One of my favourite classes is the Capstone Course “Advanced Analytics and Big Data in Accounting”. It introduces powerful tools such as data visualisation, database management, and Gen-AI applications in accounting. This course has greatly enhanced my ability to handle data in the accounting field and boosted my confidence in data processing. It made me realise that accounting is not just about numbers on paper—it helped me think beyond merely being an accountant.

My favourite professor is Prof. Winnie Leung, who teaches “Advanced Financial Accounting”. She delivers her lectures in such a warm and clear manner—it feels like learning from a kind mentor. Her patience and the way she shares interesting local stories make every class engaging and enjoyable.

I hold a double degree in Economics and Ecology from Peking University. Years ago, I narrowly missed the chance to join HKU for my undergraduate studies, leaving a chapter unfinished. That’s why, for my master’s, I made a focused decision: I applied exclusively to the Master of Economics programme here at HKU. I wanted to be in a place that offered a truly international vision and direct access to a global financial centre.

My time here has been the perfect bridge between theory and practice. One of the highlights was a workshop organised by HKU Career Development & Training Team, led by a seasoned investment banker. Learning directly from a veteran with years of top-tier investment banking experience gave me practical wisdom you simply can’t find in textbooks. I also loved Dr.Yifei Zhang’s valuation course, which helped me build the financial modelling skills I use every day in my internship.

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spark and previously operated my own web development company. But I realised that if I want to build a real startup down the line, I need a serious skill set. That’s why I chose the MFFinTech programme. It’s the perfect blend of finance and hard-core coding skills. Courses like “Investment and Portfolio Management” are incredibly practical. We aren’t just learning theory; we are writing Python code to analyse market sentiment.

For me, Hong Kong is the perfect “soft landing”. It has the international ease of Europe and the dynamic energy of the Asian financial markets. I’m here to work, learn, and build the foundation to one day launch my own venture.

Out of the many business fields, I chose to focus on Accounting. Accounting is a discipline that requires strong foundations. Throughout the learning process, it trains our attention to detail and sensitivity to data. This profession is also applicable to many situations.

I appreciated how HKU provides abundant employment resources, including one-on-one consultations. I was able to discuss my career plans, job options and the differences between Hong Kong and the Mainland job markets with my consulting teacher, who gave me valuable advice. The faculty also regularly hosts career fairs and workshops to help students enhance their soft skills.

I leveraged the school’s strong network to foster my personal growth. Through the Masters Mentorship Programme, I regularly consulted my mentor from the finance industry, gaining practical advice on CV writing and career positioning. At the End of Module Celebration, I networked with executives from a logistics company, allowing me to gain deep insights into shipping and logistics operations for the first time, sparking my interest in the industry. I learnt that programming is a practical skill in finance, especially in ship inventory management. It gave me a new perspective on how to apply finance knowledge in the job market.

I chose HKU for my postgraduate studies due to its strong reputation, strategic location in Asia’s financial hub, and networking opportunities. The Master of Finance programme combines theory with practical applications, and Hong Kong’s proximity to Mainland China offers valuable regional experience to enhance my career prospects.

For students interested in applying, I recommend tailoring your application by emphasizing your academic background, professional experiences, and alignment with career goals in your personal statement. Additionally, demonstrate industry awareness, as HKU values proactive students with a solid understanding of their field. Staying informed about trends and incorporating relevant insights can strengthen your candidature.

During my time at HKU, I was fortunate to encounter many outstanding teachers, among whom Prof. Sammy Fung left the deepest impression on me. I had the privilege of taking both “Sustainable Management and Responsible Investment” and “Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility” with him. His ability to connect sustainability issues and governance framework with accounting concepts offered me a new lens to understand complex ESG topics. I especially appreciated his interactive Q&A sessions during group presentations, which motivated me to explore beyond the textbook and deepen my critical thinking.

I chose HKU Business School because I wanted to take a step into the international business world without losing sight of my interest in sustainability and global development. Hong Kong’s position at the heart of Asia makes it a unique place to study global management, and HKU’s Master of Global Management (MGM) programme offered exactly what I was looking for: an academically strong programme with a global mindset, and a focus on emerging topics like ESG, strategy and innovation. It felt like the ideal environment to deepen my perspective, challenge myself and develop the tools needed for a globally-oriented career.

I chose HKU to pursue a Master of Global Management programme because it aligned perfectly with my interest in global markets and strategy. Courses like Formulation of Global Strategy and Strategy in the Digital World provide valuable insights into today’s business landscape.

HKU’s strong global reputation and my positive internship experience in Hong Kong motivated me to immerse myself in its dynamic culture. Studying here allows me to understand business operations in the Asian market, essential for my global career. Overall, HKU offers the ideal mix of academic excellence, cultural experiences, and market exposure that I seek in a postgraduate programme.

I chose the Global Management programme for two key reasons: my startup plan and my emotional connection to the university. My startup plan focuses on traditional Chinese medicine and holistic health. Hong Kong’s consumption environment and strong recognition of traditional healthcare convinced me this would be a lucrative business opportunity.

HKU is also a cultural landmark for me. I love Hong Kong TV dramas, and HKU often features in them. It is a name that has been close to my heart for a long time. This subconscious cultural identity brought me to HKU’s door, where the university’s international vision and career-focused educational system greatly support my startup goals.

I chose to pursue my postgraduate degree at HKU after an enriching undergraduate exchange in Hong Kong, where I fell in love with the city and HKU campus life. After 3 years in the banking industry in Europe, I felt inspired to return to Hong Kong for a Master of Science in Business Analytics.

In the UK, I lived near campus and was active in student clubs, but during my postgraduate studies in Hong Kong, my lifestyle has changed. I spend more time hiking and enjoying nature to balance the increased screen time from my coursework. I also appreciated the entrepreneur and CEO lectures organised by HKU Business School, which inspired me to work harder towards my goals.

I believe that many students, like me, are confused about their career direction, but I have always believed that life is a process of continuous exploration, and you need to find the most suitable path for yourself in constant trial. After working at EY for 3 years and having become a project leader, I gained an overall understanding of the audit process and found myself particularly interested in substantive analysis. Therefore, I applied for the Master of Science in Business Analytics programme at HKU Business School with the intention of acquiring more knowledge and skills in this field which will contribute to my career development.

During our master’s studies, we were encouraged to dare to try, whether it was the ‘soft skills’ of answering questions in the classroom or the ‘hard knowledge’ of processing data without standardised answers. The school’s capstone project, flexible graduation times and abundant career training activities are also extremely advantageous, which also increases the success rate of our job hunting.