5 Exciting Careers You Could Launch After An MBA In Shanghai

While Beijing is the home of political power and government, and Shenzhen is where you’ll find a flourishing startup economy, Shanghai is the commercial capital of China. 

Housing more than 24 million people, the city is a hub for finance, high-technology, and culture. Walk through the bustling streets of areas such as the iconic financial district, Pudong, and you’ll find offices of multinational companies as well as famous sites such as the Shanghai Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center. 

As such a hotspot for global business, students who choose to study in Shanghai can find there are myriad opportunities to embark on exciting career paths, both within the city and across the globe. 

At Fudan University School of Management, for example, students who study on the International MBA program have the option to stay in Shanghai after graduation, where they can launch careers with top companies across highly desirable areas such as finance, technology, and consulting. 

International students can also use the knowledge, skills, and experience they've gained while studying to embark on career paths in nearby commercial hubs such as Hong Kong or Singapore. Alternatively, they can bring their newfound expertize back to their home country where they can make an impact. 

So, if you're considering an MBA in Shanghai to take your next career step, here are five exciting career paths you could embark on after graduation. 

Companies Recruiting From The Fudan IMBA

1. Financial Services 

Financial services is a highly desirable career and the most popular career path for Fudan IMBA graduates, who land roles across a range of functions within the sector. 

As one of the top three MBA programs in China, according to the Financial Times, companies that recruit from the Fudan IMBA include the likes of investment banking and asset management firm, Caitong Securities; venture capital fund, Tianxin Capital; and even the Shanghai Stock Exchange. 

In total, around 21% of the class of 2022 entered the industry, their functions ranged from research and analysis, to product management, to sales and account management. 

The strong link between the Fudan IMBA and the financial sector is partly built upon the curriculum, which focuses on building students’ financial skills and knowledge. 

Alongside core modules in areas such as corporate finance and accounting, there are also electives in subjects like Financial Markets and Investment, and Valuation and Financials. 

2. Information Technology/High Tech 

The technology sector is a highly desirable post-MBA route for students in Shanghai and across the globe. 

Around 15% of the most recent Fudan IMBA graduating class entered roles in high tech or information technology, making it the second most popular industry among graduates. 

The Fudan IMBA focuses on developing students’ technology and innovation skills within various modules throughout the curriculum. With many tech companies located nearby, students also get the chance to develop their practical expertise during experiential learning opportunities. 

The iLab Business Consulting Project sees students work with Fudan partner companies to solve real world business problems. Giving students vital exposure to top tech firms,  participating companies include the likes of IBM and Huawei. 

“I think the iLab consulting project is a very fruitful experience since it allows you to put into practice what you learn in the classroom,” says Rafael Vega Valtierra, who used his IMBA to become regional director at travel tech company, Shake to Win. 

“The iLab is also a way to enrich your job opportunities and your professional career after you graduate from Fudan,” he asserts.

Among the class of 2022, it’s no surprise therefore to see companies such as Google and Amazon among the top recruiters. Other employers of Fudan IMBA grads include specialist firms such as the robotics company, Hesai Technology, and cloud services provider, Smydigtech. 

3. Consulting Services 

Business school grads can find opportunities to utilize their skills in consulting jobs across a broad range of areas, from management to healthcare. 

Among the Fudan IMBA class, consulting services is a path that’s only narrowly less popular than technology, with nearly 13% of students entering the sector. 

Developing their business acumen throughout the wide ranging Fudan IMBA curriculum, students finish the program with a transferable skill set that can be applied across various consulting projects. 

Those who are particularly interested in consulting as a career path also get the chance to specialize their learning during an elective module in Management Consulting, while the entire class develops vital consulting experience during the iLab Project. 

It’s clear to see why consulting employers view graduates of the program favorably. The likes of BTS Consulting—a specialist strategy consulting firm—and technology and supply chain specialists, GEP Consulting, both hire from the Fudan IMBA cohort. 

4. Manufacturing

Shanghai is home to a thriving manufacturing industry highly valued by the local government, which announced plans earlier this year to invest in growing the sector. 

Various multinational manufacturing firms operate in Shanghai and employ Fudan IMBA students after they graduate. That includes manufacturers of medical supplies such as Fosun Trade and specialists in plastics production including Avient Corporation. 

Fudan IMBA grads can also launch careers in manufacturing further afield, with multinationals including the likes of Tesla, the electric automobile manufacturing firm, recruiting from the cohort.

In total around 10% of the class go on to work in manufacturing after graduation. Before completing their studies they have the chance to hone their specialist skills within modules covering areas such as supply chain and logistics management. 

5. Healthcare

Shanghai has a reputation as the city that offers the best healthcare services across all of mainland China. The city houses biotech firms that are driving technological change in the sector, while you can also find healthcare multinationals operating throughout the city.

Around 8% of graduates of the Fudan IMBA leave the program to take on roles within the healthcare sector. They enter roles within the city, as well as in other countries across Asia and beyond. 

David Wong leveraged his Fudan MBA degree to launch a career in healthcare after graduation, first taking up a role in Shanghai before later moving to work for a leading neurosurgery firm based in California. 

“It’s life changing,” he says, describing the impact his MBA in Shanghai had on his career.

Fudan IMBA grads entering healthcare find opportunities with companies such as Autobio, a specialist in medical laboratory technology; developers of surgical robotics, MedBot; and MediTrust Health Technology Co., a company that develops medical payment systems. 

If you're looking to study in Shanghai to take the next step in your career, enrolling in a top MBA program can provide you with the skills, knowledge, and exposure to top companies that are necessary for success.