On February 12, the Financial Times (FT) released the list of the top 100 MBA programs in the world in 2024, and Fudan University's MBA program ranked 27th in the world, and ranked among the top in the world in many sub-indicators. Among them, "Career Services" and "ESG and Zero-Emission Education" ranked first in Asia, second in the world in "salary growth rate", and third in "career growth".
Dialogue with alumnus Zhao Shang
Fudan MBA has always been committed to cultivating business and social leaders who will change the world for the benefit of mankind. Zhao Shang, a 2018 alumnus attracted by Fudan MBA's training philosophy, chose Fudan MBA as a platform for self-improvement and improvement in the face of challenges and difficulties on the road to entrepreneurship. He firmly believes that the Fudan MBA can cultivate leaders who are more in line with the needs of social development. Today, he is engaged in the field of science and technology innovation and continues to strive at the forefront of entrepreneurship.
Q1: Why did you choose Fudan MBA among many business schools?
Zhao Shang:
Before I started to learn, I had successfully taken two companies from start-up to IPO, and in the process, I had achieved some financial freedom.
Therefore, I was eager to choose a school with a strong and international background to continue my studies. Fudan University is an institution with a century-old cultural heritage and strong humanistic feelings, so it naturally became my first choice. I deeply agree with the Fudan school motto of "Erudite and Ambitious, Earnest and Thoughtful", which is not only the motto of Fudan people to pursue knowledge and truth, but also highly consistent with my personal values.
Q2: What are the benefits of studying for Fudan MBA?
Zhao Shang:
The study experience at Fudan MBA has been a comprehensive and profound improvement for me. Not only has I made significant progress in my work skills and business knowledge, but I have also gained valuable friendships in my interactions with my classmates, and my way of thinking has also been greatly expanded.
Although I have participated in the start-up and operation of two listed companies before, my thinking has always been limited to the market level, and there are obvious deficiencies in the fields of investment and corporate financing valuation. In the study of Fudan MBA, whether it is the in-depth explanation of Accounting knowledge taught in the classroom or the professional assistance of the top four students in the group, it has intuitively filled the gap in my knowledge in this area and truly solved the problems I encountered in the process of enterprise management.
More importantly, this learning experience has long-term implications for my company's future financial planning. Not only did I gain more comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of economics, but I also learned how to apply this knowledge to solve practical problems and optimize the operation and management of the enterprise. At the same time, I also learned more about the importance of teamwork and how to better cooperate with students from different backgrounds and majors to overcome problems together.
During my studies, I also established a deep friendship with Fudan MBA classmates, and we come from different industries and countries, so naturally there will be some cross-cultural and cross-field exchanges, which are sincere and authentic, abandoning the worldly utilitarian factors, and everyone can share their thoughts and insights without reservation. It is this friendship that makes me feel that Fudan MBAer is an inseparable whole.
Q3As an entrepreneur, has the Fudan MBA helped you in your career development?
Zhao Shang:
As an entrepreneur, I probably got more career help from my MBA than other students. From thinking, methods, resources, implementation processes, methods and other aspects, the teachers of CDO (Fudan Management Institute Career Development Center for short) have given great support. Whenever I feel confused, I ask my CDO teachers. The teachers will assist me in all aspects, including business planning, alumni resource docking, process guidance, investment introduction, etc.
Q4: Why did you choose the track of science and technology innovation after many times of continuous entrepreneurship?
Zhao Shang:
I chose the science and technology innovation track not only because of my profound professional background, but also because of my personality and values.
In the practice of the science and technology innovation industry, I have also been greatly improved. I found that it is through continuous innovation, in-depth thinking and practical exploration that my potential can be continuously stimulated, which coincides with the concept of "Innovation practice improvement" advocated in the Fudan MBA class. To achieve excellence in what we are good at, we need to think about it, then have the courage to innovate, and verify the truth through practice. This is the fundamental reason why I chose the science and technology innovation track and is committed to its development, and it is also the motivation for me to continue to pursue excellence in this field.
Q5What are your hobbies outside of work?
Zhao Shang:
Outside of work, I like to take my kids out for cycling. No matter the wind, rain, or cold, I basically ride 45 kilometers every week without stopping. Sports are very good at cultivating children's perseverance, which is a very important quality in later work, study and life.
Q6 Do you have any advice for entrepreneurs or Fudan MBA students?
Zhao Shang:
Once you have an idea, it's time to put it into practice quickly. If you want to continue your education, you don't hesitate to embark on the path of learning. In the school, they should actively participate in various integrated practice activities to enrich their own experience and improve their comprehensive ability.
Nowadays, we are in an era full of challenges and opportunities, and we need everyone to show full vitality and fighting spirit, and bravely assume the responsibility of entrepreneurs and business leaders. Fudan MBA has always been committed to cultivating business and social leaders who can change the world and benefit mankind, and we, as Fudan people, should always keep this concept in mind and put it into action.