Everything You Need To Know About Studying An MBA In Beijing

Sponsored by Peking University – Guanghua School of Management

MBA programs in mainland China are growing in popularity, attracting almost half a million students each year with the majority choosing to study in the capital, Beijing.

In recent decades, Beijing’s rapid economic and social development has cemented its position as a global leader in business and the economy, along with its reputation for business school education making it an attractive venture for those looking to get ahead in business where east meets west.

Over the last 10 years, Chinese business schools have also been climbing the upper echelons in university and business school rankings. In the most recent QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020: Business & Management Studies, Peking University – China’s oldest higher education institutes and one of its most prestigious universities and progressive think tanks – ranked second in mainland China and in the top 40 overall.

Guanghua School of Management is the only official business school at Peking University in Beijing, and together, their role in helping shape the nation’s economy and business landscape is nothing short of noteworthy. Its quality of education and international outlook helps to develop aspiring business leaders for both China and global society.

So if you’re wondering whether you’re suited to studying an MBA in Beijing, here’s a closer look at what you can expect.

An MBA in Beijing means you can take classes you wouldn’t be able to take anywhere else. China’s fascinating history and culture spanning 3,000 years is an integral part of the Guanghua Global MBA at Peking University. Its rigorous curriculum encompasses core business practices with specialist China-focused subjects, including Chinese history, Chinese culture and Chinese economy to give candidates a much better understanding of the complex business environment in China – something which got Clarissa Ng’s attention straightway.

Originally from Singapore, and having earned her undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom, Clarissa was keen to broaden her horizons even more when it came to her postgraduate education.

“The concept of China focused courses at Peking University strongly appeals to me,” she said, “it is a rare opportunity that provides individuals with valuable exposure to understand China’s business environment, firsthand.”

And while having an understanding of Chinese isn’t necessary to study an MBA in Beijing, it is helpful in the long-run. Considering how much of an important trading partner China is for companies worldwide, it would be both practical and smart, to learn the language. Doing so shows respect and effort, but in the world of business it can help build professional relationships and better negotiations.

While the Guanghua Global MBA at Guanghua School of Management is taught in English, candidates are offered the opportunity to take part in an optional pre-course in Chinese Mandarin.

What’s more, when it comes to putting your new-found MBA knowledge and skills to the test outside the classroom, real-life consulting projects, exclusive company visits, venture strategy simulations, as well as student clubs and associations, are part of the various opportunities that await.

One of the school’s real-life consulting projects is with Bytedance, one of the most popular tech companies in the world and parent company to TikTok, the viral video-sharing social networking service that has taken the world by storm in the last 12 months.