Hi, i will have three years of experience by June'09....what i want to know is that with that kind of experience , will i be able to leverage what HKUST has to offer? The average exp. i heard was 4-5 years...so i was wondering if it would be prudent to apply for an intl. MBA at this point in time? /
Also, how much of a setback is it to your application if you do not fall under the 'norm' ..in terms of age, experience etc etc..
Did you guys have people in your batch with less than 4 years of experience?

hi,
As we have mentioned earlier in the thread , experience and its quantity are not the only criteria that the adcom looks for.

Well this year the average experience for the class is 5-6 years. I feel its the quality and not quantity of the work-ex that matters.

Hi I will be applying to HKUST this year and want to do my MBA in marketing, and after completing MBA I want to join a textile company.

Is there any textile company where students from HKUST from the past have done their internship or are doing job?

Hi, i will have three years of experience by June'09....what i want to know is that with that kind of experience , will i be able to leverage what HKUST has to offer? The average exp. i heard was 4-5 years...so i was wondering if it would be prudent to apply for an intl. MBA at this point in time? /
Also, how much of a setback is it to your application if you do not fall under the 'norm' ..in terms of age, experience etc etc..
Did you guys have people in your batch with less than 4 years of experience?

hi abhi,

thank u so much for the info....

Hi, all
A small query...
Is it that HKUST is good for mba in finance only..i am looking for MBA in buisness strategy/consulting....how is the college in this area....

well i would say that HKUST is more renowned for Finance but that does not mean that there is no scope for other fields like buisness strategy/consulting....

In terms of course knowledge and teaching I feel HKUST is on par with the top global B-Schools in these specified areas..

Wrt specialising in Business strategy/Consulting - HKUST does not provide a seperate specialization for these subjects , but u can pick your electives in these domains to cater to your needs.

Cheers,
Abhishek

Hi, all
A small query...
Is it that HKUST is good for mba in finance only..i am looking for MBA in buisness strategy/consulting....how is the college in this area....

surya_tej Says

can anybody post the essay questions for the previous year mba application. please mention the word count also.

Suraj,

The last years essay questions are mentioned below. The essay topics keeps changing every year and hence I would suggest dont spend much time working on them .

(max. 200 words for each question).
1. Please discuss your short term (3-5 years) career goals.*
2. Please analyze your strengths and weaknesses, in terms of capabilities or personalities, which may
facilitate/hinder the accomplishment of your career objectives.*
3. Please describe your leadership style, and provide examples either in your professional, academic, or other
capacity.*
4. How could the HKUST MBA experience contribute to your personal and professional development?*
5. How can you contribute to your class and the HKUST MBA program if you are admitted?*
6. Imagine if we ask your best friend to give a candid description of you, what do you think he/she will say?*


ATB,
Preeti

can anybody post the essay questions for the previous year mba application. please mention the word count also.

Hi!!
...

My question - 1. Would I be able to make it to HKUST with this profile
2. Is it possible to switch functions post HKUSTMBA
3. Does HKUST offer placements in venture capital/private equity

Cheethahcat and all!!!

I'd request you to do a quick run-through all the posts before posting a question. All your questions have been addressed in the past.

In addition, we are just students of HKUST and even if we were the ADCOM, I don't think anyone can tell you if your profile will get you in. It's only how you represent yourself in your essays that decides your chances and with so many applicants there is surely a luck element a well.

But posting your profile might be a good way of seeing who your competition is assuming everyone post their profiles. :-)

All I'll say is everyone has a good shot at an admit if they do a good job at projecting themselves in the essays and the interview!!! All the best!!!

Hi!!

this profile was missed earlier,

I am a postgraduate in pharmacy with more than 5 years of experience in intellectual property management & business development. Post MBA I am interested in a career with a venture capital or prive equity fund which invests in lifesciences.

GMAT - 650
Academs - good

My question - 1. Would I be able to make it to HKUST with this profile
2. Is it possible to switch functions post HKUSTMBA
3. Does HKUST offer placements in venture capital/private equity

tx in advance

cheers!!!

hi,

My question - 1. Would I be able to make it to HKUST with this profile

you have a good profile.. again apply early and work on essays to differentiate yourself... the essays are short with a stringent word limit... so think hard before sending them in...

2. Is it possible to switch functions post HKUSTMBA

well i come fm a family biz backgrnd and plan to change careers... its not that easy given the current situation in the financial markets, and hence having prior related exp helps,... moreover i have just been here for a month and will be able to answer with more details only as time passes and i start applying for my internship... there is hope always in the finance industry though...LOL!!

3. Does HKUST offer placements in venture capital/private equity

there are a lot of VC and pe firms that come for recruitment ... again since i am just a month old in here i will have only limited info to share,,... the firms have started coming to campus for talks but the picture should be more clear by Nov / Dec...

cheers,
Abhishek

Hi!!

this profile was missed earlier,

I am a postgraduate in pharmacy with more than 5 years of experience in intellectual property management & business development. Post MBA I am interested in a career with a venture capital or prive equity fund which invests in lifesciences.

GMAT - 650
Academs - good

My question - 1. Would I be able to make it to HKUST with this profile
2. Is it possible to switch functions post HKUSTMBA
3. Does HKUST offer placements in venture capital/private equity

tx in advance

cheers!!!

Hi there,
Can someone Help Me.
New to This
Have 5 year of work ex. Head a Channel with a Fin Services Co.
GMAT 610
Jus abt Avg Acads
Decent Ex Curricular
Can someone help me evaluate my chancs at HKUST ?
Apply for 09-10

Thanks

Vivek

hello vivek,

I am Abhishek , a current (new) student at HKUST..... Well firstly i would recommend you to kindly go through this entire thread for a lot of information on HKUST......

"evaluatiing" is something that I am not in a position to comment!!

As you know the applications for this year's intake just shot up and hence the awareness about the school is increasing, esp in India. Your work-ex seems to be good in terms of qty, however, according to me, there a lot of factors that are considered in totality when it comes to selection.

I would suggest that you work on your essays and send the application in asap... i guess the 1st round opens in Oct (pls check website). also the school values international exposure and diversity a lot and hence try to stress on that , if you can, in your essays.

Please do let me know if you need any information on a specific area... will try my best to help,,,

Cheers,
abhishek

Hi friends,
It s been an action-packed year in HK culminating in my internship and am flying out to another good school. During this period, I ve met quite a lot of ppl and shared my 2c of knowledge/opinion. Anyway, it is time to handover the 'torch' to Abhishek and Preeti of the current batch Y1. Randhir and I will be sharing our exchange school exp soon.

Hi there,
Can someone Help Me.
New to This
Have 5 year of work ex. Head a Channel with a Fin Services Co.
GMAT 610
Jus abt Avg Acads
Decent Ex Curricular
Can someone help me evaluate my chancs at HKUST ?
Apply for 09-10

Thanks

Vivek

Hi Siddharth,
The amount specified on the website is a little bit on the higher side esp for living. You can budget for 100HK$ / day as the living cost beside tuition fee and room rental as still be in good shape. HKUST does offer a small scholarship to some outstanding students. But i would advise you to seek alternate source of funding, atleast as a backup. i remember my friend securing a loan close to 80K USD from an indian bank for a us-bschool.

You should first talk to bank personnel and know the loan amount that you will be able to borrow. Also, the internship stipend is good enough to even out any budget issues. Make sure that you dont have to worry about your finances during MBA, esp with loads of work to do during the course.

Hope this helps.

Hi Friends in HKUST,

I am Siddharth and am actively looking at HKUST for admission in '09.However while goin thru their website I see that the total cost is almost US $55000 which is arnd INR 22lakhs.Such a huge amount would be difficult ,if nt impossible, to arrange for me.So could you please advice if shuld stop considering HKUST (that wuld be sad).
I was lookin at a max of 10lakh of edu loan (since dnt own any property) and personal financing upto 3-4 lakhs but extending the same looks impossible...

Any ideas/pointers wuld be most helpful..
Waiting for reply.

Profile :
GMAT -: 730
X - 93%
XII - 81%
Engg. 7.6
Work Ex:
Two years Infosys in their Banking product Division
A year in D E Shaw and Co in their Financial Operations division.

Hi Friends in HKUST,

I am Siddharth and am actively looking at HKUST for admission in '09.However while goin thru their website I see that the total cost is almost US $55000 which is arnd INR 22lakhs.Such a huge amount would be difficult ,if nt impossible, to arrange for me.So could you please advice if shuld stop considering HKUST (that wuld be sad).
I was lookin at a max of 10lakh of edu loan (since dnt own any property) and personal financing upto 3-4 lakhs but extending the same looks impossible...

Any ideas/pointers wuld be most helpful..
Waiting for reply.

Profile :
GMAT -: 730
X - 93%
XII - 81%
Engg. 7.6
Work Ex:
Two years Infosys in their Banking product Division
A year in D E Shaw and Co in their Financial Operations division.

Hi friends,
It s been an action-packed year in HK culminating in my internship and am flying out to another good school. During this period, I ve met quite a lot of ppl and shared my 2c of knowledge/opinion. Anyway, it is time to handover the 'torch' to Abhishek and Preeti of the current batch Y1. Randhir and I will be sharing our exchange school exp soon.

Hey Dreamer: I m quite familiar with your Engg college [ i guess we would even have met in person and shared those old rusty electric motors, i belong to 2003 batch]. Your GMAT is fine ! HKUST doesnt care abt GMAT unless u compete against the chinese applicants. Make sure to convey ur CGPA in either % or [out of 4.0] or explicitly mention 10.0 as the confusion caused may wreck your chances.

World is a small place, as they say. Try to stress your international experience and how it benefited/changed you. Also, the need to come to HK and not do ur course in a US-Bschool closer home.

Another good info: HK job market is going on fine, esp with EU-UK region nose diving in confidence. Loads of students from US/EU bschools are doing internships in the companies in HK.

Do you want to major in finance ? You didnt mention your interests much.

I would like to specialise in IT management, though have options open for Marketing / Human resource in that order. but would like to specialise in IT management given my exp in the same.

Hi friends,
It s been an action-packed year in HK culminating in my internship and am flying out to another good school. During this period, I ve met quite a lot of ppl and shared my 2c of knowledge/opinion. Anyway, it is time to handover the 'torch' to Abhishek and Preeti of the current batch Y1. Randhir and I will be sharing our exchange school exp soon.

thanks bosvin for asking these queries.. i have been sifting thro last 32 pages for the same

iam also concerned regarding no pre-MBA wex in FIN and if it could be a hurdle in starting a ibanking career.

In today's scenario, it is tough to get into IB without FIN workex. But, if at all there is a good place, it is either india or china/hk. All the best

Hey Dreamer: I m quite familiar with your Engg college [ i guess we would even have met in person and shared those old rusty electric motors, i belong to 2003 batch]. Your GMAT is fine ! HKUST doesnt care abt GMAT unless u compete against the chinese applicants. Make sure to convey ur CGPA in either % or [out of 4.0] or explicitly mention 10.0 as the confusion caused may wreck your chances.

World is a small place, as they say. Try to stress your international experience and how it benefited/changed you. Also, the need to come to HK and not do ur course in a US-Bschool closer home.

Another good info: HK job market is going on fine, esp with EU-UK region nose diving in confidence. Loads of students from US/EU bschools are doing internships in the companies in HK.

Do you want to major in finance ? You didnt mention your interests much.

Hi Pitbull/His Successor,

This is dreams are real. I am insterested in full time MBA in HKUST. my profile.
Eductaion detail: BE Sandwich EEE 5 year course with Industrial Internship 3 years (Manufacturing industry)
Acads: 95.4% in 12th (2nd in school), 9.22/10 in College (3rd in class)
Experience: Cognizant 4+ years (currently in US for last 2 years)
Additional degrees: Certificate in General Insurance (AICPCU/IIA)
Extra curri: Decent (mainly in college, owing to a 5 year course)
GMAT: 660 (Q49, V30) (still looking for the various options on the GMAT front, may be retake, but saw the HKUST website and student profile is 560-700)

Any current students can help me put in evaluating or camparing to existing student profiles.

Thanks,
Dreams are real

Hi Pitbull/His Successor,

This is dreams are real. I am insterested in full time MBA in HKUST. my profile.
Eductaion detail: BE Sandwich EEE 5 year course with Industrial Internship 3 years (Manufacturing industry)
Acads: 95.4% in 12th (2nd in school), 9.22/10 in College (3rd in class)
Experience: Cognizant 4+ years (currently in US for last 2 years)
Additional degrees: Certificate in General Insurance (AICPCU/IIA)
Extra curri: Decent (mainly in college, owing to a 5 year course)
GMAT: 660 (Q49, V30) (still looking for the various options on the GMAT front, may be retake, but saw the HKUST website and student profile is 560-700)

Any current students can help me put in evaluating or camparing to existing student profiles.

Thanks,
Dreams are real

thanks bosvin for asking these queries.. i have been sifting thro last 32 pages for the same

iam also concerned regarding no pre-MBA wex in FIN and if it could be a hurdle in starting a ibanking career.

Hi friends, I m not sure if you are aware of this prog conducted by HKUST. It is a masters degree in Finance . It is receiving a lot of attention in the industry as it is conducted by HKUST and NYU. This is more expensive than the FT-MBA, more exclusive, faster too. Try it if your company can sponsor you.


HKUST Master of Science in Global Finance

You are right, PE firms keep their staff numbers really small and bring in the consultants for temp work. Even with MBA, PE industry is tough nut to crack into as there is minimal industry-academia interaction. You can meet the PE partners/principal in biz plan competitions, tech symposiums as judges/guest speakers. So an MBA wont simply open doors but put you in a pedestal to be noticed.

I got a chance to meet lots of VCs, IBrs during my biz venture competition. HK-Singapore region is the asian hq / central location for most asia oriented PE firms, try with your network. Officially there are approx 2000 PE firms in india, so try applying thru their website. Also, try to get membership of VC/PE industry portals like AVCJ and they provide the email ids of every single PE company/dir/contact. Not a sureshot way, but u can try.

Make sure you have an attractive CV + cover letter that stand out ! Trust me, i had a glitzy cover letter

_______________________________________________________________

Thanks a ton Pitbull for the encouragement.

As far as the Indian market goes its quite difficult to beak into a PE firm without a degree from one of the top b schools. I was coming from there.

I am extremely interested in gaining knowledge about the PE industry in APAC markets, more so in places like HK and Singapore. Any idea how do I go about it? Also, as you pointed out is it possible to make a transition to the PE sector without an MBA / M Fin degree?

Dear Randhir and Pratap, thanks for this wonderful thread.

I applied last year to HKUST but dint receive any communication from their side about a ding/ admit.

Anyway Im glad I didnt coz I went on to secure a job with a leading pan-emerging markets PE firm and Im getting some fabulous learning here. I am looking at a MBA next yr, esp a fast paced program such as HKUST, INSEAD, ISB, NUS as I want to continue in this sector. MBA is important at this stage as I have limited growth in my current role and will stagnate by next year.

Work ex
1yr investment banking
9 months consultant, helping out my brother in his entrepreneurial venture
1.5 yrs (by july 2009) PE

Lots of extra currics, university topper
Gmat 660
Pls note my questions
1. I read on this thread that international work is an important factor in evaluating candidates. I do not have any intl work ex. However I have traveled abroad to around 9 countries. Would this be of any significance?
2. Does HKUST encourage re-applicants?
3. Does the adcom provide feedback for rejected candidates?
3. How is the PE market in HK/Singapore for a future post MBA?
4. How difficult is it for a vegetarian to adjust in HK?
5. I understand that Gmat does not hold that much weightage at HKUST as compared to ISB, INSEAD. Is that true?

I read your views on ISB and INSEAD. Could you also pls share ur views on NUS? And could you also suggest any other face paced programs?

Thanks a lot
Regards

Hi, You have a great profile. You should also project a strong reason for you to choose HK, over other schools/ geog. Also, with your current experience, you can directly try and apply to PE companies -the transition is not diff. This would be a big barrier for you to cross as the MBA-adcom will ponder over the reason for a second masters. Also, start your applications early.

I m working for the PE div of a Pvt Bank and I m not even a FIN major, HK has loads of PE firms, both international and local. No school can assure you an exact job/industry , your ability to network is vital, esp in PE industry. All the best.


_________________________________

Welcome: My hearty welcome to the current batch of MBA students to HKUST! 6 Indians, 92 students, 23 nationalities.... more on this later. I also have the duty to find a 'successor' for taking up this role and hopefully offer a torchlight to prospective students.

Farewell: My classmates are leaving me, one by one. They are heading to their respective exchange schools to finish off the final term. All the best.

Watch out for Randhir, he is in Beijing and is enjoying Olympics.

_______________________________________________________________

Thanks a ton Pitbull for the encouragement.

As far as the Indian market goes its quite difficult to beak into a PE firm without a degree from one of the top b schools. I was coming from there.

I am extremely interested in gaining knowledge about the PE industry in APAC markets, more so in places like HK and Singapore. Any idea how do I go about it? Also, as you pointed out is it possible to make a transition to the PE sector without an MBA / M Fin degree?

First of all thanks a ton for helping multitudes of curious minds like mine on the HKUST MBA program.
Work Ex:

1. 2 yrs experience in credit risk management with Citibank
   
2. 1.5 yrs experience in post deal M&A; integration with Deloitte
   

Acads:

1. Masters in Quantitative Economics from ISI (a top school for post grad in Eco alongwith Delhi School of Economics)
   
2. Bachelors in Economics from Presidency College
   

EC
Involved with a children's NGO for the last 4 years. Currently helping them reorganise and ensure adequate funding for further expansionPost MBA I'll be looking to make a transition to either pre deal roles in M&A; or to PE kind of roles.

How difficult do you foresee that transition will be?

Awaiting your reply. Thanks in advance for your reply.

Hi, You have a great profile. You should also project a strong reason for you to choose HK, over other schools/ geog. Also, with your current experience, you can directly try and apply to PE companies -the transition is not diff. This would be a big barrier for you to cross as the MBA-adcom will ponder over the reason for a second masters. Also, start your applications early.

I m working for the PE div of a Pvt Bank and I m not even a FIN major, HK has loads of PE firms, both international and local. No school can assure you an exact job/industry , your ability to network is vital, esp in PE industry. All the best.


_________________________________

Welcome: My hearty welcome to the current batch of MBA students to HKUST! 6 Indians, 92 students, 23 nationalities.... more on this later. I also have the duty to find a 'successor' for taking up this role and hopefully offer a torchlight to prospective students.

Farewell: My classmates are leaving me, one by one. They are heading to their respective exchange schools to finish off the final term. All the best.

Watch out for Randhir, he is in Beijing and is enjoying Olympics.

First of all thanks a ton for helping multitudes of curious minds like mine on the HKUST MBA program.

I am looking at a 2010 admit to an MBA program.

At present my profile looks like this:


Work Ex:

1. 2 yrs experience in credit risk management with Citibank
   
2. 1.5 yrs experience in post deal M&A; integration with Deloitte
   

Acads:

1. Masters in Quantitative Economics from ISI (a top school for post grad in Eco alongwith Delhi School of Economics)
   
2. Bachelors in Economics from Presidency College
   

EC

1. Involved with a children's NGO for the last 4 years. Currently helping them reorganise and ensure adequate funding for further expansion
   

Post MBA I'll be looking to make a transition to either pre deal roles in M&A; or to PE kind of roles.
How difficult do you foresee that transition will be?

Awaiting your reply. Thanks in advance for your reply.

Hi!!

I am a postgraduate in pharmacy with more than 5 years of experience in intellectual property management & business development. Post MBA I am interested in a career with a venture capital or prive equity fund which invests in lifesciences.

GMAT - 650
Academs - good

My question - 1. Would I be able to make it to HKUST with this profile
2. Is it possible to switch functions post HKUSTMBA
3. Does HKUST offer placements in venture capital/private equity

tx in advance

cheers!!!

HI ALL,


I am a MBBS,MD 27 yr old Doctor from AIIMS,Delhi. GMAT score 750.


I am thinking of applying to HKUST. Will I get a good job in healthcare after a MBA from HKUST in hong kong or singapore.


will I be at disadvantage during the MBA course at HKUST bcz I am a doctor and HKUST is finance oriented.


Thanks a lot

Replied to ur e-mail earlier today. Hope it answers ur queries.

Hay buddy please dont give up on this thread as yet. I assure to take over the mantle if i make it to HKUST in the coming academic year.

I cant wait for the admissions to open. I wanna make sure I;m the first one to show up

All the best with your exchange program. But of late I;ve been readdin of huge layoffs by top I-BAnks in London and New York. Any idea if fresh graduates are also facing the heat.?

I-Banks are not hiring too many people this year for obvious reasons. So getting into I-Banks especially if you do not have the background is going to be super-difficult.

I just said that my responses are going to be delayed and anyway most of the normal queries of a candidate have been answered in this thread.

.........................................

Hay Pratap,

any chance of making a trip to Mumbai?

Hi Friends,
I m having a good time @ Chennai. Eating Vada, Pongal, Sambar and Dosa after a loooong time. Infact, i m having withdrawal symptoms from chopsticks ~~~ hand is the best !:laugh: I dont mean to find a solution to the political quagmire by supporting Congress, but merely reading newspapers to figure out whatz going on!

I will enjoy this short vacation before I head back to HK for my internship and later onto LBS. My blog will suffer a lot in the meantime.

If you want to have a casual chat or some important queries answered, please feel free to call me @ 94443 42586.

1) We have loads of students with Western work-ex, so a middle-east viewpoint will be welcome. Make sure you articulate how you will contribute to the class . I have a classmate, an entrepreneur from Saudi.

2) HKUST does not sell itself as a Logistic major as the no of ppl coming from or opting for this is quite a minority. But HKUST has a sub-dept that specializes in Logistics conducting its own MS/PhD programs. MBA students are free to take such courses as electives as well. If you are the only person opting for the courses, you will get a 1-on-1 with the Prof- no doubts.

An Indian alumnus is a Director of a multinational shipping company HQed in HK. A student , a very senior role in SC/Logistics >10yr exp is joining this year's MBA batch. He intends to head back to top mgmt role in Transport/Logistics/SCM.

HKUST has ties with American Chamber of Commerce and we subsidize you to attend seminars and networking sessions. Incidentally, AmCham chairman is none other than our MBA-Dean. AmCham is a major organisation in HK that is very active in bringing top ppl together. This year this even organised a tour of the industry facilities for all AmCham members.

HK is losing its sheen as a port, Shenzen is gaining it. Infact, plans are afoot to construct a HK-Shenzen bullet train for Cargo that will cut the cargo transfer time to 8min for a 50km distance. Essential this will create a huge HK-Shenzen network.

3) It s not too late to start extra-curr. I dont think the Adcom insists on it, but it is good for your work-life balance. Go for it.

Hi All,
Not sure if the Thread is still active,but still taking my chances..
Had basically two queries.
1) would be middle-east exp in IT for an Indian IT professional?Or would it be negative?or is the story bout International Exp is over done a bit?

2) Really saw a overwhelming number of queries and hence responses about MBA in Finance.But really little about Supply Chain Management and logistics.

GMAT-690
Extra Curric-Not much to write home bout

Typically, the essays are short and approx 150words long.
1) Life/Career After MBA
2) Strengths
3) Leadership
4) Career before, contribution to MBA class
5) Additional Essay/Leftovers

Kuldeep: The essays change every year, so dont bank on the topics mentioned above alone. All the best.

To the current MBA students, going to be students and aspirants :)

I am planning to apply for the next year, the application website will however open up in October.

In the meanwhile I want to start drafting my essays.

Can someone please respond with the essay topics from this year's application, with respective word-limits if possible.

Thanks a bunch !

IB/ Financial Services industry is taking a big hit. Today, there is some really bad news from Freddie Mac/ Sallie in NY. You should look at the complete pic, some of the junior ppl laid off from IBs could be heading the MBA way . Some Senior ppl have been moved East to 'push' the better performing regions . Some of my friends have joined IB positions in London, so something is going ok. Atleast new joinees dont gobble up big pay packets !

All the best with your exchange program. But of late I;ve been readdin of huge layoffs by top I-BAnks in London and New York. Any idea if fresh graduates are also facing the heat.?

Hi All,
Not sure if the Thread is still active,but still taking my chances..
Had basically two queries.
1) Got a sense by going through all the previous messages in the thread that
HKUST values international experience a lot.In that regard I would appreciate if some one (existing students)can let me know how much of a value would be middle-east exp in IT for an Indian IT professional?Or would it be negative?or is the story bout International Exp is over done a bit?
2) Really saw a overwhelming number of queries and hence responses about MBA in Finance.But really little about Supply Chain Management and logistics.
Considering that Hong-kong is one of the Logistics hub for the world and the school does focuses a lot on China don't understand why that story is underplayed?Does the school give good logistic and SCM exposure ?What is the job scenario?And more importantly changing stream from IT to Logistics with zero relevant experience..How feasible that would be??
.......
As they all do!!here goes my profile..
3 years In IT(4 by the time I join)
Decent Acads -B.Tech(Electrical)
GMAT-690
Extra Curric-Not much to write home bout

I don't think the essay topics will be displayed until admissions open. Will be surprised if you do manage to get hold of the topics.

To the current MBA students, going to be students and aspirants :)

I am planning to apply for the next year, the application website will however open up in October.

In the meanwhile I want to start drafting my essays.

Can someone please respond with the essay topics from this year's application, with respective word-limits if possible.

Thanks a bunch !

Any volunteers to take over the mantle of the ownership of this thread. I'm not giving up on this yet .. but I also realize that I'll have lesser and lesser time in the near future and also once I go on exchange in September (to LBS), I will not even be in HK to get first hand information to reply to queries.

Hay buddy please dont give up on this thread as yet. I assure to take over the mantle if i make it to HKUST in the coming academic year.

I cant wait for the admissions to open. I wanna make sure I;m the first one to show up

All the best with your exchange program. But of late I;ve been readdin of huge layoffs by top I-BAnks in London and New York. Any idea if fresh graduates are also facing the heat.?

Hi Pratap,

Thanks for the reply. Your words are encouraging and eggs me on to pursue my HKUST MBA. Personally for me I feel a new place and a fresh start is what I need to bring back the spice into my work life.

Hope to pull this off with guidance and suggestions from you guys.

So buddy tell us about your new venture in Hong Kong yaar. Would love to hear about it. Its amazing that you had the confidence to start something on your own so soon and that too in a foreign country.

By the way the pictures at your blog speak a thousand words so keep them coming.

Cheers,

Jose.

Just posted a query that I received. Will continue to do that (with names hidden to ensure privacy of requestor). Hope the people who've mailed me have no objections.

Any volunteers to take over the mantle of the ownership of this thread. I'm not giving up on this yet .. but I also realize that I'll have lesser and lesser time in the near future and also once I go on exchange in September (to LBS), I will not even be in HK to get first hand information to reply to queries.

Hi XXXXXXXXX,

Please check out my blog Random thoughts, HKUST MBA, From Cradle, through Cubicle, to University!, Dimsum Diaries for some stories on life at HKUST.

In addition check out http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/international-indian-mba-schools-accepting/26693-ask-hkust-b-school-hong.html for some frequently asked questions on HKUST. Let me know if you have more questions.

Brief answers to your queries: Food is a minor problem. But you can make do with it .. especially if you have a family (read wife who's a good cook ;-))
There are a few families in the program (all non-indians so far) and they are doing quite well in the program. The only negative about being with a family is that you cannot right now live on Campus ... not sure if they make exceptions if you request them.

Regd.ing ISB and INSEAD, HKUST is ranked higher than ISB in the FT Rankings and from what I've heard about ISB and what I've seen of HKUST, I'd rate HKUST higher for the experience ... especially for an Indian. ISB is full of Indians and probably IT Engineers and this takes away a lot of the learning from peers. But the quality of students in ISB (read GMAT, Grades focus, etc) is probably higher leading to a lot more focus on studies, grades, etc which in a way might be good. In other ways, its bad.

HKUST is great for diversity - My class has 20 or 21 countries represented. But it's a smaller class - Only 60-75 vs 400 for ISB ( I guess they split this into 2 classes).

INSEAD - Paris is a great school from what I've heard. I've to say I applied to both ISB and INSEAD and got a ding in both. But in hindsight, I think it was good for me. Especially ISB. INSEAD, I do not know enough about it to comment.

ISB has a strong Consulting Focus I believe. HKUST is great for FINANCE and FINANCE related positions - with HK being a Financial Hub and all that. The faculty is easily comparable to the best in the world. If you've heard of the Kellogg-HKUST e-MBA program (Rated World#1 by FT), most of the faculty there take courses for us. You really can't beat that.

That's my brief about the program. Go through the FAQs and let me know if there is any qn. Unanswered.

Regards,

Randhir Hebbar
MBA Candidate,
Class of 2007-09,
HKUST, Hong Kong


-----Original Message-----
From: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 6:52 PM
To: XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Subject: need info on HKUST mba programme..

Hi Randhir

I am XXXXXXX and happen to come across your profile on Linkedin. I have recently written my GMAT and have 6 yrs of experience in semiconductor industry. I have a few queries regarding the relatively new HKUST program and would like you to answer some of my queries if it is fine with you.

Some of my queries are - I am a married person with a kid and wanted to know the comfort level of a family staying on HKUST campus. Also I am a veggie - hope food is not a big issue . More seriously how do you compare with the HKUST program with schools like INSEAD and ISB (Hyderabad).

Finally, how are the chances of coming back to India after a HKUST mba degree?

Thanks and regards
XXXXXXXXXXX

You are right, it is great way to begin your career . You can also look for jobs in your exchange schools, most exchange schools open their placements to HKUST students. You will also gain Alumni status at these schools .

Jobs in HK are not bad despite the financial turmoil sweeping most western markets. Another trend, loads of US-bschoolers doing internships in HK now...this is a worrisome trend, now you will have to compete against global students not just the local ones.

No visa restrictions in HK, infact the school can give/issue you a work approval for internships . HK govt is encouraging international students to come to HK and work here for a while. ex-HKUST ppl/faculty/students are in the top roles in HK govt, so no worries !

Indians dont face any problems in finding jobs, unless you want a role focussed on marketing in mainland China . Most top mgmt comprises several indians, so you wont find any issues.

I didnt/wont face any problem of chinese lang in workplace, my colleagues are Germans.

Mandarin is the lang of future in China,while Cantonese is spoken only in southern China/Hk. Canto ppl are also learning mandarin, so you better directly start with mandarin. HKUST conducts a 1month full time class in mandarin for those interested souls - like me. I call all my Chinese classmates/ friends with their original chinese names, trust me it helps in building relationships ~ esp with gals.

Chinese grammar is easy, verbs and nouns are interchangeable. pronunciation is difficult...so you need to talk with someone .

~prathap
of late, my blog has turned into a picture blog...hope i find something nice to write about

i think the best way forward would be to find a good finance job in hong kong itlself.

so currently what's the job trend in hongkong. I've heard investment banking jobs are slowly fading. Is it so? Are there newer roles in the baking and finance sector that are emerging. WHats your take on the current scene and future trends in hongkong.

Also wats the general attitude of companies towards foreigners especially Indians. And is the govt very strict about foreign workers coming into the country. I've read that as long as a company is willing to hire you, the govt will easily grant a work visa. do correct me if I am wrong here

You've mentioned time and again that language has not been an issue for you throughout your mba programme. But how about at the workplace. I'm sure you've done some research on that. I think not knowing the language will certainly put some restriction on the types of roles that one can apply for.

Fianlly, if you decide to learn the chinese language would it be mandarin or would it be cantonese? and why?

Cheers and have a nice weekend.

Jose.

Pratap and Randhir, thanks a ton for this wonderful thread. You have certainly made HKUST look much more appealing to us Indians seeking a foreign MBA.

I began my quest for a foreign MBA last November. GAve my GMAT and scored 750. My Profile

Hope to keep hearing from you guys about HKUST. All the best with your internships. do share your experiences.

The pics you posted on flickr were really nice. do send us a link as and when you upload more.

Cheers,

Jose. :rockon:

Thanks for your comments Jose ! As they say...the photographer is more important than the camera :new_ukliam2:

Another news: Randhir and I have launched our own separate companies here in HK, helped by HKUST. Hope something measurable comes out of this. We have already learnt a lot abt entrepreneurship, commercialisation of tech, pitching to VCs, Biz Plan et al bcos of these ventures. More on this later.

Ok. I take your point on that. BUt lets talk about ROI. I treat my MBA as a heavy investment in my career. After graduating from HKUST i think the best way forward would be to find a good finance job in hong kong itlself.

so currently what's the job trend in hongkong. I've heard investment banking jobs are slowly fading. Is it so? Are there newer roles in the baking and finance sector that are emerging. WHats your take on the current scene and future trends in hongkong.

Also wats the general attitude of companies towards foreigners especially Indians. And is the govt very strict about foreign workers coming into the country. I've read that as long as a company is willing to hire you, the govt will easily grant a work visa. do correct me if I am wrong here

You've mentioned time and again that language has not been an issue for you throughout your mba programme. But how about at the workplace. I'm sure you've done some research on that. I think not knowing the language will certainly put some restriction on the types of roles that one can apply for.

Fianlly, if you decide to learn the chinese language would it be mandarin or would it be cantonese? and why?

Cheers and have a nice weekend.

Jose.

Thanks Randhir. I appreciate your reply.
...

I think one big plus for you is your tenure in the us which has probably exposed you to business in an international arena. How much do you think this is helping you.

And what do you think of Indians who have no international experience. It seems HKUST has given preference to students who have had international exposure. Why do you think they have done so.

International exposure does help give you a diverse perspective on several things discussed in class and a good mix of diverse experiences adds to the quality of learning in class.

If you do not have international exposure, you start off with a negative point score .. so its up to you on how you want to make up this point difference.

You could look at stressing on your achievements, diverse experiences you have had in your career, unique experiences that make you an India expert.

In reality, what is essentially required from india candidates according to me is people with Rich knowledge of the Indian Economy and diverse Industries.

If you can show that you have that, I think you might be able to make up for your lack of international experience. But the truth is the school is still biased about people with international experience.

Thanks Randhir. I appreciate your reply.

I enjoyed reading the blogs from pratap, curtis arthi and you. Nice to have a first hand account of your experiences. so you and pratap, both from tech field how are you guys coping with finance now.

I think one big plus for you is your tenure in the us which has probably exposed you to business in an international arena. How much do you think this is helping you.

And what do you think of Indians who have no international experience. It seems HKUST has given preference to students who have had international exposure. Why do you think they have done so.

Ranbir and Pratap,

A few questions

1. How many Indians do you have in your batch

2. Do you have guys ( non chinese ) with no experience in their chosen specialization?

3. Are banks in hong kong open to recruiting Indians with no major experience in finance, but armed with the hkUST MBA.

4. If yes, what are the typical roles and avg salaries offered to such guys

5. Can you provide a rough estimate of your total living exp throughout the 16 months of the MBA. And Please include everything that you pay for apart from the usd 41000 as fees, including the tips you give and candy bars you buy. I've heard hong kong is an exp place and am a bit worried about this.

6. Lastly, were any scholarships offered to the Indian students? If yes what was the max and min schol. Also was it need based or merit based.

I'm sorry guys if you've already answered any of these questions, please redirect me there. I read the entire 31 pages in one go and could be that i missed out some of the details.

thanks again for this wonderful thread.

Cheers,

Jose.

1. 6 Indians in our batch
   
2. Quite a few Non-Chinese with no-experience in Finance looking to get into Finance. In the past, people have been succesful. But obviously this depends on your commitment, persistence, effort and a little bit of luck. Other examples exist as well.
   
3. Again, depends on commitment, persistence and effort. Top I-Banks - A little more difficult since they don't normally recruit from schools other than the Top 10 schools and HKUST has still not broken into those ranks yet despite breaking into Top20 in FT, etc. But smaller banks, definitely a possibility and happens all the time.
   
4. Roles and Salaries depend on experience and interest. I don't think I can classify anything as typical. Classes are really diverse here ... so finding 2-3 ppl with same role and salary in a batch will be difficult. Avg Sal last year overall was close to 600,000 HKD going by official figures.
   
5. I am not very good with estimating my expenses. I just don't keep count. Conservative estimates would say around 3-4K HKD per month here in HK would be additional expense other than Apt / Dorm Rent which is probably another 1.5-2.5K HKD.
   
6. Scholarship was offered last year. A few of us got the max 75K schol. I think it is a combination of Merit and Need-Based. You need to write an essay giving reasons for your need and they decide with your merit in mind. Min was prob around 30-40K HKD. A few did not get scholarship or did not apply.
   

Most of the questions were answered in the past I think. Will give you the benefit of doubt this time. But next time someone asks a question, feel free to answer it and reduce our load.

Ranbir and Pratap,

A few questions

1. How many Indians do you have in your batch

2. Do you have guys ( non chinese ) with no experience in their chosen specialization?

3. Are banks in hong kong open to recruiting Indians with no major experience in finance, but armed with the hkUST MBA.

4. If yes, what are the typical roles and avg salaries offered to such guys

5. Can you provide a rough estimate of your total living exp throughout the 16 months of the MBA. And Please include everything that you pay for apart from the usd 41000 as fees, including the tips you give and candy bars you buy. I've heard hong kong is an exp place and am a bit worried about this.

6. Lastly, were any scholarships offered to the Indian students? If yes what was the max and min schol. Also was it need based or merit based.

I'm sorry guys if you've already answered any of these questions, please redirect me there. I read the entire 31 pages in one go and could be that i missed out some of the details.

thanks again for this wonderful thread.

Cheers,

Jose.

Pratap and Randhir, thanks a ton for this wonderful thread. You have certainly made HKUST look much more appealing to us Indians seeking a foreign MBA.

I began my quest for a foreign MBA last November. GAve my GMAT and scored 750. My Profile

Edu : Bachelors in Commerce 76 %
HSC 76%

Workex :
1 year as an associate in a bpo

15 months into teaching ( audio tech and music production )

17 months into sound engineering and music production

Past 4 months into investment servicing

****Extra currics into sports and music

I made the mistake of putting all my eggs in one basket. I never considered hongkong as a viable destination and was going all guns at singapore. Applied only to NUS and Nanyang and was extremely confident of converting both, based on the initial feedback from them.

However I got a ding from Nanyang. And I've been on the NUS waitlist since Feb 8th. Its almost four months now and they still would'nt tell me for sure if I'm in or out. :dontgeti:Anyways I think its a ding, but I'm sure will prove to be a blessing in disguise.

I have now decided not to waste time but to start preparations for Fall 2009. since I am very familiar with the application procedure I will make sure I apply well within the first deadlines for every college.

These are the colleges I will be targeting this time around :

1st Choice : ISB, HKUST, HKU, NUS, Nanyang

2nd choice : AIM, SPJain, City University of Hongkong

Hope to keep hearing from you guys about HKUST. All the best with your internships. do share your experiences.

The pics you posted on flickr were really nice. do send us a link as and when you upload more.

Cheers,

Jose. :rockon:

Jose,

It's messages like these that keep us going. Thanks a ton for your msg and all the best for your app next year.

It's been a wonderful experience for me and I'm sure it will be for anyone who joins HKUST. And the best I think is yet to come ... an exchange to LBS in October.

Pratap and Randhir, thanks a ton for this wonderful thread. You have certainly made HKUST look much more appealing to us Indians seeking a foreign MBA.

I began my quest for a foreign MBA last November. GAve my GMAT and scored 750. My Profile

Edu : Bachelors in Commerce 76 %
HSC 76%

Workex :
1 year as an associate in a bpo

15 months into teaching ( audio tech and music production )

17 months into sound engineering and music production

Past 4 months into investment servicing

****Extra currics into sports and music

I made the mistake of putting all my eggs in one basket. I never considered hongkong as a viable destination and was going all guns at singapore. Applied only to NUS and Nanyang and was extremely confident of converting both, based on the initial feedback from them.

However I got a ding from Nanyang. And I've been on the NUS waitlist since Feb 8th. Its almost four months now and they still would'nt tell me for sure if I'm in or out. :dontgeti:Anyways I think its a ding, but I'm sure will prove to be a blessing in disguise.

I have now decided not to waste time but to start preparations for Fall 2009. since I am very familiar with the application procedure I will make sure I apply well within the first deadlines for every college.

These are the colleges I will be targeting this time around :

1st Choice : ISB, HKUST, HKU, NUS, Nanyang

2nd choice : AIM, SPJain, City University of Hongkong

Hope to keep hearing from you guys about HKUST. All the best with your internships. do share your experiences.

The pics you posted on flickr were really nice. do send us a link as and when you upload more.

Cheers,

Jose. :rockon:

700willdo Says

I had applied on the 15th of March and havent heard ever since. I am sure it is a ding. Anyway, I guess the waiting has not been that painful for me because I already got into NUS with a scholarship. Just goes to show that different schools have different ways of evaluating candidates!!! All the best to you.

Sorry, I couldn't resist the temptation of replying to this astounding statement of yours.

Of course, different schools have different criteria. NUS and HKUST are as different from each other as DAY from NIGHT. Just because they are close to each other geographically does not mean you can expect them to be carbon copies of each other.

I know one person (Indian) who got interviewed last week. The reason the school has not sent out dings is probably that they are reviewing your case still. But like I've mentioned before in the thread, dings are normally sent out by snail mail whereas admits are sent out by e-mail and snail-mail.

I think this is a trade-off between rejecting people without looking at more people / interviewing them and actually interviewing a lot more people and delaying final announcements slightly. I as a candidate would have preferred the latter unless I had other options in hand and had to make an option. But then, that's just me.

On a side-note, I think I got my admit in the last week of May last year. So it's really not that bad. All the best to those still waiting for the results.

Thanks Randhir for your views. Its been really a waiting game for me...not only with hk but also with nus..they have put me in the waitlisted category..hopin for the best

Hi

Is there anybody out here who has not heard anything from HKUST/got a reject from them? I had applied in the 2nd week of March and havent heard from them since then. I called them up a few times but everytime I get the same reply - "under review". I dont understand why do they make people wait so long...if they dont want to take (likely the case) a candidate they should atleast inform him/her about it.

Tushar

I know one person (Indian) who got interviewed last week. The reason the school has not sent out dings is probably that they are reviewing your case still. But like I've mentioned before in the thread, dings are normally sent out by snail mail whereas admits are sent out by e-mail and snail-mail.

I think this is a trade-off between rejecting people without looking at more people / interviewing them and actually interviewing a lot more people and delaying final announcements slightly. I as a candidate would have preferred the latter unless I had other options in hand and had to make an option. But then, that's just me.

On a side-note, I think I got my admit in the last week of May last year. So it's really not that bad. All the best to those still waiting for the results.

Hi

Is there anybody out here who has not heard anything from HKUST/got a reject from them? I had applied in the 2nd week of March and havent heard from them since then. I called them up a few times but everytime I get the same reply - "under review". I dont understand why do they make people wait so long...if they dont want to take (likely the case) a candidate they should atleast inform him/her about it.

Tushar

I had applied on the 15th of March and havent heard ever since. I am sure it is a ding. Anyway, I guess the waiting has not been that painful for me because I already got into NUS with a scholarship. Just goes to show that different schools have different ways of evaluating candidates!!! All the best to you.

Hi Tushar ....

Even I called HKUST twice and got the same reply as they gave it to u. I believe they dont disclose the results on the phone.
So emailed them on monday enquiring about the result. Got a DING :unhappy::unhappy: yesterday. They said the official notification will reach me soon.

best of luck for urs application,
Raghav

Hi

Is there anybody out here who has not heard anything from HKUST/got a reject from them? I had applied in the 2nd week of March and havent heard from them since then. I called them up a few times but everytime I get the same reply - "under review". I dont understand why do they make people wait so long...if they dont want to take (likely the case) a candidate they should atleast inform him/her about it.

Tushar

Hi

Is there anybody out here who has not heard anything from HKUST/got a reject from them? I had applied in the 2nd week of March and havent heard from them since then. I called them up a few times but everytime I get the same reply - "under review". I dont understand why do they make people wait so long...if they dont want to take (likely the case) a candidate they should atleast inform him/her about it.

Tushar

Spring update was emailed today.

According to the brochure this years students are goingfor internship in companies such as :-
3M
ABN Amro
AXA
Blackrock
Citibank
Deutsche Bank
HSBC
ING
Lehman Brothers
Methanex
Merrill Lynch
Softbank
TPG

Damn! What happ to my internship company? As usual, i m a non-entity! Some say that I dont like attention.