MBA Student Profile: Jeanette Ng, IMD

Jeanette Ng tells us how the leadership skills at the MBA program at IMD were invaluable to her career. 

1. Why did you decide to attend your Business School?

I wanted an MBA which catered to slightly older and more mature students, as I felt that I could learn a lot from individuals who are further along their career path as well as with longer working experience - the richness and diversity of their experience is invaluable during discussions of real-life issues.     

In addition, IMD is well-known for its leadership programs (which not many schools focus on), and which is valuable in overall personal development - it complements the technical knowledge which all MBA programs try to install in its participants. IMD's small, personalized classes also enable the building of closer, more value-added relationships - you make friends rather than mere acquaintances.      

2. What research did you undertake in selecting your school?

I compared the curriculum of both US and European MBA programs, as well as spoke with graduates of US MBA programs. Having reviewed IMD's program details as well as having visited the school, I decided that IMD was the right choice.      

3. What are the benefits of studying outside your home country?

- Interaction with people of different nationalities and exposure to different perspectives & values.
- Gaining a broader understanding of issues outside of the home country, and how people react differently to such issues.
- Understanding the culture of another country and extending the network of friends (including professors and faculty staff).             

4. What are your career objectives after your MBA? What were you doing before your MBA?

Be part of general management of a multinational corporation, and be involved in overall strategic planning and development (as opposed to being involved in only aspect of a business).

I was formerly a venture capitalist (managing investments in emerging high tech industries). I then left to become a partner of a law firm, specialising in cross border mergers & acquisitions and financing.