Meet The MBA Class of 2025: Shane Xu, China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)

Shane Xu

China Europe International Business School

“Entrepreneur in facilitating the sharing economy”

Hometown: Taian City, Shandong Province, China

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Nottingham (UK campus), Majored in Finance, Accounting and Management

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Taian Xunyong Network Information Service Ltd, CEO

What has been the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

My biggest accomplishment so far has been successfully initiating a joint-venture with Meituan Electric Bike-Sharing Department and gaining operation rights in the Taian region. This venture significantly contributed to my firm’s financial success, as evidenced by the 2.3 million RMB revenue generated in the latest 2023 financial report.

When you think of CEIBS, what is the first word that comes to mind? 

The word “Family” comes to mind when I think of CEIBS because of its strong sense of community and camaraderie among its students, faculty, and alumni. CEIBS fosters a supportive environment where individuals come together not only to learn but also to grow personally and professionally. The connections made within the CEIBS network often extend beyond the classroom, forming lasting bonds akin to those found within a family. This sense of belonging and mutual support contributes significantly to the overall experience at CEIBS and sets it apart as a leading business school.

What are one or two key aspects of this program that led you to choose CEIBS, and why were they so important to you?

Two key aspects of CEIBS that led me to choose the program are its strong international focus and its extensive alumni network. CEIBS embraces diversity. The international focus ensures exposure to diverse perspectives and business practices. Furthermore, the alumni network offers valuable connections and opportunities for collaboration and mentorship.

What course, club, activity, or experience at CEIBS excites you the most and why?

The Strategic Management course at CEIBS, led by Prof. Zhuo Chen and Prof. Changhyun Kim, is a highly anticipated opportunity for students due to its exceptional faculty, practical relevance, interactive learning format, and hands-on approach. The expertise of the professors, coupled with the course’s focus on real-world strategic challenges, fosters engaging discussions and collaborative learning experiences. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, case studies, and simulations, students gain the necessary skills and confidence to excel as strategic leaders in today’s dynamic business environment, making it an exciting and enriching experience for all involved.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective CEIBS MBAs? 

I highly recommend “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. This book offers practical insights into building and scaling successful businesses by adopting lean principles and fostering a culture of experimentation and innovation. I believe it’s a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.

What are two things you have learned being at CEIBS that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic.

One academic learning that surprised me at CEIBS is the depth of analysis and discussion in class. The professors encourage critical thinking and challenge conventional wisdom, leading to rich and thought-provoking discussions.

On a non-academic level, I was surprised by the sense of camaraderie and support among my classmates. We have held diverse out-of-class activities such as the first Honor of Kings competition and Flying Disc lessons. Despite the competitive nature of business school, there’s a genuine spirit of collaboration and mutual respect that fosters a positive learning environment.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into CEIBS MBA program?

My advice for potential applicants to gain admission into the CEIBS MBA program is to demonstrate a strong track record of academic and professional achievements, a clear vision for their career goals, and a genuine passion for global business and leadership. Furthermore, thorough research into the program’s curriculum, faculty, and global opportunities, coupled with networking with current students and alumni, can provide valuable insights and strengthen their application. Lastly, emphasizing any unique experiences, perspectives, or skills that set them apart from other candidates will make their application stand out.