《GHRM MBA_Alumni interview》Embarking on a Transformative Journey: Jason's MBA Experience at NSYSU

Choosing the right university and program for your MBA studies is a pivotal decision that can shape and determine your future career path. We were privileged to have a talk with Jason Yang, a former student of GHRM MBA program who now thrives in the tech industry as a Product Manager (PM) at Advantech Co.,Ltd. Jason shares his insightful experiences, shedding light on the benefits of studying at NSYSU and offering valuable advice to current and prospective students. Jason's journey is not your typical student-to-graduate story; he is an American-born Taiwanese and had already been in Taiwan for several years before deciding to pursue his MBA. His experience provides a unique perspective on studying abroad and its advantages. 

Jason's decision to pursue his MBA in Taiwan was not a straightforward choice. Having been in Taiwan since 2010, he initially came to teach English and later worked in a trading company. However, he aspired for more than just teaching English, as he saw the limitations of relying solely on it as a long-term career. Jason explains how he was convinced by the reputation of NSYSU, considered one of the top 10 schools in Taiwan.  Although his journey had a few hurdles, including missing paperwork during his initial application, Jason's determination led him to NSYSU's GHRM MBA program. One of the first things that struck Jason about NSYSU was the breathtaking scenic view of the campus. Reflecting on his time at NSYSU, Jason expressed admiration for the campus's natural beauty, which he found unparalleled. Nestled near the beach, NSYSU offers a serene and idyllic setting that invigorates students. He emphasized that NSYSU's campus made up for this by providing a magnificent environment conducive to study and personal growth.

What’s more, NSYSU GHRM MBA offers students a wide selection of opprtunities to study overseas such as dual degree in many renowned universities. Jason made perfect use of school resources and got a chance to study at UC (University of California) Riverside in the United States. Having previously studied at UC Riverside, Jason drew comparisons between the teaching methods employed at both institutions. He noted that UC Riverside heavily relied on the case study method, wherein students worked together to solve real-world business cases. In contrast, NSYSU embraced a more diverse teaching approach, combining various methods to deliver a comprehensive educational experience, which gave  him chances to work collaboratively with classmates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This collaborative and cross-culture environment fostered lively discussions and encouraged students to explore various solutions to business challenges. The emphasis on teamwork and the exchange of ideas enriched Jason's learning experience, allowing him to gain a broader perspective on global business practices.

The GHRM MBA program equipped Jason with valuable and practical skillsets that have proven instrumental in his career progression. After taking a variety of business classes,     he found that his Excel proficiency, honed through data analysis coursework, has been particularly beneficial in his business roles. Jason emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with Excel, as it is a widely used tool in various business positions. It provides the perfect way to generate informed decisions, which is applicable to various roles in the business world Furthermore, he illustrates the multifaceted paths available for MBA graduates in the tech industry, whether it be marketing, engineering, or product management. As a product manager in the tech industry, Jason shares insights into the necessary characteristics for success in this role. He highlights the importance of being hardworking, organized, and adept at collaborating with different departments. Effective teamwork, communication, and presentation skills are essential in managing cross-functional teams. Jason emphasizes that the path to becoming a product manager is not limited to a specific educational background or certificate, showcasing the diverse routes individuals can take to enter the field. Moreover, recognizing the challenges faced by students without prior work experience, Jason points out the significance of internships in gaining a competitive edge in the job market. With experience working as a people & organization consulting intern at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He shares his own internship experience, acquired through the recommendation of his thesis advisor, and the benefits it brought to his career. Jason acknowledges that internships provide valuable practical knowledge, serve as a stepping stone to higher-level positions, and enhance the chances of securing full-time employment.

Drawing from his own experiences, Jason offers practical advice and suggestions to current MBA students. He advises them to embrace their time at NSYSU, make the most of their free time, create lasting memories with friends, and maintain a work-life balance. Furthermore, he explains the importance of continuous learning through reading books, particularly recommending titles related to product management and behavioral psychology. Jason also encourages students to seek internships to leverage real-world business experience and gain practical insights. Lastly but not least, proficiency in Excel is certainly an addition and useful ability. Students, thus, are suggested equipping themselves with such software skill before stepping into the workplace since it is highly demanded in all business sectors. All in all, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to have an insightful talk with Jason, learning about what he is doing, how has the skills acquired from GHRM MBA benefited his career and what advice can be given to our current students.