The Digital MBA Taking Jane From Operations to Finance

Jane Tusing worked in the shared services industry in the Philippines for 18 years. However, she realized her aspirations extended beyond her Operations Head APAC & US role at Buy and Pay in Merck Business Services. 

With her robust background in business analysis, system migration, and supply chain management, Jane wanted to reach for leadership positions where she could influence financial decisions and make a bigger impact. She decided it was time to push her career forward by joining an MBA program.

But Jane didn’t want higher education to put a pause on her career progression at Merck. She needed a program that would allow her to balance her professional schedule with her MBA studies. 

That’s when the HKUST Business School’s Digital MBA (DiMBA) came into the picture.

Why the Digital MBA? Balancing Professional Demands With Career Growth

Flexibility was one of Jane’s top priorities when looking into the different MBA programs available. HKUST’s online, part-time DiMBA program allowed Jane to balance her professional commitments and academic pursuits. 

“It’s a format that actually aligns well with my professional commitments,” Jane says. “Given the industry I work in, I often travel. And this online format actually ensures that I don’t have to worry about missing lectures. All of the course materials are available online, which allows me to really easily review, read, and watch the lectures at my own time and pace.”(01:14)

HKUST stands out for its cutting-edge education technology. You get the benefit of a quality education without sacrificing quality or career progression opportunities.

Additionally, this flexibility fosters a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Participants from various backgrounds and corners of the world can mingle in class discussions. This diversity is the secret sauce to an enriching educational experience.

How the Digital MBA Fosters a Diverse Learning Environment

HKUST’s DiMBA is specifically designed for senior business professionals who need flexibility. Its online format allows a broader set of executives to access the classroom, bringing a blend of varied backgrounds and a mix of industries.  

Although HKUST is located in China, DiMBA students come from over 19 different nationalities. Their industries are also diverse, from pharma to blockchain, investment banking, travel, and retail. Moreover, participants also bring various job functions to the table, including marketing, engineering, and finance.

“Our class comprises students from diverse backgrounds, which made our virtual discussions exceptionally rewarding,” Jane says. 

“We often share personal experiences that make the topic discussed more relevant, real, or relatable. We engage in friendly debates and light-hearted discussions. It has not only deepened my grasp of global issues, but it has also broadened my perspective in ways that a traditional MBA class setup might not.” (05:09)

This multicultural environment prepares students like Jane to understand international business dynamics and improves their cross-cultural business communication skills.

Unlocking New Horizons With Asia’s Leading MBA Program

Besides the flexible digital format and multicultural environment, HKUST’s DiMBA also sets itself apart through its comprehensive curriculum and stellar reputation. 

The HKUST MBA was ranked as the top MBA in the Asia-Pacific region by Bloomberg Businessweek, and DiMBA students take part in the same curriculum.

The curriculum of this two-year MBA program is designed to shape students into future-proof digital leaders. Core courses establish a business foundation, specialization classes allow personalized learning, and electives round out the unique MBA experience.

Jane highlights the program’s focus on the practical application of knowledge. For instance, the Information and Technology Management course helped her make more informed decisions about IT in her job. This led to improved operations for the APAC region.

“With the help of that course, I was able to weigh the pros and cons, in line with how it’s going to make the operations more efficient. But it also made me look at the budget, which sometimes we neglect,” Jane explains. (11:06) 

HKUST’s comprehensive curriculum, global perspective, and hands-on approach significantly expanded Jane’s career opportunities and readied her for leadership roles.

What’s Next? Jane’s Career Shift and Future Aspirations in Shared Services

As Jane progresses through her DiMBA journey, she envisions a significant leap in her professional trajectory. 

“After earning my MBA, I aim to take a big step in my professional journey,” Jane says. “I am actively exploring new opportunities, still in leadership and management roles. I aspire to be in a position where I can impact important decisions, lead teams, and foster innovation. My aim is to grow personally while also contributing to an organization’s growth.”(07:25)

The Digital MBA experience at HKUST has notably broadened Jane’s horizons. It has opened up exciting opportunities for a career pivot within the shared services industry. She is now contemplating a shift from operations to finance, driven by the knowledge gained during the program in that field.

“The industry where I am right now is actually very broad. Right now, I am on the operations side of the business, but as I embarked on this program, I learned more about the finance side,” Jane explains. (08:32)

Thanks to HKUST’s Digital MBA, Jane has been able to create a successful path for an impactful career.

For more details on the Digital MBA, you can reach out to any of their student ambassadors. They will be happy to share their first-hand experience with you and answer any questions you may have.