I have been fortunate to have spent the last few days with the MBA Career Services and Employer Alliance Conference in Hong Kong and it’s been fascinating. This is the first of two reports I am feeding back. In this first report I will look at Asia from a top level perspective and the emerging markets. In the second report I will highlight some active employers of MBA graduates into this market and some key trends these employers look for, so don’t miss out on reading both reports. It’s no secret that China is growing at an unprecedented pace, ironically taking our global economy back in history to AD 206 when China’s trade route was an extensive network of rudimentary roads made in silk…
Back to the future, the statistics are incredible. William Gibbon, Head of Human Resources for APAC HSBC, had some interesting insights into what the world of work will look like in 2050. World output will triple, and the leading economic region will be China. This will be the recreation of the Southern Silk road. For the past 30 years China has been experiencing an incredible rate of growth of 7.5% per year. India too won’t be far behind.
Recently I had the opportunity to speak to prospective MBA students during one of UWA’s many information sessions. Prior to presenting I had the opportunity to chat to a few attendees and the key point that came across is how many dedicated and successful young business people are looking at improving their skills sets through an MBA.
For those of us currently in the early to middle part of our career, it is increasingly obvious – and disconcerting – how competitive it is to move up the corporate ladder, or to win new clients to your firm. Increasingly, our colleagues and industry peers have international experience or have completed some form of post-graduate qualification.
This observation does not imply that everybody needs to have international experience or a postgraduate qualification. However, it is illustrative of how we are working in an increasingly competitive environment – one where we must differentiate ourselves and constantly improve our skills and knowledge.
I am a full time media professional, part time student and passionate Whovian. My turn-offs are cucumber, kale and writing in the third person. My turn-ons are correctly used semi-colons, black coffee and my yellow Saab convertible.
I chose to undertake an MBA because it seemed like an easy thing to apply for on a random Tuesday of procrastination in 2013, and to my great surprise I was accepted. I chose the University of Western Australia because the best thing about going to uni, is actually going to uni. This is a decision I have not regretted, except for a dark five minutes or so in the midst of studying for a statistics exam.
Despite a delayed flight, Thursday the 5th of February saw Suzanne Dekyvere make her way to UWA from Melbourne to deliver a seminar entitled “Your Best Foot Forward” – a guide to professional style. Topics included the importance of first impressions, defining different types of business attire, appropriate dress code for business and social events, and the importance of a professional LinkedIn photo.
It’s fair to say that there were mixed impressions following the presentation. For some, it was a confirmation of what they already knew, while for others it was the demystifying of years of confusion (‘business casual is, admittedly, a tricky one). Regardless of your familiarity with appropriate dress codes, it was a timely reminder for the MBA cohort, many of whom are just commencing their studies, that you only get one chance to make a first impression – and it is generally lasting.
Darren Glass, BHP Billiton Scholarship Recipient
Hello everyone, this is my first blog for the UWA MBA. In fact, it’s my first blog ever.
It’s a year of firsts really; this is the first year the University of Western Australia are running a full-time intensive program, a one year course with direct industry-project involvement and a full cohort experience. We have been referred to as guinea pigs, but I prefer to think of us as trailblazers.
Since this is my first post I better introduce myself. My friends call me a washed up ex-footballer which is partly true (I’m thinking the ex-footballer part).
I grew up loving sport and was fortunate enough to be able to do it for a living. I squeezed out an undergraduate course, majoring in Finance and Marketing while I was playing. During my sporting career I played for a great organisation called the West Coast Eagles and was very honoured to hold a leadership position for a number of years, including being Captain of the club.
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
