24 September 2015
90 GBS and IBCE students attended the 2015/16 Global Business Programs Kick-off Gathering on September 24.
The event started with a warm greeting by Dr. John Lai, Program Director, welcoming students to come back on campus. The room was then energized by a performance by IBCE freshmen.
Mr. Winston Chan, Managing Director, Private Wealth Management (Greater China), Goldman Sachs, followed and offered advices to the pillars of the future - ‘Integrity, Rationality, Interest’. However, it is always easier said than done. The process of excelling in being a professional banker is full of thorns. As the Managing Director, Mr. Chan shared his personal experience, including the choices he made and his respective considerations back then. Every one of the audience was intrigued by the speech of Mr. Chan, his firm posture and confidant tone since the very beginning. His advices are valuable especially to those whose career aspiration is in investment banking. An impressive point made by Mr. Chan is ‘half-time’: one should always evaluate his life constantly, and make better choices in the second half of his life.
The subsequent sharing by Mr. Jonathan de Potter, Director, Accenture Strategy, focused on the consulting industry. He brought up the point that ‘who you work for is more important than where you work’ and further elaborated with his own experience. His sharing allowed audience to reflect on what are the factors determining their future path. He also reinforced the idea that mentors are crucial in career development as they guide you through different challenges. Even though these may seem general and simple advices, many workers neglect them. Other advices concerning vital interpersonal and intrapersonal skills include ‘be patient’, ‘be positive’ and ‘focus on how you do something’. Listening to a professional consultant in the industry, it acted as a ringing bell in reminding students on how and what should be considered in career planning.
Other than the two executives, senior students and alumni of various cohorts also shared their insights into how freshmen could develop and prepare their university life and interns.
The gathering was brought to another climax with an energetic performance by GBS freshmen showcasing their talents. It was a delightful evening with much to gain and the best way to kick off a fruitful semester.
Mr. Winston Chan, Managing Director, Private Wealth Management (Greater China), Goldman Sachs
Mr. Jonathan de Potter, Director, Accentury Strategy
Howard Yeung, Class of 2014
Performance by GBS Freshmen
Group Photo
