The last few months have been unforgettable and full of globetrotting. In May, I spent two weeks on UBC’s Vancouver campus for residency. In June, I went to the University of Oxford for Global Network Week. In August, I begin my advanced coursework in Shanghai. And there are many more adventures to come.
As incredible as this period has been, it’s just a short snapshot of the 20-month UBC International Master of Business Administration (IMBA). The part-time program is based in Shanghai and offered by the Robert H. Lee Graduate School at the UBC Sauder School of Business in partnership with the Antai College of Economics and Management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
To give a fuller picture, here are five top takeaways from my experience as an IMBA student, class of 2024:
1. The cohort thrives on collaboration
A key part of the IMBA is the two-week residency in Vancouver. It’s a chance for everyone to come together for in-class learning, spirited discussions, and case studies. There were so many group projects and we didn’t leave anyone behind. My classmates come from different backgrounds and a wide breadth of industries. Some of them have family businesses, some are experienced project managers, and some have expertise in leading teams. Some have educational backgrounds in North America, while others graduated from top universities in China.
We learned from each other and grew together through sharing. Students even said they’re open to collaborating with classmates on start-up ideas in the future. We didn’t just make professional connections during the residency; we built personal relationships. It’s these kinds of bonds that stand the test of time and will remain intact long after graduation.
2. Residency is jam-packed with learning
The IMBA offers a mix of foundational and advanced courses so students can apply business knowledge to a wide range of contexts. The residency curriculum focuses on a particular topic each day – a structure that kept the schedule fresh and exciting and allowed us to explore the content in depth.
We learned how to make careful evaluations to diagnose problems, how to define objectives, and how to make trade-offs to align our behaviours with our principles. The course on change readiness was one of my favourites. I learned that it is more effective to reduce ‘restraining forces’ instead of adding ‘pushing forces’ when preparing for and implementing change in organizations.
The class also inspired self-reflection because life is full of change and graduating from the IMBA is an upcoming transition for me that will require preparation and planning on a personal level.
3. The global opportunities are second to none
After a jam-packed residency in Vancouver, I hopped on a transatlantic flight for the next adventure. I was joined by nearly 60 students from 15 reputable universities around the world for Global Network Week at the University of Oxford.
Global Network Week is an optional component of the IMBA, but it offers unparalleled access to international learning and networking. As someone who has worked in finance for several years, I was keen to learn not just through studying but through exploring the world.
Oxford’s professors presented in-depth insights with real cases and guest speakers. My classmates had managerial-level experience in various industries. Together, we discussed how we could put what we learned in class into projects we encounter in our real-world work. I’m thankful that I made so many friends from all corners of the globe. It was a memorable and meaningful portion of the IMBA.
4. UBC Sauder faculty members are engaging, interactive, and communicative
The staff and faculty at UBC Sauder value each and every student for their uniqueness. There is no power dynamic with professors. They are always engaging, interactive, and communicative.
They are also a wealth of practical knowledge. They share the latest industry news, opinions, and analyses through case studies and discuss their professional consulting experiences. As students, we ask a lot of hard questions and we receive so much support. If we run out of time in class, professors will schedule office hours or send essays, links, and resources on their own time. During the residency weeks in Vancouver, faculty members also joined us for lunch and dinner to share more in-depth thoughts and socialize.
5. The IMBA will deepen your knowledge and take your skills to new heights
UBC Sauder is the only North American school to offer a part-time MBA in Shanghai. The program is perfect for people who have accumulated some years of experience and are looking to deepen their knowledge and elevate their skills to a higher level.
For me, the lessons in management, leadership, and approaching conflict stand out as the most thought-provoking and valuable. As I join my classmates in Shanghai for the next chapter of the IMBA, I can’t wait to see what the next few months will bring as we dive into specialized courses with the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai as the setting.
If you want to learn more about the IMBA residency in Vancouver, check out this video to relive the 2023 trip.