How do you get accepted for an MBA at a world-ranking business school like China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)?
If there’s someone who can answer that head on, it’s James Kent!
James has been living and working in China for the last six years and is the Assistant Marketing Manager in the MBA Marketing and Admissions team at CEIBS. He is responsible for promoting the CEIBS MBA program to international and domestic students through online and offline recruitment campaigns.
Ace your MBA application at CEIBS with James’ top tips and be part of an elite MBA alumni network.
Top 5 Tips to Ace your MBA Application at CEIBS
1. “Connect with the people at CEIBS.”
This is James’ first advice to students.
The admissions team at CEIBS is more than happy to connect you with the right channels, alumni and student ambassadors. The experience sharing can be done on WeChat.
CEIBS also works with several partners such as China Admissions to spread the word about the CEIBS MBA program.
On CEIBS’ website, there is a wealth of information. From informative articles, student notices to videos, everything is on the website. If students can’t find what they’re looking for, they can contact James directly.
2. Join the CEIBS Summer Pre-MBA Boot Camp.
Students who would like to experience CEIBS before taking the plunge can participate in the CEIBS Summer Pre-MBA Boot Camp. It’s a paid program that is held every year.
For many students, the decision to study an MBA in China means entering uncharted waters. The CEIBS Summer Pre-MBA Boot Camp is a one stop destination to understand China both inside and outside of the classroom.
The program will expose students to the MBA curriculum with some of CEIBS’ most distinguished professors, as well as let them dive right into Shanghai life and China business, giving them a real feel of how things are done in China.
3. Participate in CEIBS trial classes.
Throughout the year, students can join CEIBS’ trial classes, the evening masterclasses or the one-on-one session. Students who prefer the latter can book an appointment through CEIBS’ CRM system.
4. Register for CEIBS pre-round webinars.
Before every round of admission, the business school encourages students to join the CEIBS webinar about the do’s and don’ts of the application process. It includes what students can expect from the MBA journey and what the outcomes are after graduating.
5. Attend CEIBS MBA international MBA tours near your area
Applicants who are not in China, or can’t come to China, CEIBS is on the road every year. “We travel to many countries and do international MBA tours,” James adds.
To further increase a student’s acceptance rate into the CEIBS MBA program, James recommends the following tips:
- apply during round one, CEIBS is more generous with scholarships during the initial round;
- ask for a letter of recommendation from somebody who knows you professionally;
- write a convincing, but truthful personal statement letter and;
- be yourself and be honest.
How to succeed in China
For James, it’s important for students not to be dissuaded by misconceptions about China. The reality on the streets are something else, in fact, the Chinese people are welcoming, warm and open.
To truly understand China, James says it’s essential to immerse in the culture, learn the Chinese language and experience the beauty of the country.
When asked about his future plans, James declares he’s not leaving China anytime soon. The country has become his home, and besides, he still has a mission at CEIBS.
“At CEIBS, it’s like a big startup and there’s lots to do! I’ve put a lot of time, effort and heart into my job. Just like my colleagues here, I am driven to pursue a greater China and global experience for our students, so the school is a fantastic platform”
James Kent’s professional career in China is impressive, but you’d be surprised to know how his China journey started. Read more about his childhood fascinations about China here.
About the MBA program at CEIBS
CEIBS offers a world-class, 18-month, full-time MBA program taught in English. It is designed to prepare talented professionals with strong career aspirations, promising managerial potential, and clear international orientation for post-graduation roles as a global business thought leaders.
The CEIBS MBA aims to enhance a student’s ability to identify and utilize business opportunities, solve complex business problems, motivate people and develop organizations.
The program has ranked in the top 25 of the Financial Times’ annual global business school ranking for 15 consecutive years (2005-2019). Below is a summary of its rankings:
- #1 in Asia and #5 globally among full-time MBA programs in the Financial Times (2019)
- #1 in Asia in Bloomberg Businessweek’s Best Business Schools (2019)
- #1 in Asia among 2-year programs outside the US in Forbes Magazine’s The Best Business Schools (2019)
Search for more programs at CEIBS or learn more about the business school.
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