Just to add my 2 cents worth. I graduated from the MIT Sloan MBA program and then worked for MIT at Tsinghua and Fudan unversites for 6 months to help with their joint MBA ventures there. In addition to the coursework, one of the most important elements in MBA program is the career office, especially since many students enter into MBA programs to swtich jobs/careers. (This may not apply as much to EMBA programs). At MBA schools in the US, the career offices organise so many recruiting events (on-campus company info sessions, mock interviews, company visits etc) that in the first few months of the program, you spend just as much time recruiting as you do attending class. This is not something that is easy to import. The career offices in the Asian affiliated schools are not as sophisicated as those in more established schools and are not able to provide the level of support needed or expected of a world class program. Local companies may also not be as familiar with the MBA program and less likely to come onto campus to recruit. I know many students were very frustrated by this, especially since they expected more from a brand-affliated program. Just something to keep in mind.

I have completed the MSc in Global Finance at HKUST and NYU Stern. The professors are very good at both HKUST and NYU Stern. There are some professors, from both schools, who could have been better. However this is probably because everyone has their own opinions and expectations, and I'm sure all programs have this problem- each professor has their own style of teaching. In this program you will learn very relevant topics and learn from experts who are active in the industry. The program does give a very good overview of the financial services industry and the different disciplines within it. It also provides a unique understanding of government policy and the financial services industry in China. Like most senior education programs, including the MBA, it?s up to the individual to decide how much he or she wants to get out of it. However this is not to say that students can get an A from just regurgitating the textbook. The professors force you to think. The program does cover a lot of areas and is very demanding for busy working professionals. For most of the year there is an assignment due every two or three weeks. I am happy with the degree. If it?s Finance you want then NYU Stern is always ranked in the Top 3. HKUST has great professors and is the Top Business School in the region and has top tier programs (EMBA #1, and MBA is Top 10). The program gives access to excellent alumni in the Asia Pacific region and North America. I think the only issue, which is being corrected, is that the admissions department let in a few young and less experienced people when the program first started. However, it seems the program?s admissions process has gotten more competitive, so this should not be a problem anymore. There is nothing wrong with young and smart peers but their contributions in group work and in classes is limited due to the lack of work experience.

one more point. Most schools outside of the US (except for the good schools like LBS, INSEAD) do not have such a strong alumni. I'm not talking about the headcount in different countries, I'm talking about the strength of "attachment" graduates have to their program. This goes beyond passing your business card around; it's about active networking, recruiting, and doing business. I also agree with the comment above regarding the general lack of awareness in the business community in Asia of the regions top programs. However, this will come in time....

I am in the programn right now, before choosing a program I did a lot of research. What I found was that there was not another program like it: a top tier global finance masters program. Lots of global mba's but finance programs were very local and very quant. I have gotten out of it what I wanted. Met great new friends in finance. Impressed by faculty , especially at NYU. These guys are wizards.. And I got the new job I wanted. Ultimately you need to decide what you need but anyone who chooses a program based on anonmyous pots of alleged students is taking a high risk. Call the program offices. Visit a class. Ask to speak with astudent or alum of faculty. Then you can decide whether it's a good program for what you want. One word of warning...it moves fast! You learn a lot but you have a lot of work to do.

I think some of these posts might be from competing programs! LOL.

First of all thank you for mentioning this program, I was not aware that it existed. I think its a good alternative to EMBA for someone who prefers Finance over General Management.

Second, I would like to comment on these two statments.

it is just an alliance between hkust and nyu.

any program trying to collaborate from a secondary school to a better school has a lot of glam factors in it.

hi foryoda, it seems you had very unique experience in China. What is your take on Tsinghua compared to Ceibs?
thanks

hi amino
I'm sorry but I don't know enough about the Ceibs program to comment between the 2.

I know there are many advantages of studying in China and would be very enthusiastic if I can get into Tsinghua.

However, since you have so much knowledge of both worlds. Could you please based on your own knowledge from a purely academic viewpoint is Tsinghua/Peking compatible to a school solidly ranked in 15-30 in USA e.g. Simon Rochester or University of Boston/ Ohio Fisher i.e. teaching quality, research, course-content, opportunities to do real projects etc.

Also is Tsinghua strong in finance compared to Simon or Ohio which is fairly decent in finance

Hi need your generous advice guys...I m interested in taking up this program...may I know what career path it can leads me...Im currently in consumer banking and is keen to move into Ibanking..
Btw anyone has any idea what is the approximately how many ppl applied for this program per last year?

Hello, I just interviewed for the program and am waiting for a reply. While I am very keen on the program, I have heard comments about the intensive nature of the program (such as the comments made by venga) which is of some concern to me. My work in M&A due diligence means my working hours are irregular and require occasional travel. Really hope current students from the program can shed light on the workload (how much prep time they spend per module and on the assignment) and how they manage the workload with their day jobs. Many thanks!

Bern02,

So the application for classes 2011 -2012 started?

The 2011-2012 enrollment is not opened yet.

Btw Bern, did you managed to get into the school?

Hi guys anyone knows if this course could lead to me becoming an investment banker?

I think it is doesn't matter. The application is on rolling basis, so doesn't matter when you apply.

Probably right - I wouldn't wait for the starting gun, necessarily. I might be wrong. The general assumption with rolling basis is the earlier the better, as spaces fill up. (Of course send it when you're confident about it)

Hi guys,

I just attended an information session with these people and had a look at the course materials. They are fine and in fact cover most other good schools cover but it is very hard to tell if the course worths the money because what they teach you is pretty much very basic albeit general knowledge that you can do your job.

Also this year they include a session studying in Tsinghua China.

Like some other people say, this is more or less similar to a level 1 CFA no more no less but you have very good things to boast about.

And to reconfirm you have 1 certificate with 2 university logos not 2 seperated certificates which is shit really.

Good luck if you have that much money and time to throw away. For us who are not in HK, a degree at a local college will be of the same value but at a 1/3 cost minus the travel time, money spent on airfares and hotels.