Life at GMBA,
in their own words

My name is Jefferson Adrian. I just graduated from Tunghai University, majoring in Global Master Business Administration, year 2023. My experience in GMBA was an up and down feeling. Before I came to Tunghai, I was scared about everything. I remember when the first day came, I didn't know where the class was — lucky me, Tunghai students are nice people. They helped me navigate and brought me to the class.

During the first class, I remember it was our chairperson of the GMBA class, Yufen Fu (傅郁芬) — she was also the one who helped me graduate in one year, thanks to her! I was afraid to make friendships with anyone in the classroom. But most of them already had their own group — eventually I was wrong. They welcomed me to their group. I made a lot of friends from different countries, languages, backgrounds, and cultures.

Tunghai has taught me about life's skills and education. From the assignments themselves, we had individual or group work but we still needed to help each other with other students to complete the project. We needed to be punctual and responsible with our time — for coming to class and submitting assignments. Nobody would care about coming late to class or whatever, because we are grown up, so we need to be responsible for ourselves.

We learned from our projects: do some research, think micro to macro, go beyond our thinking, be more innovative, and come up with new ideas — because most of our learning requires us to face new changes, one of them being AI. We need to be able to face and be ready for the new technology; that's why most GMBA programs are about AI. Also in GMBA, they taught us to open discussion in class. Of course most of the time we argued, but it's one of the skills that helps me in the working industry right now. I am able to communicate with my superiors and co-workers and express my feelings and ideas without fear.

Thank you Tunghai and GMBA for building me into who I am now.

Embarking on my journey in the GMBA program, I was immediately immersed in a world that could only be described as 'multi-cultural'. Stepping into this environment, I felt like a small fish in a vast ocean, coming from a background vastly different from those around me. Yet, amidst the initial overwhelm, I discovered a tightly knit community, rich with diversity, knowledge, and connection.

The department was a well-oiled machine, with professors who not only possessed immense expertise but also extended a helping hand to guide us through the complexities of the curriculum. As with any academic pursuit, there were subjects I favored and others that tested my patience. However, upon reflection in my career in international marketing, I realized how each subject, even the least favorable ones, served as crucial building blocks in preparing me for the corporate landscape.

What truly captivated me about the program was its embrace of globalization. It wasn't just about learning theories; it was about understanding and thriving in a globalized world. Through collaborative efforts, the GMBA program not only nurtured our academic growth but also fostered lasting friendships and professional networks.

In this dynamic environment, I found myself constantly challenged, working in diverse teams, solving intricate problems, honing innovative skills, and learning from my peers. The curriculum was thoughtfully crafted, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Subjects like organizational structure, finance intertwined with programming, and supply chain management and entrepreneurship equipped me with invaluable skills that transcended borders.

My experience was further enriched by an emphasis on participation and self-learning, instilling in me a sense of discipline crucial for success in the corporate realm. Participating in an exchange program in Austria was a testament to the program's efficacy, as I found myself thriving thanks to the solid foundation laid by the GMBA curriculum.

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the transformative experience offered by the GMBA program. I am eager to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, confident in the knowledge and skills imparted to me during my time in the program.