Natasha Hsiao(Taiwan) 
Class of 2020 
Pre-MBA: Strategy and Insight Analyst, Japan Tobacco International 
MBA Internship: Project Consultant, BASF 
Post-MBA: Assistant Manager, BASF  

1. Why HKUST MBA to begin with? 

Hong Kong is Asia’s international hub. I was able to obtain the international exposure I was looking for in Hong Kong without having to be far from home. As the best program in Hong Kong, the HKUST MBA gave me access to its ample resources, top-tier education and, most importantly, a close-knit network.During my HKUST MBA, I received premium and highly customized education, participated in a case competition in the USA with support from HKUST, spent a memorable exchange semester at NYU and landed jobs with the help of CPD and alumni. 

2. How’s your experience with HKUST and life in HK? 
Life in Hong Kong was a blast. Hong Kong is international, vibrant, welcoming and convenient. I had a great time meeting people, building networks and establishing my career.The friends I made at HKUST were the most important and valuable things I gained during my MBA experience. My fondest memories of my friends on the HKUST MBA include debating intensely on projects, exchanging job hunting information and, of course, exploring local bars and restaurants.

 

Natasha (second from the left) at a case competition at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, USA. 

3. Can you share your fondest memories during your MBA journey with us? 

Job hunting was a big part of my MBA, and I cannot thank my career coaches enough for helping me land my internship with BASF, which ultimately turned into a fulltime position. The coaches helped me prepare interviews, updated me about BASF’s feedback and followed up with me during the internship. I feel that the coaches truly cared about my experience and development. 
During my internship with BASF, I was tasked to develop and implement a product launch roadmap which involved close collaboration with top executives from business and technical functions. The Management Consulting class taught by Professor Doran at HKUST MBA was proved to be very useful and practical – the tools learned and the problem-solving skills developed have helped me a lot throughout my internship. As a result, I successfully secured a return offer from BASF.

 

Natasha watching lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) with friends when traveling to Mexico during her NYU exchange 

My unique MBA experience with HKUST doesn’t stop at internship. HKUST MBA also offers an amazing selection of exchange schools around the world. I was very lucky to spend one full semester at NYU Stern School of Business as an exchange student. During my exchange semester, I also seized the rare opportunity to explore NYC and travel across the whole of Americas – north, central and south! 

4. What’s your motto in dealing with challenges?  

Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

 

Friendship, the most important gain during MBA. Natasha (middle) in one of the last big gatherings toward the end of the school year.