How studying for an MBA in Shanghai can help you build a career-defining global network

As one of the world’s most internationally connected business hubs, with deep ties to major industries and multinational companies, Shanghai is a true global city.

Home to nearly 80,000 foreign-invested firms that contribute about one-fourth of the city’s GDP, Shanghai offers a blend of diverse perspectives and strong global business influence. As such, it is a top destination for business school students looking to build a far-reaching professional network that can accelerate their careers.

We spoke with two students from the International MBA (IMBA) program at Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Antai College of Economics and Management to discover how the city’s international business landscape helped them build meaningful networks and create pathways for global careers.

A curriculum that blends Eastern and Western perspectives 

A major advantage of enrolling in an internationally-focused MBA program is the insight it gives you into how business operates across different regions. In today’s interconnected landscape, understanding cultural nuances is a powerful asset, opening doors to opportunities across borders and giving you the tools to build an international network.

At Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the IMBA program’s curriculum is designed to support this. Core courses such as International Marketing and International Business Law blend Eastern and Western viewpoints to develop well-rounded, globally minded students.

“The combination of Eastern and Western perspectives is one of the things I value most. It gives me a balanced understanding of both worlds,” says Jaeyoung Kim (pictured right), a current IMBA student from Korea.

The school's faculty adds another layer to this. Drawn from different countries, they bring varied teaching styles and business outlooks into the classroom.

“You can really feel the mix—we have Chinese teachers and Western teachers. The IMBA truly blends Eastern and Western perspectives in how they teach and how the classroom operates,” says Naphat Singsansern, a current IMBA student from Thailand.

Learning from professors with different backgrounds helps students adapt their communication styles and understand multiple approaches to business. For Jaeyoung, this has been especially transformative: “In class, I’ve experienced different communication styles and approaches to business.”

These experiences help students build the confidence and cultural agility needed to form strong professional relationships across different countries.

An international city that shapes a global mindset and career goals 

Beyond the curriculum, the city of Shanghai itself offers a globally-oriented learning experience.

As the largest commercial center in China, with multinational companies, major financial institutions, and 12 Forbes Global 500 companies headquartered in the city—including COSCO Shipping, SAIC Motor, and PDD Holdings—Shanghai gives students opportunities to develop connections that extend beyond its borders

“Studying in Shanghai has been truly transformative. It has given me exposure to international companies, cross-border brands, and constant innovation,” says Jaeyong.

The latest employment report for the IMBA Class of 2024 reflects this global reach, with top employers including internationally recognized organizations such as HSBC, Microsoft, PepsiCo, and LVMH.

For international students like Jaeyoung and Naphat, there are also opportunities to build careers in China, with major Chinese employers such as China Mobile among the top recruiters.

This exposure to worldwide business activity encourages students to develop a global mindset, empowering them to pursue career goals that span countries and continents.

“Living in Shanghai made me dream bigger. You see how global the business environment is,” says Naphat.

A community that becomes a lifelong, multicultural professional network

MBA programs typically attract talented professionals from across the world, creating diverse and engaging classrooms where students can learn from each other’s perspectives and cultures.

There are seven different countries represented within the latest class of the IMBA program at Shanghai Jiao Tong. “I work closely with classmates from Asia, Europe, and the States. These collaborations have helped me grow professionally and build personal connections,” says Jaeyoung.

To further strengthen cross-cultural collaboration and support the development of a global network, the IMBA program places a strong emphasis on encouraging students to collaborate.

“Class debates and group projects let us practice multicultural teamwork every day,” says Naphat (pictured right).

For international students relocating to Shanghai, the IMBA program also offers general courses in Chinese Language and Introduction to Chinese Culture to help them navigate daily life and engage more deeply with their surroundings. For Jaeyoung, these classes have been particularly valuable for network building:

“The Chinese language courses have enabled me to build relationships more quickly.”

Opportunities to connect with top business schools and multinational employers 

Another way business schools help students access cross-border career paths is by providing opportunities to travel abroad, where they can implement the cross-cultural competencies and skills they’ve learned within the classroom.

At Shanghai Jiao Tong, the IMBA program boosts international mobility through its third-semester overseas exchange partnerships with leading institutions around the world, including MIT Sloan School of Management in the United States, emlyon business school in France, and IE Business School in Spain.

“I’m especially excited about the overseas exchange program—studying in another country and applying what I’ve learned will be extremely valuable,” says Jaeyoung, who is currently in her first semester.

Alongside exchange opportunities, the MBA Career Center provides additional avenues to connect with global employers, regularly hosting career fairs and sharing international internship openings.

For Naphat, the school’s emphasis on building a worldwide network—from exchange programs to internships—has motivated her to find extra ways to expand her connections. One of these is her TikTok account, where she shares her IMBA journey with over 16,000 followers, connecting with business school students and even potential employers from across the globe.

“My TikTok journey has become an extension of the global network I’m building,” she says.