To be alumni with mother

In 2012, Dr. Carolyn Wang, Engineering Director at Trane Technologies, started her journey with Manchester Global MBA programme. Nine years later, her son, Charles Bi,  ERP Trainee at HAND Enterprise Solutions, joint MSc Financial Management blended learning course at The University of Manchester China Centre in September 2021. Due to the pandemic, Carolyn and Charles had different study experience while both of them were quite satisfied by their own study journey.

Tears of Joy

Charles finished his bachelor degree in the United States last year.  Different from the online learning offered by the University in the U.S., the blended learning method offered by The University of Manchester was far more intensive and interactive. The academic workshop made it possible for Charles to study with his local classmates face-to-face while having a virtual element by connecting with the lecturer in Manchester and peers all around the world. “This is something the University in the U.S. could never offer”, said by Charles.

Charles’s sharing was also agreed by Carolyn, “It was such a great challenge for me to pursue the MBA but no doubt the ‘bitter’ experience has made me grown. I still remember clearly about the graduation trip with my classmates – full of tears of joy.”

Knowledge is the new weapon

Initially, Charles was not planning to go for a Master Degree that soon after returning from the U.S., however he discovered his knowledge in finance and operations was not sufficient. He was delighted to join MSc Financial Management blended learning course eventually where the cohort was a great mix of financial experts in terms of age and nationality.

Before Carolyn joined Manchester Global MBA, she already obtained a PhD in technical engineering field. However, she felt less confident in a managerial role due to lack of knowledge in management. After studying the MBA, she felt more confident in decision making as a manager. According to Carolyn, another highlight of the course was to mingle with peers from various backgrounds and build up a wide professional network.

Pressure leads to motivation

Charles felt quite fortunate to be alumni with his mother. Since he was a child, he regarded his parents as a “high mountain”. Meanwhile, Carolyn kept encouraging him to pursue a Master Degree at The University of Manchester. Thanks to the well-developed “blended learning” method, MSc Financial Management blended learning course became the best choice for Charles. Upon Carolyn’s own experience, she believed the course could help her son to build up a comprehensive professional network and bring him a career progression.

UoM China Centre Director Ms. Sherry Fu (left),current student Charles (middle), alumna Carolyn (right)

Carolyn further expressed her expectations on her son by saying, “life is about studying, progressing and exploring. Sometimes it needs so much courage for you to go ahead, but just overcome and go for it!”