Meet The CEIBS MBA Class Of 2025

Michelle Zhu, CEIBS MBA director. Courtesy photo

Q&A WITH CEIBS MBA DIRECTOR MICHELLE ZHU 

P&Q: What are the two most exciting developments at your program in the past year and how will they enrich the MBA experience for current and future MBAs?

Michelle Zhu: In the past year, CEIBS has introduced two significant enhancements to our MBA program that are designed to enrich the educational journey for both current and future students. Resumption of the China Modules and Overseas Electives: After a hiatus due to the pandemic, we were thrilled to resume our China Modules and Overseas Electives. These essential components of our curriculum allow students to engage deeply with both the dynamic economic landscape of China and diverse global markets. The combination of local immersion and international exposure equips our students with critical insights and experiences necessary for leadership in a globally interconnected business world. Upgraded Leadership Journey: We have revitalized our leadership development track by integrating more experiential learning elements and advanced evaluation tools. This enhancement is aimed at fostering deeper self-awareness and identifying pivotal leadership traits, enabling our students to understand their own leadership styles more profoundly and evolve into effective global leaders.

P&Q: If you were giving a campus tour, what is the first place you’d take an MBA applicant? Why is that so important to the MBA experience?

Zhu: The first stop would undoubtedly be the iconic CEIBS Pyramid, designed by I.M. Pei. This architectural marvel is not just a visual landmark but also a symbol of our educational philosophy, representing the harmonious blend of Eastern and Western business practices that underpins our curriculum. The Pyramid is a huge part of the CEIBS experience, serving as a hub for learning, innovation, and community engagement. Inside, students and faculty alike participate in a variety of academic activities and collaborative projects, making it a vital part of our vibrant campus life. Starting the tour here underscores the holistic approach we take to business education, setting the tone for what students can expect as they embark on their transformative journey at CEIBS.

P&Q: What have MBAs told you is the most memorable, signature experience they’ve had in your program? Why did it resonate so much with them?

Zhu: Our “Integrated China Strategy Project” stands out as a signature MBA experience. This project pairs students with leading multinational and Chinese companies to solve real-world business challenges. It resonates deeply with our students because it encapsulates our programme’s hands-on approach, providing direct exposure to the intricacies of the Chinese and global business arenas.

P&Q: What types of jobs are your students landing and which companies?

Zhu: Graduates from CEIBS are stepping into impactful roles across a broad spectrum of industries, with many joining top-tier firms like Alibaba, Tencent, McKinsey & Company, and Amazon. These companies value the unique blend of global perspective and local insight that CEIBS MBAs bring to the table, highlighting the program’s success in preparing students for leadership roles in a global context.

P&Q: How does the program leverage the larger university’s commitment to diversity in building its MBA program and what dividends does this commitment provide to its students?

Zhu: Our program leverages CEIBS’s commitment to diversity by actively recruiting a diverse student body and faculty, fostering an inclusive culture, and integrating diversity into the curriculum. This diversity enriches the MBA experience by enabling students to gain a broad perspective on global business challenges and solutions, preparing them to lead diverse teams and projects across the globe.

P&Q: Who is a standout in your faculty – the kind of person who graduates talk about a decade after they leave? How does he or she personify your school culture and the best of your MBA program?

Zhu: Professor Bala Ramasamy is a true gem at CEIBS, fondly remembered by alumni long after they’ve left the halls of our campus. As a Professor of Economics, he’s not only a key figure in shaping our MBA programme’s curriculum but also a beloved mentor. His teaching style combines rigorous economic theory with lively, practical applications that keep students engaged and always eager to learn more.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Ramasamy’s influence permeates the entire school culture, promoting an environment where intellectual curiosity and critical thinking are at the forefront. Alumni often recall his classes as some of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of their MBA journey, noting how his guidance was instrumental in their personal and professional growth. His approachable nature and commitment to student development make him the embodiment of what we value most at CEIBS.

P&Q: How does your B-school incorporate technology into the curriculum and how has it engaged students and faculty on the use or incorporation of such new, emerging technologies, for example like ChatGPT?

Zhu: At CEIBS, technology integration into the curriculum, especially emerging technologies like AI and tools such as ChatGPT, is approached both innovatively and critically. To enhance our offerings, we have introduced several new electives, including ‘IT in the New Economy’, ‘AI and Machine Learning’, ‘Marketing Practice and Technology in the Digital Age’, and the recently well-received ‘Web3.0 and Blockchain’, co-delivered by Prof. Jason Zhu and Prof. Michelle Lu. These courses often feature guest speakers from the industry, further bridging the gap between academic theories and practical applications.

Additionally, the recent establishment of the CEIBS Research Center for AI and Management Innovation, headed by Professor Fang Yue, exemplifies our commitment to this endeavour. This centre focuses on the intersection of AI and business management and serves as a platform connecting academia, government, and industry. It aligns with national AI strategies and explores the broad impacts of AI—including ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and the potential for AI to reshape employment landscapes.

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