Why I Chose China and CEIBS

Hi everyone, I’m Fernanda from Brazil. Before joining CEIBS, I worked at Amazon Brazil, managing the categories of smart home and home appliances. Many of the brands I worked with had products manufactured in China, and gradually, China became a major focus of my work. Over time, my interest in China’s business model kept growing.

One day, it hit me – the Chinese market is so important, I couldn’t pass up the chance to understand it firsthand! I’ve always aspired to build an international career, so I thought, why not start with China? Learning how business is done on the other side of the world felt like a great opportunity. However, without knowing the language or having a local network, finding a job in China wasn’t going to be easy. That’s when I decided to pursue an MBA, which opened the first door to the Chinese market.

Choosing CEIBS was almost a no-brainer. It’s the top business school in Asia, and the MBA programme was only 16 months long and taught entirely in English – a perfect fit for my career goals! My current aim is to enter the field of product management in China and build my career here.

Was the Decision Hard?

Yes, it wasn’t an easy decision. After all, Amazon is a fantastic platform to work for. Leaving a company like that to return to school, especially full-time, is no easy choice.

At the time, I spoke with my leaders at Amazon, and they were very supportive. Both my manager and his manager had MBAs themselves, and they told me it was an incredibly valuable experience, with knowledge that lasts a lifetime. They believed China was the market of the future and strongly encouraged me to explore it. What touched me the most was that they said I could always reach out if I wanted to return in the future.

With that kind of support, I felt more confident, knowing I had a fallback plan. My family also gave me similar encouragement, saying, “If you want to do this, go for it. Home will always be here for you.” As it turned out, things went much more smoothly than I expected!

My MBA Life

To be honest, before arriving, I didn’t expect CEIBS to have such a friendly environment. It took me 28 hours to fly to China, and the moment I landed, I felt completely secure. Not only from my classmates but also from the MBA office staff, who were all incredibly welcoming. Everything here is well-organised, both in and outside of class. I remember having a small issue with my visa, and when I quickly reached out to CEIBS, they responded immediately and helped me resolve it. The administrative support here is truly meticulous.

My Chinese classmates have also been a pleasant surprise. They’re curious about why I came to China and often check in on how I’m adapting and the challenges I’m facing. The most touching part is whenever I try to speak Chinese, they’re always excited, making me feel welcomed and appreciated. In a foreign country, I’ve found a warm and supportive community.

My Academic Life

The professors at CEIBS have really broadened my perspective. Their backgrounds are incredibly diverse, and the curriculum goes beyond China, offering a global view. I’ve had classes taught by professors from Italy, Germany, India, and South Korea – this diversity really appeals to me.

Case studies are one of CEIBS’ strengths. The MBA programme’s case studies perfectly embody the school’s "China Depth, Global Breadth" philosophy. We don’t just study Chinese business cases; we also explore cutting-edge global ones, such as how a startup in the US launches products or Amazon’s business strategies. This mix of Chinese and international case studies has been extremely beneficial. They show us how different companies respond to various economic conditions, whether in times of growth or recession, providing me with valuable insights

The China Modules have left a lasting impression on me as well. The MBA takes students to various provinces across China to observe local business operations firsthand. I had the opportunity to visit Shenzhen, a city that felt both unfamiliar and familiar at the same time, as many of my major partners at Amazon were based there. We visited several companies – one of them is well-known in Brazil, and another was a company I had worked with in the past. Seeing how they operate locally and sell globally was a real eye-opener.

Life in China is Exciting

Adapting to life in China has been much easier than I expected. At first, it felt a bit overwhelming, but once you download WeChat and Alipay, life here is basically sorted! You can find everything you need with ease. My family asked if I miss anything from Brazil, but honestly, I don’t, because China really has everything!

Culturally, I attended a Tang Dynasty-themed dinner once – it was an incredible blend of food and culture! There were dance performances and storytelling, making me feel as though I stepped into the grandeur of ancient China.

One thing I found particularly fascinating is seeing China’s development through the eyes of the Chinese. Witnessing their hard work and planning has made me even more curious and impressed by how fast China is advancing.

Why I Joined the Women’s Leadership Club

I decided to become the president of the Women’s Leadership Club because I believe women’s leadership is an incredibly important topic. I was curious to see how it’s approached in China, as different cultures bring different perspectives, and I wanted to be part of that conversation.

For me, feminism and women’s leadership are about empowering women. Many women still hesitate to express their thoughts and feel the need to conform to others’ expectations. Women’s leadership encourages them to speak up, be themselves, and let go of worries about others' opinions

We spent about six months organising the Female Leadership Forum. Initially, progress was slow as we discussed topics and speakers. But in the last three to four months, things picked up as we began inviting speakers and sponsors. We formed different teams to divide the tasks, which made the organising process much smoother.

My Internship Experience

During the summer, I did my internship at Bosch’s product management team, a role I’ve always wanted. I learned so much about product design, collaborating with engineering teams, and understanding customer needs. The MBA knowledge I’ve gained at CEIBS has been directly applicable, making this experience even more rewarding.

Interestingly, I secured this internship at the CEIBS career fair earlier this year. I spoke with a Bosch recruiter who suggested I reach out in June. At the time, I thought it might be a long shot. But when I emailed them in late April, I received an interview invitation shortly after, and, following several rounds of interviews, I landed the position! It’s been an amazing experience.

These experiences have only strengthened my belief that I made the right decision. My time in China has not only helped me grow professionally but has also deepened my cultural understanding. I’m excited for the opportunities that lie ahead!