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Photo: MIT Sloan Senior Associate Dean Alan White, who welcomed the IMBA Class of 2008 in a special video conference.
On an early September morning in China, Professor Chen Taotao, director of the IMBA Program at Tsinghua University in Bejing, greeted Tsinghua's incoming IMBA Class of 2008.
Thanks to the wonders of video conferencing, she was simultaneously greeting Senior Associate Dean Alan White and International Programs Manager Eleanor Chin on an early September evening at MIT Sloan. The occasion was the start of the eleventh year of the groundbreaking MIT-China Management Education Project.
The opening of the latest IMBA school year was also an occasion for those involved in the project to reflect on how far it has come.
“When the IMBA program started in 1996, management education in China was still in a preliminary stage,” said Yang Bin, associate dean of Tsinghua's School of Economics and Management. “The Program has developed quickly and successfully. MIT Sloan has also encouraged us to develop offices for career development and alumni relations. Many alumni have appreciated their excellent work. All of these activities compose a full value chain in management education.”
“Our fully English curriculum provides no barrier to international applications or to exchange opportunities with world-class MBA programs,” added Bin. “With this ten-year effort, this IMBA program has become one of the top MBA programs in China, and it is attracting increasing attention around the world as well.”
The students in the Class of 2008 have a great deal to look forward to.
“You came to the right place,” said Bin. “This unique program will equip you with professional skills and spirit. But only those students who take full use of Tsinghua's resources and work hard will succeed. I wish all of you good luck.”
From Cambridge, Dean White added his welcome and good wishes to the incoming class.
“This is also the first day of classes here at MIT Sloan, so we are beginning together, ” said White. “I congratulate all of you incoming students. We recently had a great celebration of the ten years of our working relationship. We were especially pleased to see the responses of the alumni. When you graduate from this program you will have great success. We expect you to have wonderful careers. But you must work very hard and take full advantage of the opportunities in front of you.”
Continued White, “We are interested in staying in touch with you. We will offer all of you affiliate alumni status with MIT when you graduate, so that you can be networked with all MIT alumni. We think this is valuable for all of us.
“MIT became involved in this program because we wanted to learn about China. The program has afforded both our faculty and our students this opportunity. They will be visiting you, working with you, interacting with you, getting to know you, and developing relationships with you. I congratulate your administration in attracting 40 international students. This makes your program truly international. Good morning to all of you.”
Xie Yonghong, IMBA '97, recalled his experiences as an IMBA student and how they have influenced his life since.
“Nine years ago I was admitted to this prestigious program,” he said. “There was no international program in China when I applied. My two years here were very happy. We became more proactive, more systematic, more confident. It was the first time most of us thought carefully and systematically about our career paths.
“Continuous learning is something we should always have in mind. I have worked for both SOEs and multinationals. It's important to be able to work with different cultures. Every decision you make will have some value on your resume. In these two years you will have enormous sources for learning. Enjoy them.”
Shang Yanchun, a second-year IMBA student, spoke to the new students like an old friend.
“Now your dreams have come into reality and your hard work has paid off,” she said. “This is one of the best MBA programs in China and even in Asia. You have a good start now, but a long journey to go as well. Whenever you have problems we will be pleased to help you. Tsinghua and MIT Sloan faculty will also help you when you need help. Try to communicate with everyone around you as much as possible. Take active part in classes and clubs. Don't be a bookworm. Try to have a better understanding of yourself. Ask yourself what kind of person you are and what kind of person you would like to be.”
Although Liu Yuan is an incoming IMBA student herself, she enters with something of a jumpstart on the IMBA experience. “In July I volunteered to help with the 10th anniversary celebration. I already have the feeling of joining a big family,” she said.
Dean Chen — Taotao to her colleagues, students, and many friends at MIT Sloan — delivered the final words of advice and encouragement.
“During your two years here, build up your global vision. Professional leaders must possess this. You can't depend on specific courses. You need to be aware of what's happening in the world and what is happening in China.
“And pay attention to the details. Details are always a matter of professional behavior and complete understanding. They could make a difference in whether or not you get the job. The rule is the same in daily life — for example, being a minute or two late for class. Try your best to pursue the details.
“Everyone talks about teamwork but it's difficult to do. Many people may want to lead and not contribute. This is the time to test whether you are a good team player. You can train yourself to be a really good team player. It can be part of your character.
“You have a hard but wonderful life ahead of you. Let's thank our friends on the other side of the earth.”
© 2009 MIT SLOAN SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT