"Business growth is, of course, primarily driven by economic returns. However, once a company’s revenue becomes stable, I believe CEIBS students can do more—contributing to society and making a meaningful impact in their own way."

After successfully completing my CEIBS interview, I had a deeper conversation with the interviewer downstairs. With sincerity, he shared these words with me.

At that moment, I saw the same spark in his eyes—one that now shone in mine as well.

Breaking into the US Escape Room Market

The Dreamweaver of ‘Mirage’

Hello everyone, my name is Hu Jianzhe, and I am a CEIBS MBA Class of 2025 alumnus. I have an undergraduate background in education and have worked in both the education sector and the industrial IoT industry.

During my time studying at university in the United States, I noticed a gap in the local entertainment industry driven by my personal interests and business instincts. This led me to establish the first Chinese escape room, Mirage Escape Room. Despite my background in education and having little business experience, I launched this venture with a fearless attitude: “I believe this could work!”

With a combination of boldness, luck, and a bit of personal capability, I successfully opened the escape room. Over the course of two years, Mirage welcomed more than 1,200 American players, achieving a satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5.0. The revenue was so substantial that it even covered my tuition for my senior year.

After graduation, as market competition intensified, I decided to close the business and return to China for new opportunities. Upon returning, I went through various stages of work, including a steady job and some small-scale entrepreneurial attempts. However, I gradually realized that my lack of business knowledge and my instinct-driven approach posed significant risks in entrepreneurship. I needed a more professional perspective and business acumen, so I began to delve into various MBA programmes offered by business schools.

Perhaps it was due to CEIBS's reputation. Maybe it was the encouragement and support CEIBS offers to entrepreneurs. Or perhaps it was the personalized questions posed during the interview. 

Or maybe it was my enthusiasm for the course content during the two trial classes I attended.

In any case, ultimately, I chose to decline offers from other schools and set my sights on Asia's top MBA programme, at China Europe International Business School (CEIBS).

The Hardcore Everyday Life of CEIBS MBA

After starting my studies, I got to know 120 classmates, each with unique experiences and backgrounds. They come from various industries, showcasing distinctly different ways of thinking during our discussions. However, they share two common traits: being "strong" and "driven." These outstanding elites, who excel in their respective fields, create a unique spark when they come together for discussions.

At CEIBS, I felt that the intensity of learning even surpassed the workload I experienced at my job. Therefore, I often tell the younger students that the curriculum at CEIBS itself isn’t particularly difficult; rather, it’s the collective effort of my classmates that raises the standard for what it means to be competent.

This seems to have become a prevailing atmosphere at the school, where both teachers and students, in academics and sports, are all striving to excel. One classic example is Professor Hyun Young Park, who teaches Marketing and whom I greatly admire. I took her compulsory course and steadfastly chose her for my elective as well.

Professor Park is incredibly dedicated to her teaching. She categorizes students' assignments by viewpoint in advance and focuses on asking questions about deeper or more unconventional perspectives during class. She speaks passionately and continuously, even pushing through a hoarse voice with a quick lozenge to continue imparting knowledge with a raspy, yet resolute tone. Her lessons are insightful and engaging, particularly her discussions on brand building and understanding customer psychology, which often left me in deep contemplation.

The concepts she shared frequently feel like opening a new door, with many unprecedented ideas flooding my mind. There have been moments during my studies at CEIBS when I’ve slapped my thigh and thought, “Oh, I should have approached branding like this when I was starting my escape room! I really missed out by not studying business at the time, wasting a great opportunity. If I ever start another venture in the U.S., I absolutely won’t...”

Professor Hyun Young Park

Armed with a CEIBS MBA, I am Sailing to America Again

The Extraordinary Connection of Starting a Business with Feiyu

I never expected that the words I spoke back then would actually come true.

When the HR said to me, "This is a startup position. We need someone to develop new markets in the U.S.," I felt a spark reignite within me. Without any hesitation, I accepted the offer to move to Los Angeles, returning to the familiar West Coast of the U.S.

Seven years have flown by, and now I'm back in the U.S. to start a business. Haven't I always complained about the mistakes made with Mirage? Well then, let's see what will be different this time after completing my studies at CEIBS!

Round two, let's go!

I diligently researched the company called Feiyu Technology. Feiyu is a leading player in the second-hand luxury goods market in China, and it's also a CEIBS alumni venture. Its founder, Huang Shichang, is a senior from the 8th CEIBS Entrepreneurship Camp and frequently participates in campus activities. During my time at school, we visited Feiyu, and during recruitment season, they came to campus for alumni recruitment. Even next year, the incoming students will be working on a major research report about Feiyu’s user profile.

Feiyu Technology

Senior Huang has a lot of trust in the younger CEIBS students, and with another senior in the company mentoring and guiding, I felt even more confident about this job. With that in mind, I made the thoughtful decision to join Feiyu.

What surprised me even more was the fact that Mirage and Feiyu were founded in the same month and year. At that time, I never imagined that a few years later, I would find myself intertwined with Feiyu on the other side of the globe.

What a remarkable twist of fate!

Senior Huang prepared a customised comprehensive development plan for me. The foundational management training rotations were just the beginning.He also provided tremendous support as I progressed through various projects. Even with his busy schedule, he made it a point to set up a weekly one-on-one meeting, patiently listening to my updates and work progress. He offered me valuable development advice and even adjusted my training plan based on our discussions to ensure I could grow rapidly at Feiyu.

Feeling grateful for Senior Huang’s support, I threw myself wholeheartedly into my work, hoping to contribute as much as I could to Feiyu's development. I dedicated all my efforts to help Feiyu leap over the dragon gate and achieve its goal of going public!

Pass on the story of CEIBS to juniors through a game

Unity and collaboration have always been the spirit passed down through generations at CEIBS. Just as Senior Huang supported me, I strive to help every student who joins CEIBS to the best of my ability. From classroom learning, clubs, and the Mentor Programme to overseas modules, various lectures, job fairs, and alumni events, CEIBS MBA students face countless choices in just a year and a half. Everyone can gain something unique from CEIBS and embark on different life paths. No matter which direction one chooses, there are always steps leading to higher places, but the abundance of options can sometimes lead to confusion.

With My CEIBS MBA Classmates

At the beginning of the term, when I was overwhelmed with tasks, I found myself contemplating the sheer number of choices at CEIBS. If there were a game that could outline various options before students enrolled, helping newcomers understand campus life and study conditions in advance, they might be able to navigate their experiences more purposefully and accurately find what they truly desire.

I want to create a single-player independent game called: CEIBS MBA Simulator.

As a result, I initiated an invitation and received responses from many classmates who wanted to join. Ultimately, I, along with Sherley Sun, Raj Wang, and Eden Wang, established the Hai Shi Game Development Team. Even more excitingly, the MBA Office was willing to invest and support us in bringing this project to life. My fellow alumni and I worked tirelessly to distill a glimpse of life at CEIBS into the game. Our aim is to create a flexible choice mechanism that allows players to simulate and experience the upcoming CEIBS MBA journey in advance.

At the same time, I hope that the juniors can enjoy their personal growth and approach others and the world with sincerity. After all, I believe that:

If you view the world simply, the world will be simple for you.

CEIBS MBA Simulator

The World is Different Because of Me

Looking back over the past decade, two things have truly changed the trajectory of my life—first, Mirage Escape Room, and second, CEIBS MBA. At CEIBS, I have gained knowledge, broadened my horizons, and stepped onto a much larger platform. Most of the growth I sought through my time at CEIBS has already been achieved, and I will continue to strive to leave some valuable experiences for future students. This is my gift and blessing to them.

At the same time, it serves as proof of my existence in this world. I hope that my presence will bring about some change in the world.

The world is different because of me!

CEIBS MBA Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony