“If you’re passionate about learning more about China and also want to see how that fits into a global context, then I think CEIBS is the best place to come.”
About The Author
This article is written by William Hubbard, CEIBS MBA 2024. William is currently working in Singapore after graduating from the CEIBS MBA programme.
- Hometown: London, UK
- Current location: Singapore
- Company: Boltray Games
- Position: Strategic Investment Specialist
- Pre-MBA industry: Education
- CEIBA MBA 2024
How I Ended Up Doing An MBA In China
I was born in London in the United Kingdom and grew up there my whole life. It was when I was first applying to university that I had the idea of moving to Asia to teach English as a foreign language. I had always wanted to try living abroad and teaching, and this seemed like a great opportunity. I studied English Literature for my undergraduate degree at the University of Nottingham. Nottingham is a university with great study abroad links, and they did offer a place at their campus in Ningbo, China. China was a country I knew little about. Outside of eating out in Chinatown in London (which I have since learnt is more of a British take on Chinese food than the real thing) and studying Chinese history in middle school, my knowledge was severely lacking. Nevertheless, I was very excited by the opportunity to learn and throw myself into a new experience.
William working as an English teacher in China
This was the decision that in essence led me to CEIBS. I fell in love with China while studying abroad; with the food, the culture and all the things it had to offer. After living in Ningbo for five months and then traveling around China for another month, I knew I wanted to come back post-graduation. I returned to Nottingham and finished my undergraduate degree, while trying to find a teaching job based in Shanghai.
In summer 2018, I officially moved back to China, ready to start a new adventure of living abroad, supporting myself, working as a foreign teacher, and beginning a fully independent life outside of the UK for the first time.
How COVID Almost Screwed My Plan Up
In spite of the Shanghai lockdown in April and May 2022, it did not change my opinion of the city as an amazing place to live, and that I genuinely feel quite lucky that I get to call this place my home. That being said, if it were not for coming to CEIBS, it might have been more difficult to convince myself or others that this was the case.
I applied to CEIBS in Round 2 in 2022 and was fortunate enough to receive an offer around Chinese New Year which I gladly accepted. This milestone in my life and the opportunities that I believe it will bring me in the future, including the chance to switch industries from education and continue working in Shanghai is something I am extremely excited about. At the same time, it also gives me a clear reason and goal to remain here beyond my continued love of the city and hope that things will continue to improve to how they were before the pandemic.
William at CEIBS
Thoughts About The CEIBS MBA Programme And Switching Industry
Above: Video of William talking about the experience at CEIBS MBA
MBA life was a rollercoaster. The boldest move I made during CEIBS MBA is completely switching industries—from education to gaming, a major leap that took networking and persistence. I was fortunate to have the support of classmates and faculty, including those who had already built careers in tech. The CEIBS community in China and beyond, including Singapore, played a big role in helping me make this shift. Reflecting on my path and figuring out where to grow next. The MBA gave me the tools to evaluate my skills, what I lacked, and how to chart the course forward. I learned that your classmates are your greatest asset—leaning on them during tough times, especially when balancing internships and studies, can make all the difference.
Now, I’m excited to step into the gaming industry in Singapore, a region that’s rapidly growing as a global tech and innovation hub. The opportunities here are immense, and the transition feels natural after everything I’ve learned at CEIBS. For anyone considering CEIBS, especially in Singapore, I can only say: if you want to deepen your understanding of China’s role in the world and expand your network across Asia, CEIBS is the place to be. The experience is transformative, and the connections you build will shape your career for years to come.
Interested In Exploring CEIBS MBA? Attend The CEIBS MBA Coffee Chat In Singapore To Find Out More!
CEIBS MBA is our top choice for any candidates who are looking to work with Chinese tech giants like Bytedance, Huawei and NIO. Graduates from CEIBS are also in a great position to be a regional leader for startups and businesses in Southeast Asia.
CEIBS MBA is hosting a coffee chat in Singapore on Wednesday, 13 November 2024. Attend this chat to find out more about the programme’s offerings, as well as various scholarships and financial support schemes that are available for Singapore candidates.
- Event: CEIBS Coffee Chat Singapore 2024
- Date: Wednesday, 13th November 2024
- Time: 19:00 – 21:00
- Location: 5F, Ginger. Lily, Hilton Singapore Orchard, 333 Orchard Road, Singapore,
