A Great Shanghai Experience with My MBA Study

Harald Olav Bjørdalsbakke, aged 35, is a student of BI-Fudan MBA Programme and will finish his degree in May 2014. Harald works as Group leader for Containers, Gas Carriers and Special Ships in DNV GL. Here is his account about his MBA study in Shanghai.

-          I came to Shanghai in 2008 with my present employer, DNV GL, one of the top three certification bodies in the world and was planning to stay for two years. In addition to an interesting job, Shanghai and the life here is one of the main reasons I am still here. I enjoy the pulse in this city.  Shanghai always gives me the feeling that things are happening and that there is constant change, energy and progression. This international city is full of speed, contrasts and opportunities, on all levels of society: people, food, culture and work opportunities.

More relaxed

When he first came to Shanghai, Harald was surprised by how “few“people there were in the streets. He had anticipated huge crowds and chaos. Another thing that surprised him was the relaxed atmosphere, even if the city was hectic.

-          People take a rest or a nap everywhere. I think it is a very sensible and smart thing to do. It gives people the rest they need to exist in this busy town, or they take it as a precaution for not getting exhausted.  I think people in the west could really learn from this practice, Harald says.

-          I also thought people would be more strict and formal. On the contrary, I find the atmosphere in the city very open and friendly.

A culture shock to get back

The opposite of Shanghai is what could describe Harald`s hometown on the west coast of Norway.

-          My hometown Ålesund is a small town living of shipyards and fishing, and it only has 45 000 inhabitants. Even though I have lived many years in Oslo, which is the capital of Norway, I think it is going to be a culture shock when I move back to Norway from the vibrant and hypermodern city of Shanghai, he says.

New Knowledge at BI-Fudan MBA Programme

Harald heard of the BI-Fudan MBA program when he participated in a one week course in Project Management arranged by his company. Some of the lecturers of the course represented BI Norwegian Business School both in Oslo and Shanghai and told him about the program.

-          Originally I planned to take a Master degree in Naval Architecture. But I am very happy I went for BI-Fudan MBA program instead. I chose it because I expected to learn new things and new perspectives that I can use in my job. That turned out to be the case.  Everything I learn is new and exciting, and I find that very challenging, he says.

A great network

In Harald’s opinion, there is no doubt what will be the most valuable outcome of his MBA studies at BI-Fudan Programme.

-          The network, the people and the insight into Chinese and international business, is very valuable for me. Compared to courses you can take within your own company this is very different. You meet and have to cooperate and solve problems with so many people from different backgrounds, businesses and cultures. Sometimes it can be frustrating, but in the end it is very enlightening. It makes it very clear that you get nowhere by insisting on doing it your way.  As for my case, the Norwegian way.

Good mix of lecturers

The BI-Fudan MBA Programme has a mix of lecturers from both schools in China and Norway.

-          I think this brings variation and a very international profile to the program. Topics get treated differently from the various lecturers, and I find that very interesting.  

Harald also took some elective modules in Singapore and at Berkley, US. Students are also able to go to Spain in BI-Fudan MBA Programme.

-          This is great and it strengthens the feeling that you study and work in a very international environment.

More international students

Harald hopes he can stay on and work in Shanghai or Asia after he has graduated.

-          Personally I get very much input from Chinese fellow students and their work experience, and I think that will give me a very big advantage when I work here. International students who come to the program have an excellent opportunity to acquire knowledge of the Chinese business culture and make valuable and diverse networks that will be difficult to obtain if you just work in Shanghai. As for the Chinese students, I think they could benefit from more international students.

-          Today the program is very international, but I believe an even bigger percentage of international students could give the Chinese students even more insight to Western business culture and ways of thinking. But personally this is not so important for me. I have made many good friends and this program will forever influence the way I think, both in business and in a broader cultural perspective, says Harald.

BI Liaison Office