ChaseDream: The ChaseDream forum has recently been abuzz with discussions on a critical question: “With AI becoming so powerful, is an MBA still a must-have? Given how quickly technology evolves, won’t what we learn at school soon become irrelevant?”

Professor Zhang: This concern is well-founded. In today’s landscape, pursuing an MBA primarily for “standardized knowledge” or to master routine analytical tools is an investment unlikely to yield a strong return. The reason is straightforward: the most easily formalized hard skills—exactly what such an approach often emphasizes—are also the most vulnerable to being augmented or even displaced by AI and the wide availability of sophisticated online courses.

While AI excels at automating data-driven tasks, the competencies that truly define long-term career success are precisely those that algorithms cannot replicate. Based on my observations, these human-centric abilities, which determine how far an individual can progress over the next five to ten years, can be summarized in three critical areas. First, judgement — the capacity to make critical trade-offs amid uncertainty. AI can process vast amounts of data, but the final responsibility for a decision—especially when faced with incomplete information and conflicting variables—rests with humans. The wisdom to navigate this ambiguity and bear the consequences remains a uniquely human skill. Second, leadership — the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams toward solving complex problems. This goes beyond theoretical knowledge; it is forged through hands-on experience in high-pressure, real-world settings. Such practical wisdom is a manager’s most invaluable asset and is difficult to codify into an algorithm. Third, resilience — the agility to adapt and reboot one’s career in the face of structural industry shifts. These competencies form the foundation of a durable, AI-proof career moat. They are not typically acquired through passive learning but are cultivated in intensive, practice-focused environments, such as a rigorous MBA programme.

ChaseDream: Given the current economic volatility, many people face a difficult choice: should they prioritise job security or pause their careers to pursue further education? In such uncertain circumstances, is taking that gamble considered too risky?

Professor Zhang: Quitting a job to study full-time certainly involves risks, but it’s important to recognise that during periods of structural economic change, pursuing further education can be a strategic way for many to regain control of their careers. Rather than passively waiting out the volatility on an established path, it may be wiser to invest a period such as 16 months in systematically rebuilding your skillset to better navigate ongoing transformations.

Despite a challenging job market where employers have raised their hiring standards, data indicates that significant opportunities remain for high-calibre professionals. The CEIBS MBA Class of 2025, for instance, achieved a 90% placement rate within three months of graduation. More tellingly, 80.6% of graduates successfully made a career transition, with a notable shift toward long-term growth sectors such as technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. This trend underscores that the market continues to reward individuals who demonstrate systemic thinking, strategic planning, and effective execution. 

ChaseDream: Many MBA applicants cite career transition as their primary goal. How does the CEIBS Career Development Centre (CDC) prepare students for successful career changes? How has its approach evolved in the AI era?

Professor Zhang: The career transition is indeed one of the most common aspirations among MBA applicants. We have redefined the role of the CDC not merely as a job-placement office, but as a strategic partner that helps students chart career paths aligned with their strengths and aspirations. This pragmatic approach is particularly valuable in today’s volatile economic climate, because it focuses on systematically rebuilding an individual’s competitiveness.

Methodologically, the CDC adopts a structured approach to providing career support at different stages. The process begins prior to enrolment with career orientation activities, including warm-up sessions and workshops that help prospective students review their career histories and clarify their motivations for change. After enrolment, the CDC combines structured diagnostic assessments with in-depth one-to-one interviews to help students identify the transferable job skills they have gained from previous experience. This allows them to objectively assess the gap between their current profile and the requirements of their chosen career path.

The second phase involves targeted, one-to-one coaching. As well as helping with CVs and interview preparation, the CDC draws on its network of experienced alumni and experts from important sectors such as consulting, technology, finance, and healthcare. These advisors provide students with data-driven career advice, offering insights into the latest industry trends and emerging opportunities.

In my view, substantive career transitions require more than just CV polishing; they must be grounded in demonstrable, hands-on project experience. Students need to build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate their competence in a new career role. Take our Integrated China Strategy Project (ICSP) for example. Students immerse themselves in months-long consulting projects for real companies, tackling strategic and operational challenges under the guidance of faculty and industry mentors. Together with summer internships and industry research, this immersive, practice-based learning experience lends credence to students’ readiness for new roles, turning career transitions from a concept into reality.

Furthermore, for students seeking to transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the CEIBS MBA InnoLab serves as the dedicated hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. It fosters an integrated ecosystem by connecting students to an extensive, active network of alumni within the startup and venture capital communities. Central to this support is a dual-mentorship model, which pairs academic guidance with hands-on industry expertise. This structured approach helps students systematically develop their initial ideas into viable business plans, providing support throughout the entire journey—from refining their business proposals to connecting them with potential funding sources.

In response to AI-driven changes in the job market, the CDC encourages students to develop a clear and rational understanding of the evolving division of labour between humans and machines. While students are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance efficiency in tasks such as industry research, interview preparation, and drafting initial application materials, it is crucial to recognise that human judgment remains indispensable in core areas of career development. Key decisions—such as choosing career directions, evaluating organisational cultural fit, and formulating long-term professional plans—continue to rely heavily on deep understanding and value-based judgment, capabilities that remain uniquely human.

To illustrate how an MBA reveals human value in the AI era, consider the journeys of two alumni. One graduate moved from the education sector into a client strategy role at Google. Another, originally from an auditing background, used the MBA as a springboard to join an AI unicorn, where he now leads commercial operations. These cases highlight a key insight: while AI can greatly improve execution efficiency, the choices behind career direction and the motivations for change remain deeply rooted in human vision and judgment.

ChaseDream: Could you spell out how the ICSP and the Global Immersion Track work in practice? How do they differ fundamentally from traditional case study sessions?

Professor Zhang: Traditional case study sessions involve discussing established cases in a controlled classroom setting, whereas the Global Immersion Track places students directly within a dynamic, real-world business environment, where they are immersed in addressing the ongoing challenges facing companies and markets.

In addition to the ICSP, which is aimed at delivering viable solutions across a spectrum of industries, the Global Immersion Track employs our proprietary Real Situation Learning Method™. Through this approach, students engage in hands-on, experiential learning by visiting regions such as Changsha, Beijing, the Greater Bay Area, and even the Gobi Desert. Overseas electives in Singapore, Japan, Ghana, and Dubai enable in-depth engagement with local institutions. We also run intensive business exercises and simulations to hone students’ ability to make instant decisions in complex decision-making scenarios. Together, these first-hand experiences give our students a competitive edge in job interviews, where they can offer credible industry insights by drawing on real business challenges they have experienced and helped to solve.

ChaseDream: What sets CEIBS apart from top-tier European and North American institutions for Chinese MBA applicants?

Professor Zhang: Fundamentally, this decision is about choosing a career trajectory and a lifestyle that align with your goals; it’s not about substituting one school for another. At the heart of CEIBS’ core competitiveness lies our “China Depth, Global Breadth” positioning.

The CEIBS MBA programme holds several distinctive advantages. First, the Chinese market itself is a highly digitalised and fiercely competitive “business laboratory”, in which novel business models are created and tested in real time. The CEIBS MBA not just facilitates an understanding of this complex market, but also provides a framework for connecting it to the global community. Second, our curriculum includes electives such as Artificial Intelligence and Business Transformation, designed to provoke critical reflection on the role of humans in decision-making processes. Most importantly, we leverage our strategic location in Shanghai — a global financial and technological hub — and our deep integration with the local industry ecosystem to expose students to real-time market dynamics. Through platforms such as the CEIBS Lujiazui International Institute of Finance, for example, we ensure that our students are kept up to speed with the latest market trends, and regulatory and industrial topics. For those pursuing long-term careers in Asia, the combination of our hands-on, project-based curriculum, direct industry connections, strategic location, and robust professional network offers abundant opportunities for practical engagement.

ChaseDream: Who do you think are the ideal candidates for the CEIBS MBA Programme? What advice would you give to young people considering this option?

Professor Zhang: In our admissions process, we prioritise core competencies over flawless career histories. Three attributes are particularly important. First, a clear awareness of your own career challenges is essential. You may not have all the answers yet, but you should be able to articulate what you find dissatisfying in your current path and what kind of professional or leader you aspire to become in the next five to ten years. Second, we value openness to deep collaboration. Given the intensity of the CEIBS MBA programme, we look for team-oriented decision-makers who contribute through constructive dialogue, rather than individual performers focused solely on their own achievements. Finally, a genuine curiosity about both the Chinese market and the global landscape is crucial.

Begin your rigorous self-assessment early, even as you prepare for the entrance exam. Keep in mind that clearly explaining the reasoning behind your previous important decisions reveals more about the depth of your thinking than a perfectly polished application essay ever could. Furthermore, proactively reach out to our alumni and current students to gain an authentic, firsthand understanding of the programme.

If you are simply looking for short-term relief from current pressures, an MBA may not be the best option. However, if you recognise that your existing skillset is no longer sufficient to  sustain your career ambitions and are willing to dedicate 16 months to redesigning your career trajectory for the next decade, then the CEIBS MBA is a worthwhile investment that will help you through economic booms and busts. While we cannot predict every storm that lies ahead with precision, we can undoubtedly strengthen our resilience and ability to navigate uncertainty.