Investment banking is a popular career choice for MBAs the world over. Offering graduates a fast-paced environment, competitive salary, and plenty of scope for progression, the sector holds great appeal for students with an interest in finance.
Raymond Liao is one such MBA student. Raymond began his career in corporate banking, working as a relationship manager with China Zheshang Bank in Shenzhen.
He enjoyed the work, but after a few years he was ready for his next challenge. Keen to stay in the financial realm, but looking for a path that would allow greater opportunities for growth, and better compensation, he soon settled on investment.
Working in investment banking would give Raymond the chance to help companies grow, rather than managing day-to-day financial as he would in a corporate finance career.
“If I choose to engage in such a fierce industry, I’ll have a sharp learning and growth curve, which will offer me more choices in the future,” he reflects. “I was also drawn to the satisfaction of helping entrepreneurs and companies grow and expand.”
Without prior experience, Raymond decided to build his industry knowledge and connections by attending business school. After considering a few programs in the Greater Bay Area, Raymond accepted a spot on the MBA at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), because along with a high quality education, the school gave him easy access to the Greater Bay Area, and the career opportunities it offers.
Connections for a career in investment
Before his MBA, Raymond was living in Shenzhen, but the transition to life in Hong Kong went smoothly.
“I had some excellent friends working or studying in Hong Kong,” he recalls. “I also realized I could easily work there, because the financial industry was well developed.”
Hong Kong's financial jobs market is thriving—representing almost 20% of the region's total GDP, and home to some 175 banks. At the same time, the city acts as a gateway to further opportunities in greater China.
For Raymond, building a strong professional network in China was one of the key benefits the MBA offered. In 2019, 98% of MBA alumni secured jobs in Asia, while 23% entered the financial services industry.
Accessing this far-reaching network has been easy with the help of the MBA office, Raymond notes. Networking with successful alumni is one important way that Raymond is preparing for his new career.
At CUHK, career switchers like Raymond are common—in fact, 87% of the 2018 MBA cohort changed careers after graduation.
Along with these alumni connections, Raymond has also built close relationships with his peers in the MBA program.
“There’s more to studying an MBA than landing a good job,” he reflects. “It was a unique chance to meet real friends who have the same passion and goals as I do.”
Clubs and societies at CUHK offer an equally important way for MBA students to gain insight and connections in their target industry.
As president of the Private Equity and Venture Capital Club, Raymond is helping others find their footing in investment.
The student-led club links current MBAs to industry professionals who can offer advice and education that will help them launch a successful career.
At CUHK, Raymond has been able to tailor the MBA to his own professional interests, choosing to study the Finance and Technology specialization.
Students who opt for this track study courses like corporate fundraising, fintech analytics, and applying AI and machine learning to finance.
“I could also take tailor-made classes for particular industries—like consulting, supply chain, entrepreneurship, venture capital, and private equity,” Raymond adds.
For Raymond, these classes were elevated by the quality and enthusiasm of his instructors.
“My professors have substantial work experience in the financial industry, and are willing to guide us on our adventures with their best effort,” he says.
Once MBA students have developed new skills in the classroom, they have the chance to hone them with hands-on learning opportunities like global study trips and case competitions.
The business practicum module also gives students the chance to work with a Hong Kong corporation on real-world business challenges.
Embarking on a new career in investment
Raymond is already making strides in his new career, with a summer internship at CLSA—a Hong Kong based investment bank.
As a corporate finance and capital markets intern, Raymond is gaining insight into pre-IPO investment and IPO deals in industries ranging from real estate to healthcare.
“When I graduate, my goal is to find a job as an associate in a top-tier investment bank, or get a return offer from the summer internship,” he says.
With the skills and network his time at CUHK has yielded so far, Raymond feels confident in his future with the finance industry.
“I always know the right direction for me, and have kept up my momentum by finding an internship, networking, and learning the skills required for investment banking,” he concludes. "[Pursuing] an MBA is not just about passive learning, though—you have to proactively reach out and grasp opportunities."
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.
Student
Verified
19/11/2021
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
28/10/2017
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.
Student
Verified
20/10/2017
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.
Student
Verified
17/10/2017
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.
Student
Verified
5/10/2017
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.
Student
Verified
2/10/2017
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.
Student
Verified
30/09/2017
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.
Student
Verified
27/06/2022
On Campus
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.
