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HKUST MBA |
MBAP WEEKLY PROGRAM
Exchange Out Students Share
Exchange Out Students Share
Terry Tsang, exchange out to the IESE Business School, Spain
Some might wonder how Terry Tsang, a company founder and owner, could let go of his business for months to go for an exchange study. Terry, unlike many others, has adopted a hands-off management style. “During the exchange, I delegated the decision-making authority to my team. When they came and asked about my opinions, instead of answering them directly, I asked them further questions and then let them make the final decisions. Although sometimes their choices might not be the same as mine, I give them opportunities to try,” he said. This is how Terry managed his study and his business at the same time.
Studying abroad, Terry truly embraced the diversity of the European school, actively engaging with new people. By the time he finished the exchange, he had met almost a hundred new people from all over the world. They still keep in touch today. Language was never a barrier in meeting new friends—in fact, it was one of the reasons that Terry chose Spain for an exchange. He was excited about studying and living in a country where people do not speak our languages.
During his time in Barcelona, Terry not only enjoyed the course but also cherished the friendships he established in school. The Venture Capital and Private Equity course he took there influenced his investment decisions. He became intimate with his fellow classmates and experienced many kinds of events, from hosting parties at his home to being a guest at dinners that did not usually invite others. All of these experiences widened his connections and horizons. When asked to reflect on his exchange experience, Terry said that he was impressed by in-depth conversations with classmates there about giving back to the school and to society. Although some might primarily ask what they can get out of the MBA program, Terry said that he thought the opposite: “Give before you take.” This thought, he said, became stronger after the exchange.
Some might wonder how Terry Tsang, a company founder and owner, could let go of his business for months to go for an exchange study. Terry, unlike many others, has adopted a hands-off management style. “During the exchange, I delegated the decision-making authority to my team. When they came and asked about my opinions, instead of answering them directly, I asked them further questions and then let them make the final decisions. Although sometimes their choices might not be the same as mine, I give them opportunities to try,” he said. This is how Terry managed his study and his business at the same time.
Studying abroad, Terry truly embraced the diversity of the European school, actively engaging with new people. By the time he finished the exchange, he had met almost a hundred new people from all over the world. They still keep in touch today. Language was never a barrier in meeting new friends—in fact, it was one of the reasons that Terry chose Spain for an exchange. He was excited about studying and living in a country where people do not speak our languages.
During his time in Barcelona, Terry not only enjoyed the course but also cherished the friendships he established in school. The Venture Capital and Private Equity course he took there influenced his investment decisions. He became intimate with his fellow classmates and experienced many kinds of events, from hosting parties at his home to being a guest at dinners that did not usually invite others. All of these experiences widened his connections and horizons. When asked to reflect on his exchange experience, Terry said that he was impressed by in-depth conversations with classmates there about giving back to the school and to society. Although some might primarily ask what they can get out of the MBA program, Terry said that he thought the opposite: “Give before you take.” This thought, he said, became stronger after the exchange.
Terry joined the Multi Culti in Barcelona, an event about sharing music, dance, and delicious food from different cultural backgrounds.
House party at Terry’s apartment: Terry enjoys hosting his classmates, and they shared a many happy moments.
Rachel Than, exchange out to the New York University, USA
Life is an adventure, and sometimes we must make bold decisions. Rachel left an industry in which she had worked for almost 10 years for an exchange study and take the opportunity to re-examine her career.
Apart from study, Rachel shared her experiences in traveling to Peru and Bolivia with other exchange classmates. “We had never planned to go to South America before exchange, but we made it finally. I learned about Inca culture, visited the world famous Machu Picchu. The trip was such a valuable experience for our friendship by experiencing all the wonderful moments together.” Rachel said.
Rachel said that as a career break, the exchange was valuable to her as she was able to reconsider her life priorities. Both challenges and opportunities arise when one steps out of his or her comfort zone. Although there are uncertainties and unknowns, Rachel encouraged us to step outside, as good opportunities could lie ahead. “A UST MBA alumnus working in New York introduced me a career opportunity after an alumni networking event, and I got an offer during my exchange study. It’s really important to open yourself up for possibilities.” Rachel said. She accepted the offer and is excited to start a new chapter in her life: working abroad.
Rachel and her fellow classmates explored Incan culture in Machu Picchu, an Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
