East Meets West: 4 Benefits Of A Dual Degree MBA In Europe + Asia

Deciding where to study for your MBA degree is a crucial decision that will play a pivotal role in your career trajectory. It can determine which doors are open and which are closed. 

Choosing a dual degree MBA and studying at two business schools ultimately broadens your career prospects. You’ll gain a greater cultural awareness, expand your network even further across the globe, and challenge yourself academically with a more intense degree. 

Penny Prillot is one grad who is reaping the benefits of a dual degree MBA studied in Europe and Asia. Penny is from Korea but moved at a young age and was raised in France. After spending most of her career in Europe, she was curious to learn about Eastern work cultures. 

“I look Asian but I grew up in Europe so I’ve had to navigate perceptions of myself and how I might act, to manage others' expectations, particularly in a work setting. I think it’s important to understand cultural differences,” says Penny. 

We spoke to her to find out more about the benefits of a dual degree MBA in Europe and Asia. 

1. Learning both Eastern and Western leadership styles 

Leadership styles and ways of doing business in the East and West are hugely different. 

For professionals working in a global role or searching for opportunities in a new region, it’s important not to buy into stereotypes but spend time gaining an in-depth cultural awareness. This will help foster more effective communication and stronger relationships. 

Having grown up in France, studied in the UK, and worked in Germany, Penny felt she had a strong grasp of different European cultures and could easily adapt. Outside of Europe, however, there were gaps in her understanding, she admits. 

While studying for the Dual Degree MBA at CUHK Business School and HEC Paris—which includes 12 months studying in Hong Kong and nine months in France—Penny learned about the nuances of how professionals from different cultures approach problem-solving and leadership. 

“Leadership isn’t about how intelligent you are, it’s about how you’re able to work with diverse people and inspire them to collaborate and give the best of themselves,” she says. 

While studying at CUHK, students work with a team to solve a business challenge for company in Hong Kong giving them the chance to see first-hand which leadership styles reap results. 

2. Opening new opportunities in fast-growing economies 

In today’s business world, employers are looking for talented professionals who can adapt to shifting economic challenges, have a global business perspective, and strong leadership capabilities. Studying at two renowned business schools in Europe and Asia is a unique asset to add to your resume and will broaden your career prospects across two advancing regions. 

Asia in particular is home to many fast-growing economies with China, Indonesia, and India predicted to deliver the most growth globally in 2023 and 2024. 

The MBA program at CUHK Business School focuses on preparing global leaders for both the challenges and opportunities across Asia's diverse business landscapes as courses explore business fundamentals through the lens of the Asian Century.

Recognizing the exciting opportunities that were waiting for her, Penny decided to take advantage of her insights she had gained into the economic growth of the Asia-Pacific during the CUHK MBA and move to Singapore. In doing so, she advanced from a managerial role in the healthcare technology industry to become the services commerical director of Philips Healthcare across Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Korea. 

“Working in Asia is a very different dynamic than Europe because there is such a strong appetite for growth,” says Penny. 

When studying a dual degree MBA, students can benefit from the valuable company connections at both business schools through MBA projects and recruitment fairs. For example, HEC Paris partners with top companies such as Schneider, L'Oreal, Bain and Company, and KPMG. 

3. Building an international network 

One of the top reasons Penny pursued a dual degree MBA at CUHK Business School was to build a strong network across two continents, one that she could tap into for opportunities and industry insights. 

“I barely had to look for a job when I came to Singapore. One thing I learned during my MBA is how to effectively develop and nurture a network. The first thing I did was reach out to CUHK and HEC alumni,” she says. 

When applying for her role at Philips, Penny says alumni she met in Singapore helped coach her for the interview and negotiate her contract. Not only that, Penny says she also meets regularly with fellow CUHK and HEC alumni for dinners and social occasions. 

“It’s extremely insightful to listen to them and talk about our experience of different countries and markets. A business school network is so unique as its both professional and very personal,” she says. 

4. Gaining insights into new markets 

Whether professionals are looking to land a role in the dynamic business environments in Asia, expand their business to the region, or secure an international career opportunity, studying a dual degree MBA will help gain essential market insights. 

“Companies that want to grow are looking at Asia so it’s a strong asset to have on your resume,” says Penny. 

Students in the CUHK Business School Dual Degree MBA can gain these key perspectives through the China Business concentration, which is aimed at helping students discover market opportunities and gain practical knowledge about doing business in China. Courses include China in Global Economy, New Venture Financing in China and Emerging Markets, and Corporate Fund-Raising Initiatives in the Chines Equity Markets. 

There is also the opportunity to travel further afield and gain insights into markets in Greater China, Asia, or the US through field studies. 

“While you can read the news to find out what’s happening, it’s not the same as being in a country and really experiencing the economy and business environment,” adds Penny.