for MBA grads: of in Hong Kong’s 2018 class, 93% of students secured job offers in Asia, with a 96% employment rate three months after graduation.
These figures are hard to argue with—but which industries should you be considering if you’re looking for a career in China?
Here's our countdown of the best opportunities for MBA grads in four of China’s growth industries:
4. Working in one of the hottest markets for gaming and entertainment
Moving your career to China could be an opportunity to work hard and play hard—in a very literal sense.
The country has become the world’s largest video games market according to PwC, and its growing games industry generated the equivalent of $24.8 billion in revenue in 2018.
Games aren’t the only entertainment that’s soaring in popularity in the country: PwC also reports that China’s cinema segment is growing at a ‘brisk rate’, with box office revenue growing by almost 10% in 2018 and the number of screens in the country increasing from 9,303 to a whopping 60,079.
In such a rapidly-growing sector, knowledge of business strategies is essential, and data visualization and business intelligence can be invaluable when it comes to analyzing consumer behavior.
These are all skills the MBA at CUHK teaches, and that is perhaps why CUHK MBA grads at least are seeing the benefit of China’s entertainment boom: 9% of them found employment in the industry in 2018.
3. Getting a front-row seat to the latest tech innovations
This one might seem obvious, as it no doubt creeps into every other industry on this list.
According to the World Economic Forum, high-value tech businesses in China are being funded faster than anywhere in the world, with the number of ‘unicorns’ in the country sitting second only to the US as of February 2018.
Tech training is something that MBAs in a hub like Hong Kong get full access to.
The electives offered on the CUHK MBA program give students an understanding of how to apply AI and machine learning technology, as well as a primer in dealing with fintech, while the school’s proximity to the tech and startup hubs of Shenzhen and Guangzhou provide the opportunity to see the latest tech in action.
It pays off: 11% of CUHK’s MBA grads ended up in the tech sector after graduating.
2. Consulting with companies as they manage digital transformation
Another area for those looking for a career in China to consider is consulting.
In 2017, Consultancy Asia announced that the management consulting market in China had grown by 12% to amass a total revenue of $4.5 billion—a huge jump that reportedly places the sector ahead of its equivalents in France and Australia.
This growth is partly thanks to the parallel growth of the tech industry, as the new capabilities of technology in Asia have demanded that businesses undergo radical digital transformation.
This is the perfect time for management consultancies to come in to help, and consultants from MBA backgrounds may have a particular advantage.
At CUHK, for instance, MBAs can choose an elective in digital transformation and innovation, during which they will be exposed to what the school calls ‘the New Normal’ of high-tech business strategy.
The school also plays host to many tech-related events, for instance Hong Kong FinTech Week, where students get to experience the latest innovations up close and personal.
In fact, 11% of CUHK MBA grads went into consulting roles last year.
1. Working in one of the world's most exciting fintech markets
The final industry that professionals should consider when looking for a career in China is Financial Services.
According to a report published by Ernst & Young in July 2019, China is currently the world’s second-largest wealth management market, with foreign investment channels opening up to accommodate Chinese residents’ demand to invest in foreign assets.
Fintech in particular is an emerging area, with a separate report by EY detailing how the high availability of capital within China means that investment is forthcoming for domestic fintech startups and products.
In conjunction with the world’s largest consumer base, this is unlikely to slow down any time soon, and with events like Hong Kong Fintech Week happening on their own campus, CUHK MBAs at least are getting a front row seat.
Indeed, 37% of CUHK MBA grads landed jobs in financial services—far more than any other segment.
Clearly, there are many reasons to transition to a career in China, and an MBA can be your secret weapon when it comes to making your application stand out from the pack.
Student Reviews
One of a kind
I studied Bioinformatics at CUHK last year. It was the only Master's degree in Hong Kong in this field. This program developed my analytical skills and equipped me to be a Bioinformatician in a very practical way.
I enjoyed my year here and met classmates from different parts of the world. If you are thinking to enhance your profile, this degree program would be a good option.
general education courses, unique college system, large campus
The university facilitates multi-dimension and interdisciplinary learning. In social science faculty, we need to choose courses as our faculty package from other departments (architecture, psychology, sociology, etc.) to learn more than our major required courses. We are also required to finish general education courses, which aid our critical thinking and humanistic sensibilities. I do recommend the social science broad-based program, and the professors I met so far are all responsible and erudite.
LLM
The faculty of law is relatively new. You do not need to have a LLB to pursue a LLM, which is special. The taught programme is great for mature students who want to obtain legal knowledge.
CUHK has good teaching staff too.
Amazing Campus and Great Educational Environment
Not only is CUHK's main campus breathtaking, it provides for a good educational environment for students. The university is well-equipped with modern and up-to-date facilities to help students with their study. We have 8 libraries in total around the campus; one for media, one for architectural studies, the medical library and the law library. The Professors are always helpful and are happy to talk to students when needed.
Moreover, the college system within the university brings forth the uniqueness of CUHK. Each student belongs to a different college, and in that students are able to meet different peoples from different countries and students from different faculties.
I think CUHK provides for a well-rounded university life for all students.
exthrillating
One of the most down to earth places in HK. A great opportunity to learn and embody the local culture. Also had one the most beautiful campus in Hong Kong up on the hillside. Glad to have graduated here.
Innovative and Supportive
My university provided me with all the support I needed, and encouraged me to be up to date with all the new developments in the world. They also provided me with the incentive to excel at what I do, and they take much pride in my achievements. I have had a very rewarding university experience.
Small, New But Friendly Law School
To being with, I think the campus of CUHK is the best and the biggest in Hong Kong, with fresh air and trees everywhere.
I am an undergraduate Law student at CUHK and I think the teaching here is great, with very friendly and nice professors and the new Lee Shau Kee Building.
In terms of the courses offered by CUHK, as one of the largest universities in Hong Kong, CUHK is an all-rounded university, offering a wide range of courses to students. Students may take the introductory courses of discipline other than their own major, or even declare a minor.
For law electives, due to the small amount of intake, the variety of law electives are not that huge. However, the Faculty is offering some international programmes, which can be treated as law electives, but at the same time, provide us with an opportunity to travel and know more about the legal system of another country.
The career support from the Faculty of Law is also amazing. The Faculty will organise CV Sessions and talks on how to get an internship from law firms or mini-pupillage from barrister's chambers. Each student will also have a Distinguished Professional Mentor, which is a current legal profession, providing us with practical advices and updates of the legal field.
Finally, from my personal experience, I think the students in CUHK are friendly and genuine. As Law students, competition is inevitable for grades, GPAs, vacation schemes and training contract. However, I think the competition in CUHK Law School is a positive one, in a sense that help us grow together, instead of fighting with each other no matter what. That is the biggest reason why I am having a very good time here in CUHK Law School.
A place to explore your interests
As a law graduate from CUHK (both undergrad and post-grad), I realise that I had many opportunities to explore my areas of interests (legal and non-legal both). The faculty/university requires us to take a certain number of non-law electives, and offers a plethora of courses to choose from. Personally, I took 3 modules in Korean --I can't say it's made me highly proficient, but it's definitely given me a good foundation (I can walk into a Korean restaurant and confidently order food, at the very least). The fact that language courses are offered also provides students who are more financially constrained an opportunity to learn a language without having to shell out a premium for a decent language course. On top of that, we have a range of law electives as well. I know of classmates who have developed lasting interest in different areas of law because of the electives they took in school. The two electives that I would say have changed me is (i) mooting and (ii) family law. I think my experience in an international commercial arbitration moot competition has helped tremendously in formulating legal arguments and legal writing. On the other hand, taking a family law elective has made me very interested in the family law practice, especially in terms of child rights. For these experiences which I have gained, I'm grateful for the opportunities provided by the school.
One main issue most students I know have is with the way our GPA is calculated and the lack of transparency in terms of how the honours system works. As our GPA is marked on a curve. it's highly unrepresentative of what we have achieved as individuals. Given that our GPA is the only criteria that is looked at when we apply for the compulsory post-graduate law course (mandatory should we want to practise law and/or be trainees in Hong Kong), it will put our own students at a distinct disadvantage when we compete for limited spaces with students from schools where GPA is not on a bell curve.
Valuable time in CUHK
I like the learning environment and people at CUHK. Surrounded by hills and Tolo Harbour, CUHK provides a balance between nature and hustle. You can always escape from the busy study life and meet your friend around the big campus for different activities.