MBA Graduates from China Share Insights into Webster's Niche in Global Graduate Education

Since 1996, Webster University has been a pioneer in providing a global business education in the People's Republic of China.

It was first American University to be recognized by the Beijing Ministry of Education for Collaborative MBA instruction. It was also the first to be recognized by Beijing in the west with the establishment of the Chengdu campus.

Today, cooperating with Shanghai University of Economics and Finance (SUFE), Webster campuses in Shanghai and Shenzhen are thriving. Webster's collaboration with the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) to establish the Chengdu campus has also proved to be mutually beneficial. In 10 years, Webster has granted more than 1,000 MBA degrees to citizens of China.

Rena Zhang

Webster University-China currently offers the Joint MBA degree program, undergraduate programs for foreign students from outside of China, online programs and study abroad options.

NotaBene sat down with two recent MBA graduates from the Shenzhen campus to learn more about their careers and insights into graduate business education and the global business arena of the 21st century.

Webster MBA graduate Rena Zhang is General Manager for Creata Limited in Shenzhen, China. "Creata Shenzhen" is a subsidiary of Creata Promotion Group Company. Founded in Australia in 1973, Creata Promotion is a full-service marketing, manufacturing and promotions company with more than 400 employees operating from 14 offices around the world.

These McDonald's character cups were some of the first Happy Meal prizes Creata produced 20 years ago.

"I joined this company in 2000, and was employed as a Compliance Manager to manage supplier compliance in social responsibilities.

To learn more about Create, visit them online at www.creata.com .

Q/A with Rena Zhang

NB: What was one of your most satisfying academic accomplishments?

Rena Zhang: After undergoing a series of management theories & case studies especially with teamwork, I have acquired a set of skills to manage and react to unexpected situations. At my current job, there are times when I need to make a prompt decision and react to certain circumstances with a lack of sufficient information. I believe this is a critical part of my job and now feel very confident in making these important decisions. As a result, the company I am currently working for has greatly expanded my job scope.

NB: Who has been your most important mentor, and why?

Rena Zhang: Over the years, I had many individuals who have taught and influenced me in very positive ways. I must say the most important mentor in my mind is Lyn Atkins, one of my closest friend and an English teacher. Lyn came from Australia and joined our company in August 2000. Our company employed her to improve the English language capabilities of the staff and support in creating an English study and working environment. Her personality is defined as witty and quick minded. Most importantly, Lyn has a deep understanding of my overall strengths and weaknesses. She likes to share her views and perspectives on what to say and do. She has put forth great efforts in helping me develop a range of expertise such as being personally assertive, understanding different cultural difference views and message perception.

NB: What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing today's business graduates?

Rena Zhang: Business Graduates today face challenges that are beyond their expectations. Secondly, they must familiarize themselves to use and apply their knowledge with real life problems. Students who excel in school may or may not be successful at work. In addition, students have to carefully choose the right career path and be passionate about what you do. There is nothing better than doing what you love every single day.  

In China, it's important for an individual to be flexible and adapt to new changes e.g. technology laws and ethics. In this surplus labor market one must have special talents and possess unique skills for any specific industry. A distinguished candidate not only holds a degree but must have both strong characteristics and vision to anticipate the future.  

NB: Why did you choose Webster for your MBA?

Rena Zhang: I feel Webster's MBA program is specially designed to fit the needs for all who like to pursue continuing education. With an affordable tuition, I feel they provide a broad range of courses that interest me and will prepare me for the outside world.

NB: What kind of professional networking advice would you give MBA graduates to boost their careers?

Rena Zhang: Networking plays a critical part for many MBA graduates in helping contribute their business contacts. From my experience I learned it is vital for a student to still take part in school committees and various professional associations. I encourage them to get involve with more clubs or committees that in turn might lead to great possibilities in the future.

NB: How have you "worked" your education as in networking and building professional alliances?

Rena Zhang: I believe that in order to build professional alliances, one must be willing to share their ideas and accept others to increase their knowledge and understanding of the two sides. Business growth depends a lot on communication, as well as the ability to elevate others in a strong positive way.

Rocwill Lee

Founded in 1975, Salcomp is the world's leading manufacturer of linear and switch-mode chargers and power supplies for mobile terminals and other electronic handheld devices.

Mobile phone charger produced by Salcomp.

A global company with operations in all major market areas, Salcomp has its main office in Kemijärvi, Finland; a regional office in the U.S.A., Brazil and Salo, Finland; and production in Brazil, India and China.

To learn more, visit www.salcomp.com .

Q/A with Rocwill Lee

NB: Why did you choose Webster for your MBA?

Rocwill Lee: I chose to attend the Webster University for several major reasons:

1. To get an internationally recognized American degree.
Webster University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the leading accreditation agencies in U.S. and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA). The degree I earned at Webster University is recognized by a majority of universities and employers. I can also be confident that the further education I will receive meets the standards of quality required by the accrediting agency. It has an important program that is suitable for me: Master of Business Administration. It is a nationally recognized degree that was sure to prepare for a career in business.

2. To develop my skills.
Webster can help me to develop valuable skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, to analyze and solve complex problems, and to adapt to a changing world. I also can receive a well-rounded education that encourages my academic, personal, social and professional growth.

3. The professors give me academic and practical knowledge.
The faculty possess both academic expertise and professional experience in the fields they teach. I can apply the theories and concepts I learned in class to real world problems. I can graduate from Webster well prepared for a professional career.

4. The campus is worldwide.
I would become a member of Webster University's worldwide community of 18,000 students, with freedom to study in U.S. or at any of Webster's six international campuses in Europe and Asia.

5. Meet the world on our campus.
I can study and live with many students from different nationalities, cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and life experiences.

6. The mentor is kind and the students are friendly.
I chose Webster University because the MBA Program has a very good reputation in China. I also like the campus size; it just felt right to me when I visited for the first time. One real positive aspect that impacted my decision to choose Webster University was that the mentor is kind and the students are friendly.

NB: What was one of your most satisfying academic accomplishments at Webster?

Rocwill Lee: The Applied Statistics was one of my most satisfying academic accomplishments at Webster. It is still useful to my work and effect on my business up to now.

NB: Give one example of how you "worked" your education as in networking and building professional alliances?

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