A welcome challenge
Current EMBA participant, Jenny Ying Zhang has discovered the best way to learn
something is to ‘just do it!’
“It is human nature to want to learn, to be excited by situations that put us out
of our comfort zone,” says Jenny Ying Zhang, “and that is exactly what an EMBA
will do.”
A location IT manager, Ying Zhang acquired a range of new skills during her
Executive MBA experience. “I learnt new management skills and techniques to move
towards increased responsibilities; strategic thinking, critical analysis and a
‘biggerpicture’ understanding; and better communication and team building skills,”
the Chinese national says.
Acquiring such skills and experience has meant an immediate return, not only for
Ying Zhang but her manager as well. “I can put all of my learning into practice
and use a holistic approach to understand and solve business problems,” she says.
Ying Zhang primarily wanted to do an Executive MBA because she had reached a
critical point in her career. “I needed to develop more management skills, so that
I had a more comprehensive understanding of the enterprise as a whole,” she says.
“The EMBA was the route, not only to further develop my own business knowledge
and [gain] access to the forefront, but also to hone my managerial skills.”
The flexible program structure of MANNHEIM & TONGJI’s Executive MBA not only gave
Ying Zhang the opportunity to experience studying abroad, but as a woman, allowed
her to manage the balancing act. “One tip I would give to other female candidates
is to prioritize what matters most. For me it is family and though I still have to
work, they are at the top of my list. Set time aside to jot down what matters most
in your life, and then rank those items.”
She also advises female EMBA candidates to play for more enjoyment. “Stop planning
your schedule with required activities and inject a little relaxation and enjoyment
into the timetable,” she says. “During the program, business schools have already
considered this and plan for many ‘edutainment’ projects.”