Anna Hu

China Europe International Business School

“A self-driven bridge-builder, weaving resources to create positive social impact”

Hometown: Beijing, China

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve danced since age 3.

Undergraduate School and Major:  Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Blackhills Real Estate Consultancy, Senior Consultant

What has been the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

Leading a 3,000 square meter office lease transaction project.

When you think of CEIBS, what is the first word that comes to mind? 

When I think of CEIBS, ‘Exemplary Business Education’ comes to mind. Its diverse, vibrant community fosters a profound network effect, blending social and academic elements seamlessly to cultivate practical methodologies for success in specialized fields.

What are one or two key aspects of this program that led you to choose CEIBS, and why were they so important to you?

Two pivotal aspects drew me to CEIBS. Firstly, my Western education background lacked depth in understanding China’s business landscape. CEIBS offers a unique blend of global breadth and Chinese depth, addressing this gap crucial for navigating real-world challenges. Secondly, CEIBS’s standing as Asia’s premier MBA program resonated with my pursuit of excellence, aligning perfectly with my ambition to excel in the dynamic Asian business environment.

What course, club, activity, or experience at CEIBS excites you the most and why?

CEIBS Dance Arts Club: This newly formed amateur dance troupe comprises outstanding alumni from all CEIBS programs. Coming together out of shared interests, we dedicate our spare time to training and rehearsing, pooling our talents to craft professional-grade performances. Through social media platforms, we promote the school with our showcases. As a current MBA student just beginning my journey, dancing alongside seasoned alumni instantly bridges the gap between us, offering invaluable learning experiences.

Peer Sharing by Industry Clubs: Within CEIBS’ MBA program, there are 13 industry clubs covering sectors like healthcare, consulting, finance, technology, consumer goods, and entrepreneurship etc. These clubs often organize company visits, lectures by industry leaders, and alumni forums. However, what I find most rewarding are the peer sharing sessions. Classmates candidly share their experiences in the industry, providing insights from a peer perspective that are both genuine and invaluable. For students considering a career transition, these firsthand accounts offer a clear picture of what to expect in different industries.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective CEIBS MBAs? 

One recommendation I’d make for prospective CEIBS MBAs is to explore President Xi Jinping’s 2024 New Year Address. In his speech, President Xi highlighted China’s steady transition in pandemic control, sustained economic recovery, and the solid advancement of high-quality development. He emphasized the maturation of China’s modern industrial system, with the rapid emergence of high-end, intelligent, and green industries. This address provides valuable insights into China’s economic trajectory and development priorities, aligning with CEIBS’ commitment to fostering both global breadth and China depth. It offers prospective students a deeper understanding of China’s evolving business landscape and underscores the importance of staying informed about key policy directions and economic trends in the region. 

What are two things you have learned being at CEIBS that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?

One academic aspect that has surprised me at CEIBS is the depth of insight gained from micro and macroeconomics classes. During microeconomics, our professors utilized real-world business cases, such as examples from the Belt and Road Initiative, to explore game theory and Nash equilibrium through lively discussions. In macroeconomics, they directly incorporated the latest data released by central authorities to analyze current economic situations in China and globally. They integrated current affairs to provide further analysis and introduced various economic theories from different economists, offering diverse perspectives that guide our daily lives. Exam questions were based on analyses of articles from the latest issues of The Economist, ensuring practical application of our learning.

In terms of non-academic experiences, I’ve been surprised to learn the importance of relaxation from my classmates. Being part of a top-tier MBA program, everyone arrives with ambitious goals, and there’s a prevailing culture of intense dedication to studies. Even after exams, some students remain in the library until midnight. However, what’s remarkable is the low level of anxiety among us. This was a stark contrast to my prior experiences. Through discussions with classmates, I realized the value of occasionally letting go of unnecessary worries, cherishing the present, and adopting a relaxed attitude towards outcomes. This approach significantly reduces mental burdens and facilitates success.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into CEIBS MBA program?

I believe many prospective applicants are somewhat dissatisfied with their current situations and may be experiencing some confusion regarding their career paths. They may also desire to explore more opportunities and ideas. While it may be unrealistic to have a clear, concrete post-MBA goal before admission, as they are coming to learn, applicants should reflect on their strengths (personality, background), current needs for career advancement (financial, interests, position development), and their existing accumulations in various fields (networks, skills, other barriers). By combining these three aspects with a logical narrative, applicants can construct their stories and articulate both short-term and long-term future goals convincingly during the application process.