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HKUST MBA |
ALUMNI INTERVIEW
Making the Leap from Finance to Technology — Eric Zhou (MBA 2014)
Making the Leap from Finance to Technology — Eric Zhou (MBA 2014)
"MBA was a critical driver of my career transformation from banking, where I had worked for a decade, to technology — a completely new industry to me," said Eric Zhou, Head of Strategy, Mobile Ecosystem Group at Baidu.
Eric’s new position as the Head of Strategy oversees the strategic planning of Baidu’s mobile business, such as search, feed (a tool to provide users with frequently updated content) and short videos. To ensure that those plans are rolled out and executed successfully, Eric also plays an active role in operation management, including reviewing resource planning and formulating purchasing policies. The above job scope is a far cry from what Eric used to do in banking. So how does MBA help him meet these new challenges?
Eric’s new position as the Head of Strategy oversees the strategic planning of Baidu’s mobile business, such as search, feed (a tool to provide users with frequently updated content) and short videos. To ensure that those plans are rolled out and executed successfully, Eric also plays an active role in operation management, including reviewing resource planning and formulating purchasing policies. The above job scope is a far cry from what Eric used to do in banking. So how does MBA help him meet these new challenges?
Eric shared how he successfully switched his career from an industry he had worked for a decade to a new one after the MBA program
"The all-round knowledge acquired from the program has given me many practical insights into different business functions," said Eric. Working only in the banking industry before his MBA had limited Eric's knowledge to the field of finance. The MBA program was the breakthrough he was looking for as it provided him with a holistic view on other business areas such as marketing and general management.
In addition, the fast-paced environment in the MBA classes boosted his learning ability and adaptability, pushing him to pick up new skills in a very short time. The case-based learning method in the program also exposed Eric to the daily challenges of business leaders in industries new to him. As many readings and preparations are required for each case study, Eric has become highly effective in absorbing and digesting large volumes of information and knowledge. This has proved to be immensely helpful for him after his switch to a new industry, where he needs to tackle everyday business challenges the way he used to go through case studies.
Almost every player in technology is betting on AI these days. Eric is grateful for the opportunity to work on the joint venture by CITIC and Baidu to set up the first independent direct bank – Baixin Bank in China. The new bank offers its services via online banking without any physical branches by riding on Baidu’s innovations in AI and big data.
How can AI and big data contribute to banking? Eric cited an example: a person claiming to be a staff member of HKUST would like to borrow money from a virtual bank. The AI algorithm module deployed on server can check his creditability by big data analysis. If this person has never left any digital footprint on the Clearwater Bay campus, AI would be able to identify this as a fraud case. As technology permeates every aspect of our life, Eric thinks it is crucial for students to have a fundamental understanding of AI and, in particular, how it can be applied to daily business.
Even after relocating from Shenzhen to Beijing, Eric still keeps in touch with his former classmates using instant communication apps. As for the MBA journey, "encouragement, possibilities and lifelong learning" are the three words he chose to sum up his affection towards MBA. The program has encouraged him to be more open to new challenges and step out of his comfort zone. Meeting classmates from a wide spectrum of professions in candies, pets and military among other interesting fields has inspired him that life is full of possibilities. As Eric does more and more reading on his own during and after the program, it has also transformed him into a lifelong learner.
By Sana Chau, Central team
In addition, the fast-paced environment in the MBA classes boosted his learning ability and adaptability, pushing him to pick up new skills in a very short time. The case-based learning method in the program also exposed Eric to the daily challenges of business leaders in industries new to him. As many readings and preparations are required for each case study, Eric has become highly effective in absorbing and digesting large volumes of information and knowledge. This has proved to be immensely helpful for him after his switch to a new industry, where he needs to tackle everyday business challenges the way he used to go through case studies.
Almost every player in technology is betting on AI these days. Eric is grateful for the opportunity to work on the joint venture by CITIC and Baidu to set up the first independent direct bank – Baixin Bank in China. The new bank offers its services via online banking without any physical branches by riding on Baidu’s innovations in AI and big data.
How can AI and big data contribute to banking? Eric cited an example: a person claiming to be a staff member of HKUST would like to borrow money from a virtual bank. The AI algorithm module deployed on server can check his creditability by big data analysis. If this person has never left any digital footprint on the Clearwater Bay campus, AI would be able to identify this as a fraud case. As technology permeates every aspect of our life, Eric thinks it is crucial for students to have a fundamental understanding of AI and, in particular, how it can be applied to daily business.
Even after relocating from Shenzhen to Beijing, Eric still keeps in touch with his former classmates using instant communication apps. As for the MBA journey, "encouragement, possibilities and lifelong learning" are the three words he chose to sum up his affection towards MBA. The program has encouraged him to be more open to new challenges and step out of his comfort zone. Meeting classmates from a wide spectrum of professions in candies, pets and military among other interesting fields has inspired him that life is full of possibilities. As Eric does more and more reading on his own during and after the program, it has also transformed him into a lifelong learner.
By Sana Chau, Central team
UPCOMING EVENT
The HKUST Global MBA Challenge (GMC)It will take place in April 2020 on the HKUST Clearwater Bay campus. We are currently looking for sponsors to support this flagship event.
Being one of the sponsors, you and your company will be getting new ideas and consultancy advice in presentations delivered by MBA student teams from globally renowned business schools.
If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Ms. Pauline Cheung from the MBA Office at cpauline@ust.hk or Mr. Ling Kong the from MBA Association at lfkong@connect.ust.hk
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