Considering studying an MBA at IPADE in Mexico? Hongyi Tang spoke to us about moving from Asia to Mexico for the Full-Time MBA at IPADE, the PanAmerican Institute for Higher Business Management.
Originally from China, Hongyi Tang’s switch to Mexico wasn’t easy. However, it’s getting out of your comfort zone that helps you grow as a person. Speaking of his motivations, Hongyi shares, “I’m from Asia and I came to Mexico to know Latin America. Because of this exchange experience here offered by IPADE, I have another chance to know a new culture.” (00:10)
Mexico is a vibrant nation whose identity stretches far beyond tacos and tequila. Getting to grips with the complex identities of the country is not only an exciting, mind-broadening experience, but it can be directly applied to your career. Having a deep understanding of the market you’re working in makes positioning yourself and pitching ideas much easier. Similarly, the respect shown by taking a deep dive into the local culture is a great way of building strong relationships with potential partners or clients.
Whether students such as Hongyi Tang stay in their adopted country or return, the lessons they learn put them at a great advantage in business. For example, Hongyi can create strong links between China and Mexico using his experience and network. In this way, the benefits of studying an MBA at IPADE Business School continue throughout your career, not just during the program itself.
MBAs give you so much more than just the lessons taught in the classroom, and IPADE’s program is no different. Two of the most advantageous areas are the networks students create and the in-depth knowledge of the Latin American market.
Although MBAs are by their nature general degrees, IPADE students also get a laser-focused insight into specialist areas. One example is the Doing Business in Mexico week – a series of expert-led sessions about Mexico as an emerging market. Learning from leaders and seeing practical examples supplements what students learn in the classroom. As a result, graduates move forward into international business careers with a global perspective and the confidence to implement them.
Events like these provide more than just an understanding of one of the world’s most dynamic markets. IPADE students get to build their network with other MBA candidates, but also with speakers and business leaders who attend.
The importance of what he has learned is not lost on Hongyi Tang. He says, “It’s definitely the best business school you could have contact with because of the networking, because of the perspective they are giving you.” (00:51)
As well as the tangible benefits of a broad professional network and knowledge of your markets, studying an MBA at IPADE gives you more subtle advantages. Top of the list is a global perspective on how businesses are run.
It has never been more important to understand different ways of thinking when it comes to managing a company. With the world becoming ever more connected, leaders need to stay ahead of the curve to stay afloat. Therefore, making synergies between management styles across industries and borders gives MBA graduates a major boost in employment.
Hongyi is well aware of the position his MBA puts him in. “When I’m finding a job or I’m doing a project with my partners, I’m bringing a very fresh and competitive perspective to the project and to the company,” he reveals. (00:28)
Aside from the curriculum, IPADE runs events, trips, and competitions to instill an international mindset in its students. For example, students can choose from up to five study trips to business hubs such as Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, and Israel.
Studying an MBA at IPADE Business School prepares graduates to run a business in keeping with modern values. As Hongyi attests, “IPADE is not only about business, it’s also about social responsibility and the international environment.” (01:04)
This prescient approach to business led to the school receiving the EQUIS accreditation (EFMD Quality Improvement System). The accreditation is a testament to three fundamental pillars of IPADE’s mission:
On top of the ethical question, there are myriad ways that social responsibility benefits businesses. The days of seeing these efforts as a “nice-to-have” are over – they are now an integral part of successful companies. Typical areas that social responsibility helps to improve include:
Hongyi’s experience perfectly reflects how studying an MBA at IPADE positions graduates for an international career. With a multi-pronged approach that combines classroom theory with real-world practice, you can learn the hard and soft skills needed for success in Latin America.
