Hola, my handful of readers.
It's been pretty cold in Beijing with some slight snow fall, but nothing spectacular (thankfully). Perhaps that will come later in December or January.
Several months ago, I wrote a rather negative coverage on the MBA Career Development Center , and have been told that the Class of 2013 is also quite unhappy with them. However, I do need to admit and say that the CDC has improved quite a bit since last year - and if the uptrend continues, then the future classes of Tsinghua SEM will be in a much better position that my classmates and me.
What have they done? Well, before we get all excited, McKinsey and Goldman still don't recruit Tsinghua MBAs, average salary is still somewhat lackluster and terrible things still happen. But what have they done?
The Good
1. They've increased visibility with larger corporations that have in turn come to do MBA specific recruitment - BP, Nestle, and several Chinese banks as well as other corporations (I don't remember the exact names) have come on campus for MBA specific recruitment. That means, I don't have to sit around with 150 undergraduates listening to junior positions that are available and only to be told that they will consider MBA graduates but aren't really looking for any.
2. They've stepped up the resources - there is an additional person (Kathleen Zhang) on the CDC now who has a Canadian MBA who specializes in helping foreign MBA students. Well, I haven't gone to her for advice yet, and I probably will over the next month or so, but it's nice to know that there is a somebody specializing on foreign students.
The Bad
1. There was a huge fuss going around last week. A classmate of mine (who I personally know and worked with) was on the verge of getting a fulltime offer when somebody wrote a poison pen letter dissing him. Long story short, the firm withdrew the offer and told him no thanks. Unfortunately, the CDC says they can't do anything (or maybe, they're discussing it with the firm, but last I heard, nothing was done) and my classmate is basically screwed over.
Well, from what I heard, he could have possibly received a verbal offer, and while that is not binding, it shows very little class from the firm to rescind the offer based on a letter - I do hope that they had a stronger reason than that. Personally, I think my classmate is a great guy, smart, hardworking but a little shy with the ladies. But really, he's a good guy.
The Funny
1. In the past several company presentations I've attended, I can almost always count on a classmate to raise a hand and ask "So, when you talk about compensation, how much are you wiling to pay?" Or something to that effect. It's hilarious when you see the look on the recruiters' faces, a very wtf moment. I guess they never expected that they would be asked that upfront at a recruitment session - however, I think it puts everything into perspective, after all, students do want to know how much they're going to potentially earn and a decent firm should be able to give a range, unless they feel that they're going to pay very little and are too embarassed to say so.
But by and large, the recruiters will tend to hmm and uhmm. and say something to the effect of
i. You'll be getting a competitive package.
ii. It's a total compensation package, so look at the training and other "benefits and opportunities"
iii. And when finally pushed, they'll admit it's a local package.
But really, skip the bullshit. At this point, we've been to enough company presentations, talked to enough people and recruiters to know it's probably going to be a high end/hybrid local package. Why don't you just put the numbers on the table and talk instead of why it's still worth joining the firm?
-----
Dowster & Vagabond feat. Cat Knight & Dr. S - Over n Over
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Failure
Most people, mainly do an MBA because for some reason, they believe that it'll give them opportunities that they didn't have before, because they would learn new things or even maybe because they will meet new people (network). But there's one thing that the MBA program (at least at Tsinghua) doesn't teach you.
How to overcome failure.
From day one, you're bombarded with case studies of companies and people, problems they faced and how they overcame them - or it's upt to you to analyse it and decide what's the best method they could have used to overcome it to achieve success. You're in competitions where nothing matters except getting the best score (sounds a lot like the GMAT). In the MBA world, winner usually achieves success and takes everything.
But unfortunately, in the real world. In the real world, failure happens - what happens when you fail? Sometimes you lose money, you lose a job, you lose a promotion, you even lose the girl. But the important thing is what did you do after the failure?
What went on in your mind the moment you realised you failed at something? How did you plan to overcome it? Maybe the lack in MBA education is that it doesn't address failure - comprehensively, or rather, at all. But yet, failure does exist, and it's a common thing. Especially in business. After all, how many tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of businesses and ideas/products/services fail each year?
We learn the many frameworks and theories that can be applied to remove risk and the unknown. That can be applied to better understand the situation, to develop a solution. But that is not full proof. People need to understand how to manage failure, perhaps even more so than how to be successful. As many articles have pointed out, failure is a great part of success - most people who are successful have failed at some point, but not all failures become successes - why? What differentiates somebody who is able to fail (sometimes repeatedly) but still get up and continue living and fighting for his future from somebody who fails, and just stays down?
We all want to be successful, but not everybody will be successful. Most of us will fail at some point, the question is, how do we manage our failures and become successful?
-----
Avicii - Penguin (Club Mix)
Randy Mortimer - Penguin (Club mix)
I prefer Randy's version. Anyway, most clubs are playing that. But they're both good songs.
How to overcome failure.
From day one, you're bombarded with case studies of companies and people, problems they faced and how they overcame them - or it's upt to you to analyse it and decide what's the best method they could have used to overcome it to achieve success. You're in competitions where nothing matters except getting the best score (sounds a lot like the GMAT). In the MBA world, winner usually achieves success and takes everything.
But unfortunately, in the real world. In the real world, failure happens - what happens when you fail? Sometimes you lose money, you lose a job, you lose a promotion, you even lose the girl. But the important thing is what did you do after the failure?
What went on in your mind the moment you realised you failed at something? How did you plan to overcome it? Maybe the lack in MBA education is that it doesn't address failure - comprehensively, or rather, at all. But yet, failure does exist, and it's a common thing. Especially in business. After all, how many tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of businesses and ideas/products/services fail each year?
We learn the many frameworks and theories that can be applied to remove risk and the unknown. That can be applied to better understand the situation, to develop a solution. But that is not full proof. People need to understand how to manage failure, perhaps even more so than how to be successful. As many articles have pointed out, failure is a great part of success - most people who are successful have failed at some point, but not all failures become successes - why? What differentiates somebody who is able to fail (sometimes repeatedly) but still get up and continue living and fighting for his future from somebody who fails, and just stays down?
We all want to be successful, but not everybody will be successful. Most of us will fail at some point, the question is, how do we manage our failures and become successful?
-----
Avicii - Penguin (Club Mix)
Randy Mortimer - Penguin (Club mix)
I prefer Randy's version. Anyway, most clubs are playing that. But they're both good songs.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Classes, almost done.
With just about all the classes done, the next couple of months look pretty empty aside from
i) Job hunting
ii) Writing the thesis
iii) Learning Chinese
iv) Traveling
Most of my classmates are planning to head back home and probably stay there until they come back for thesis defense. Those that are planning to stay here have a similar plans, and of course, including getting a job in China.
But an interesting thing to note, is that there are a fair number of people who cannot simply stand being in Beijing (and perhaps China) any longer and are just dying to get out of China. Back to the states, or maybe even Hong Kong (although that's still part of China). But I think in general, the pollution, the attitude and even the facilities of Beijing have left a pretty bad impression on people.
As for myself, I still find a good deal of attraction of staying in China. Although, I have developed a love/hate relationship with winter in particular, I think I could be willing to survive that for the opportunity to be in Beijing. Perhaps coming from where I am, I'm a little bit more tolerant of Beijing's short comings and find them perhaps amusing, or I really haven't had the opportunity to experience Beijing at its worst.
I have come to realize though, that while most companies (banks/consulting/leadership programs) do start recruitment in October, quite a fair number of jobs that you would want require you to start within a month or two. So while it's good to apply for jobs in the mentioned areas, there are a lot more jobs that you can't apply for simply because of timing. Most companies would want you to start immediately because they are non-MBA specific jobs. They will value and take your MBA into consideration, but, the companies do not have MBA graduate programs. So keep this in mind when you start applying for jobs.
-----
Soon, everybody will be leaving and hopefully, getting the jobs that they want. It's been a good 1.5 years? Well, only about a year and 3 months. It's been a good ride. Make the best of your 1st year, it'll be intense but enjoyable. That's the time when you build the friendships.
Good luck and good bye friends....
-----
DJ Volume - Spirit of Yesterday (Nightcore)
I remember the days
I remember the place
'cause I wish you were mine
just a moment in time
say my name in the night
and to you it feels right
'cause into your arms I fall
You decided to leave
just as long as I breathe
it's my very last try
and you tell me "goodbye"
I remember the place
I remember the days
the best time of my life
Refrain:
I call
the spirit of yesterday
spirit of yesterday
I fall
into your arms again
into your arms one day
I call
the spirit of yesterday
spirit of yesterday
I fall
into your arms again
into your arms one day
i) Job hunting
ii) Writing the thesis
iii) Learning Chinese
iv) Traveling
Most of my classmates are planning to head back home and probably stay there until they come back for thesis defense. Those that are planning to stay here have a similar plans, and of course, including getting a job in China.
But an interesting thing to note, is that there are a fair number of people who cannot simply stand being in Beijing (and perhaps China) any longer and are just dying to get out of China. Back to the states, or maybe even Hong Kong (although that's still part of China). But I think in general, the pollution, the attitude and even the facilities of Beijing have left a pretty bad impression on people.
As for myself, I still find a good deal of attraction of staying in China. Although, I have developed a love/hate relationship with winter in particular, I think I could be willing to survive that for the opportunity to be in Beijing. Perhaps coming from where I am, I'm a little bit more tolerant of Beijing's short comings and find them perhaps amusing, or I really haven't had the opportunity to experience Beijing at its worst.
I have come to realize though, that while most companies (banks/consulting/leadership programs) do start recruitment in October, quite a fair number of jobs that you would want require you to start within a month or two. So while it's good to apply for jobs in the mentioned areas, there are a lot more jobs that you can't apply for simply because of timing. Most companies would want you to start immediately because they are non-MBA specific jobs. They will value and take your MBA into consideration, but, the companies do not have MBA graduate programs. So keep this in mind when you start applying for jobs.
-----
Soon, everybody will be leaving and hopefully, getting the jobs that they want. It's been a good 1.5 years? Well, only about a year and 3 months. It's been a good ride. Make the best of your 1st year, it'll be intense but enjoyable. That's the time when you build the friendships.
Good luck and good bye friends....
-----
DJ Volume - Spirit of Yesterday (Nightcore)
I remember the days
I remember the place
'cause I wish you were mine
just a moment in time
say my name in the night
and to you it feels right
'cause into your arms I fall
You decided to leave
just as long as I breathe
it's my very last try
and you tell me "goodbye"
I remember the place
I remember the days
the best time of my life
Refrain:
I call
the spirit of yesterday
spirit of yesterday
I fall
into your arms again
into your arms one day
I call
the spirit of yesterday
spirit of yesterday
I fall
into your arms again
into your arms one day
Monday, November 7, 2011
Heading towards the promised land
As I mentioned earlier before, job applications are now well on their way. I guess it's during this time when you realize who your good friends are and who are just acquintances.
China is well known for being competitive, but when you have a group of classmates graduating at the same time, looking for the same jobs, the competition really gets a bit intense. By and large, unless you're applying for something totally different, people aren't going to sit down with you and help you. After all, if you get the job, it means that they don't get the job. It's a sad occurence, but a very realistic occurence. Remember when you were applying for a place on the MBA program? It's the same thing all over again - a spot given to somebody else means there's one less spot for you to get.
So, as a result, only your good friends are the ones who are willing to lend a helping hand to you - perhaps to look at your resume or help you with a cover letter, or even, write an introduction for you to a friend in a company they know.
----
How have I fared? Pretty badly so far. I've sent out perhaps 30 applications, and only received a solid response from one company. However, by and large, I've been courting this company for a while so the people I've been speaking to are somewhat familiar with me. Hopefully, within a month or two, I'll be able to lock it down.
The consensus is if you're coming to China now, you're a little late to the party. The fat cushy expat jobs are pretty much a thing of the past. Most companies now do local hiring, because the local Chinese are pretty much as good as the foreign expats in most areas, but much cheaper. I would think though, there are a few industries/roles where you can still get that fabled expat package - but you would need to have a lot of relevant work experience, and/or be in a technical role.
But, the party is still going on....
----
China is no place for the weak, unmotivated or for those that care. It's actually a pretty cruel and harsh environment to be in. One in a while, you can take a break, but usually, it's always on the go. Why do I say it's not a place for those that care? Well, sometimes, showing that you care is a weakness and most people wouldn't hesitate to explort it for their own benefit.
When you live in Beijing or Shanghai, it's easy to think that China is progressing faster and further than any other country you've been to. But you musn't forget that China still has a huge rural class, that for a majority of the people, what you spend in a day on food and entertainment would sustain them for a week, or not a month.
It's easy to see the decadence around you, whether at a restaurant, or a road or even in a club. Perhaps, it should be said, especially in a club. When people are popping bottles at RMB1.5k a bottle like they don't care, it's easy to figure that a night out with a group of friends would probably feed and educated a family for half a year.
Of course, most of the time you'll need to suppress that feeling to get on with life here as a foreigner. Possibly, the less introspection you do, the better a time you would have. Nobody really wants to sit down to discuss about what a decadent lifestyle they're having. This probably is true of every country has its poor.
----
So what happens now? Well, hopefully I get a job that lets me stay. Maybe then again, staying isn't a question - you could easily get a local friend's company to hire you so you could get the visa. So perhaps, it's more of, getting a job that I want to do that would afford me a decent life in China. After all, that's the China dream for most of us, and the reason why we came here. Because it was the promised land, except, we're just a little late now. But the lights aren't on yet. So party on.
----
An excellent article to read that puts into perspective how hard China was/and can be for people.
I fought for 18 years to have a cup of coffee with you.
----
Flyin's & Sparky feat. Marie Louise - Take My Breath Away
China is well known for being competitive, but when you have a group of classmates graduating at the same time, looking for the same jobs, the competition really gets a bit intense. By and large, unless you're applying for something totally different, people aren't going to sit down with you and help you. After all, if you get the job, it means that they don't get the job. It's a sad occurence, but a very realistic occurence. Remember when you were applying for a place on the MBA program? It's the same thing all over again - a spot given to somebody else means there's one less spot for you to get.
So, as a result, only your good friends are the ones who are willing to lend a helping hand to you - perhaps to look at your resume or help you with a cover letter, or even, write an introduction for you to a friend in a company they know.
----
How have I fared? Pretty badly so far. I've sent out perhaps 30 applications, and only received a solid response from one company. However, by and large, I've been courting this company for a while so the people I've been speaking to are somewhat familiar with me. Hopefully, within a month or two, I'll be able to lock it down.
The consensus is if you're coming to China now, you're a little late to the party. The fat cushy expat jobs are pretty much a thing of the past. Most companies now do local hiring, because the local Chinese are pretty much as good as the foreign expats in most areas, but much cheaper. I would think though, there are a few industries/roles where you can still get that fabled expat package - but you would need to have a lot of relevant work experience, and/or be in a technical role.
But, the party is still going on....
----
China is no place for the weak, unmotivated or for those that care. It's actually a pretty cruel and harsh environment to be in. One in a while, you can take a break, but usually, it's always on the go. Why do I say it's not a place for those that care? Well, sometimes, showing that you care is a weakness and most people wouldn't hesitate to explort it for their own benefit.
When you live in Beijing or Shanghai, it's easy to think that China is progressing faster and further than any other country you've been to. But you musn't forget that China still has a huge rural class, that for a majority of the people, what you spend in a day on food and entertainment would sustain them for a week, or not a month.
It's easy to see the decadence around you, whether at a restaurant, or a road or even in a club. Perhaps, it should be said, especially in a club. When people are popping bottles at RMB1.5k a bottle like they don't care, it's easy to figure that a night out with a group of friends would probably feed and educated a family for half a year.
Of course, most of the time you'll need to suppress that feeling to get on with life here as a foreigner. Possibly, the less introspection you do, the better a time you would have. Nobody really wants to sit down to discuss about what a decadent lifestyle they're having. This probably is true of every country has its poor.
----
So what happens now? Well, hopefully I get a job that lets me stay. Maybe then again, staying isn't a question - you could easily get a local friend's company to hire you so you could get the visa. So perhaps, it's more of, getting a job that I want to do that would afford me a decent life in China. After all, that's the China dream for most of us, and the reason why we came here. Because it was the promised land, except, we're just a little late now. But the lights aren't on yet. So party on.
----
An excellent article to read that puts into perspective how hard China was/and can be for people.
I fought for 18 years to have a cup of coffee with you.
----
Flyin's & Sparky feat. Marie Louise - Take My Breath Away
Monday, September 26, 2011
Job Applications
So right now, nothing's happening except job applications. The general consensus seems to be to lock down an MBA level job by January latest or you're chopped liver...
I guess that the stress level is slowly building but got to be strong, got to believe that I'm going to cross the desert and reach the promised land. What exactly is in the promised land? Nobody really knows, maybe it's just a dream that keeps us going on - but in times of doubt, what else can you wish for if not just hope? Hope is all we've got sometimes.
To talk about something depressing, here's a post I came across on ChinaHush.com. Makes you think and wonder and hope that it never happens to you.
Letter to Dad
In case you can't read it, here it is.
-----
Sarina Paris - Look at Us (Beam & Yanou remix)
I guess that the stress level is slowly building but got to be strong, got to believe that I'm going to cross the desert and reach the promised land. What exactly is in the promised land? Nobody really knows, maybe it's just a dream that keeps us going on - but in times of doubt, what else can you wish for if not just hope? Hope is all we've got sometimes.
To talk about something depressing, here's a post I came across on ChinaHush.com. Makes you think and wonder and hope that it never happens to you.
Letter to Dad
In case you can't read it, here it is.
-----
A college graduate drifter’s confession letter to his peasant worker father
Dad, Yesterday you asked me how much money I have saved. I said I have saved a little over eight thousand. You seemed a little unhappy, said I already worked almost a year, three thousand and two hundred each month, I should have saved at lease fifteen hundred. I did not dare to make a sound. Dad, I really was afraid to tell you, actually there are not even five hundred in my bank card, and I have to pay the rent – three hundred in couple of days. There are several bags of ramen on the table, and the only money I spent was the comic book “I am Bai Gu Jin” (我是白骨精) I bought the day before yesterday. Dad, for sure you are going to yell at me for spending too much money, but you know, I love to draw since when I was little, I really could not help but to buy this comic book.
Dad, I am sorry, I should not have lied. Last time mom asked me on the phone how much money I make a month. I told her three thousand and two hundred, out of thin air, but I actually only make one thousand. And I don’t work for a law firm; I am just helping out, doing odd jobs at a company. Then mom told me that you felt monthly salary of three thousand and two hundred is too low, said your construction job pays over one hundred a day. A college graduate like me should make five to six thousand. Dad, I am really sorry, for disappointing you, after so much schooling, spending so much money on school and still not better than you working at construction. Dad, I will work harder.
Some time ago you always asked me if I am going home for Chinese new year, I always said that I don’t know yet, if I have to work over time during the Spring Festival. Actually, Dad, my company does not have work during the Spring Festival, I really just do not dare to go home. I calculated, when I get my pay at the end of the year and after my rent, the ticket for going home is over four hundred, then I probably don’t even have enough money to buy mom a sweater. Dad, your son does not have the face to go home!
Mom called me and said you are stingier as you get older, always blaming me for not calling you at home. My mom and I lied to you, said your cell phone has problems, always not getting through. Couple days ago you suddenly called me with your cell phone, and told me that you spent three hundred yuan and switched to a new cell phone, the call will go through from now on. Dad, I am sorry, son lied to you, I never called you, it’s not that I don’t miss you, and not that your son is not filial, but your son is afraid that you ask about my income, afraid that you talk about money. Dad, is it snowing at home? You have to wear more cloths. It is getting cold at the south also, your son really wants to go home, really wants to sit by the fire as a family, talk and laugh.
Last month you called and said the next door neighbor Dake which is one year younger than me is getting married this winter. He is building a new house in the village, and will move in soon. I held the phone and did not know how to answer, just laughed stupidly. You asked me to bring my girlfriend home to let you meet her, I agreed and also told you that I will send some money home when I am not so busy. You were happy when you heard that, said home is not short of money and told me not to spend money where I shouldn’t, and to save my money. Dad actually I have been lying to you, my girl friend was long gone, we broke up right after I graduated. And the money, I still have not sent, not that your son doesn’t want to, it’s that your son really doesn’t have money.
Dad, really sorry, almost worked for a year still haven’t bought you some good cigarettes.
Dad, I wrote so much, but still do not dare to show you, posting in online but you will not see it. But your son really did not lie on purpose.
It’s already 2010, I really hope to make these lies come true in front of you by the end of this year, and say it to you righteously: Dad, I am sending the money home tomorrow!
-----
Sarina Paris - Look at Us (Beam & Yanou remix)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Nothing much happening, except some work. Classes seem interesting and boring at the same time. I am a firm believer (even more so now) that the classes are what you make of them. During this time, is probably the best time to get a part time job or an internship - not so much for the money, but for the experience of working in China. Things are very much different in some aspects.
In general, while working part time while studying you're unlikely to be paid much - if anything at all. If I'm not wrong, the cap per hour is RMB20 max. It might most probably fall between RMB10 to RMB20 though.
Is there anything remarkable to blog about? Well, not really. Except that I have learnt that even consulting companies do not follow their own advice in-house. Maybe the top 2 or top 3 firms may listen to themselves, but it seems that they are very much experts in telling others what to do vs. doing it themselves.
-----
Pro tip of the day #1 - don't play poker with somebody who is a professional.
Pro tip of the day #2 - don't play poker when you're feeling sad, or happy, or any emotions.
Duck Sauce - Barbara Streisand (Archefluxx Quack remix)
In general, while working part time while studying you're unlikely to be paid much - if anything at all. If I'm not wrong, the cap per hour is RMB20 max. It might most probably fall between RMB10 to RMB20 though.
Is there anything remarkable to blog about? Well, not really. Except that I have learnt that even consulting companies do not follow their own advice in-house. Maybe the top 2 or top 3 firms may listen to themselves, but it seems that they are very much experts in telling others what to do vs. doing it themselves.
-----
Pro tip of the day #1 - don't play poker with somebody who is a professional.
Pro tip of the day #2 - don't play poker when you're feeling sad, or happy, or any emotions.
Duck Sauce - Barbara Streisand (Archefluxx Quack remix)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Back in Beijing baby!
So, since coming back to Beijing, my computer crashed - but thankfully I was able to salvage the valuable stuff like... eBooks, MSN chats and.. oh yeah, my school work too. Come to think about it, the MP3s, that was definitely important.
What's been happening lately? Not much. I've moved house, and found a new housemate. A pretty cool guy, who will definitely be a hit with the single ladies of Beijing. A few things about moving house, the rent in Wudaokou trends upwards fast in August, like reaaaally fast. Add on RMB500 per week that you haven't rented a place yet. I had to move out away from the main Tsinghua area because rent was just somewhat exhorbitant.
Aside from that, job hunting for a full time job starts ... about now. I have until December to finalize the people I'm contacting and deciding on what role I want. Once I'm done with that, I have several months to secure a full time offer that hopefull pays me a bit more than just subsistence and housing.
The new class is pretty cool. You guys should definitely check out some of the ladies that have been accepted, including the local students. As for the guys.... some are pretty ok, but nothing spectacular that I've met so far. Also, unfortunately, they don't really know how to party that hard.
-----
So Jaime asked
Hi, I am going at the end of the month to study at tsinghua, and I'm thinking about doing a MBA after finishing. Could you tell us something about job expectations after graduating (inside and outside China, sallary range once finished, or what kind of companies are interested in foreign Tsingha graduates?
Thanks and hope you find this topic interesting.
Hi Jaime
Job expectations inside or outside China largely depend on you - regardless of what you're doing. Having said that, I've mentioned previously that the top tier organizations for consulting and finance - McKinsey, Goldman etc. hardly, if ever, hire Tsinghua MBAs. But then we all know that the real money isn't exactly in doing consulting or finance. What you get really depends on how much legwork and ass kissing you do. I do know that a substantial number of students in my year received full time offers after their internships - so what might be pretty good new for you.
Salary range differs from individual to individual. If you're coming in with 1 year of experience, chances are that you're going to earn a lot less than somebody with 5 years of experience. Having said that, I think you would be able to earn upwards of RMB22,000 at least, well, hopefully that's the plan.
As for companies that are interested in Tsinghua MBA graduates, you may be able to look at manufacturing, niche consulting, second tier finance, some PE, some VC - though I don't think you get the holy trifecta of PE/VC/HF, again, depending on the role that you want. I think, possibly less on service organizations.... then again, I'm not 100% sure and I'll let you know in a few months time again.
-----
Don Omar ft. Lucenzo - Danza Kuduro
What's been happening lately? Not much. I've moved house, and found a new housemate. A pretty cool guy, who will definitely be a hit with the single ladies of Beijing. A few things about moving house, the rent in Wudaokou trends upwards fast in August, like reaaaally fast. Add on RMB500 per week that you haven't rented a place yet. I had to move out away from the main Tsinghua area because rent was just somewhat exhorbitant.
Aside from that, job hunting for a full time job starts ... about now. I have until December to finalize the people I'm contacting and deciding on what role I want. Once I'm done with that, I have several months to secure a full time offer that hopefull pays me a bit more than just subsistence and housing.
The new class is pretty cool. You guys should definitely check out some of the ladies that have been accepted, including the local students. As for the guys.... some are pretty ok, but nothing spectacular that I've met so far. Also, unfortunately, they don't really know how to party that hard.
-----
So Jaime asked
Hi, I am going at the end of the month to study at tsinghua, and I'm thinking about doing a MBA after finishing. Could you tell us something about job expectations after graduating (inside and outside China, sallary range once finished, or what kind of companies are interested in foreign Tsingha graduates?
Thanks and hope you find this topic interesting.
Hi Jaime
Job expectations inside or outside China largely depend on you - regardless of what you're doing. Having said that, I've mentioned previously that the top tier organizations for consulting and finance - McKinsey, Goldman etc. hardly, if ever, hire Tsinghua MBAs. But then we all know that the real money isn't exactly in doing consulting or finance. What you get really depends on how much legwork and ass kissing you do. I do know that a substantial number of students in my year received full time offers after their internships - so what might be pretty good new for you.
Salary range differs from individual to individual. If you're coming in with 1 year of experience, chances are that you're going to earn a lot less than somebody with 5 years of experience. Having said that, I think you would be able to earn upwards of RMB22,000 at least, well, hopefully that's the plan.
As for companies that are interested in Tsinghua MBA graduates, you may be able to look at manufacturing, niche consulting, second tier finance, some PE, some VC - though I don't think you get the holy trifecta of PE/VC/HF, again, depending on the role that you want. I think, possibly less on service organizations.... then again, I'm not 100% sure and I'll let you know in a few months time again.
-----
Don Omar ft. Lucenzo - Danza Kuduro
Friday, August 19, 2011
Last few minutes
Time to go back to Beijing. About time too. See you soon.
---
Da Buzz - Let Me Love You Tonight (Noices remix)
---
Da Buzz - Let Me Love You Tonight (Noices remix)
Sunday, July 24, 2011
I don't want to be alone
Not much going on, except considering buying an iPad 2. It's actually pretty fun to use but I doubt that I would be using it for any school work immediately. Building a ppt and excel modeling would probably be much easier on the laptop.
Spent the weekend in Singapore, not a very interesting place to be in if you don't have money and are on a student budget. Comparatively to Beijing, it's also less fun though there's a casino around that you can hit when you're bored.
Actually, there wasn't anything to post about. I don't do much nowadays nor have I had any new thoughts.
Except, that when you're dealing with housing for the second year - if you can carry over your contract from the first year, it might be worthwhile to keep the house you're renting for convenience. It's much harder to get a new place that suits your requirements. It is also unavoidable to miss the increase in house rental, I've heard that it's going up 20% for the Wudaokou area :( But if you find something good, just keep it for the second year.
It seems to be the trend to move down to the Chaoyang/Sanlitun/Guomao area if possible (as long as you have money). But I think it's a bit inconvenient in terms of attending classes and group discussions, though I really don't know how much of that will happen during the second year. But a fair number of second year students from the previous class continued to stay in the Wudaokou area.
-----
You said no, you said no,
and I'm losing my mind...
I don't want to be alone..
Cat Like Thief - New Heights (Nu Foundation remix)
Download
Spent the weekend in Singapore, not a very interesting place to be in if you don't have money and are on a student budget. Comparatively to Beijing, it's also less fun though there's a casino around that you can hit when you're bored.
Actually, there wasn't anything to post about. I don't do much nowadays nor have I had any new thoughts.
Except, that when you're dealing with housing for the second year - if you can carry over your contract from the first year, it might be worthwhile to keep the house you're renting for convenience. It's much harder to get a new place that suits your requirements. It is also unavoidable to miss the increase in house rental, I've heard that it's going up 20% for the Wudaokou area :( But if you find something good, just keep it for the second year.
It seems to be the trend to move down to the Chaoyang/Sanlitun/Guomao area if possible (as long as you have money). But I think it's a bit inconvenient in terms of attending classes and group discussions, though I really don't know how much of that will happen during the second year. But a fair number of second year students from the previous class continued to stay in the Wudaokou area.
-----
You said no, you said no,
and I'm losing my mind...
I don't want to be alone..
Cat Like Thief - New Heights (Nu Foundation remix)
Download
Friday, July 15, 2011
Balling like a cog
What's an MBA internship like?
It really depends how you got the internship - did you get it through a connection or did you apply for it? But then again, how you got it doesn't translate into a good internship, although the chances are if you got it through a connection, it can be a pretty lousy experience - especially if the firm you're joining isn't used to taking MBA interns.
By and large, if you're in a structured environment, you'll probably learn a lot of new things, and have people treat you better. If you join a firm that doesn't usually take MBA interns, then you're probably just going to be a small intern cog that doesn't learn much, do much or talk much. Google chat and MSN are your best friends.
Since I did get the internship through a connection, let me run you through what I do.
7.15am Wake up
8.45am Get into office
9.00am Make coffee
9.15am Start up googlechat with my fellow cogs in other firms
10.30am Still on googlechat, and MSN now
11.30am Decide on what to have for lunch (usually nobody goes with me - maybe it's because I'm anti social
2.00pm Come back from lunch
2.15pm Back on googlechat
5.00pm Say goodbye to my cog friend that goes back early
5.30pm Go back home, or dally around the shopping complex waiting for dinner partners.
Midnight Head to bed
It can be a mind numbing experience, aside from Googlechat, you might want to look into books on Scribd.com, pretty decent selection there.
Sometimes, you get thrown a project, but usually you're thrown the project because nobody else wants to do it. In short, you're not important at all.
I hear if you join finance and consulting, the internship experience is much better - I think it's because those firms recruit MBAs, and have a structured internship in which they try to determine whether you're worth hiring. Also, they pay more, much more.
Of course, I have a baller cog friend who parties until 5am (you know who you are) and goes to work at 8.30. Pretty impressive, I wonder whether that friend actually was able to walk back home after work....
-----
Sometimes, when you tell me your stories, I cry a little inside for you.
-----
Fuquavision - Damn it Feels Good to be a Banker
Probably the oldest and still the best song about being a banker...
Tell me why you want to be a trader
I want to work at Goldman Sachs
So you want to go to business school
It really depends how you got the internship - did you get it through a connection or did you apply for it? But then again, how you got it doesn't translate into a good internship, although the chances are if you got it through a connection, it can be a pretty lousy experience - especially if the firm you're joining isn't used to taking MBA interns.
By and large, if you're in a structured environment, you'll probably learn a lot of new things, and have people treat you better. If you join a firm that doesn't usually take MBA interns, then you're probably just going to be a small intern cog that doesn't learn much, do much or talk much. Google chat and MSN are your best friends.
Since I did get the internship through a connection, let me run you through what I do.
7.15am Wake up
8.45am Get into office
9.00am Make coffee
9.15am Start up googlechat with my fellow cogs in other firms
10.30am Still on googlechat, and MSN now
11.30am Decide on what to have for lunch (usually nobody goes with me - maybe it's because I'm anti social
2.00pm Come back from lunch
2.15pm Back on googlechat
5.00pm Say goodbye to my cog friend that goes back early
5.30pm Go back home, or dally around the shopping complex waiting for dinner partners.
Midnight Head to bed
It can be a mind numbing experience, aside from Googlechat, you might want to look into books on Scribd.com, pretty decent selection there.
Sometimes, you get thrown a project, but usually you're thrown the project because nobody else wants to do it. In short, you're not important at all.
I hear if you join finance and consulting, the internship experience is much better - I think it's because those firms recruit MBAs, and have a structured internship in which they try to determine whether you're worth hiring. Also, they pay more, much more.
Of course, I have a baller cog friend who parties until 5am (you know who you are) and goes to work at 8.30. Pretty impressive, I wonder whether that friend actually was able to walk back home after work....
-----
Sometimes, when you tell me your stories, I cry a little inside for you.
-----
Fuquavision - Damn it Feels Good to be a Banker
Probably the oldest and still the best song about being a banker...
Tell me why you want to be a trader
I want to work at Goldman Sachs
So you want to go to business school
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Noisy Mouse
I guess I should have known that I would blog about you sooner or later. It was interesting how we met so randomly, and how you've affected me so much. What's more interesting is that you'll never ever read this - not now, not tomorrow, not ever. I hope that one day though, you will be able to understand what I write.
At this point in time, you want something else, you want what I can't provide. As much as I strive to accept that, I cannot feel but a pang in my heart to know that sooner or later we will drift apart as we have started to do so. You say you're busy with work, and I know that I'm no longer in Beijing now, but it's hard to feel assured when we're in such a complicated relationship. That when I know there is a long line of men waiting to win your hand.
I don't know what you want from me, maybe just a friendship. Then again, I don't know what I really want from you - except that I would like to be next to you, holding you tight.
Noisy Mouse. It was good while it lasted, you made me laugh, you opened my eyes - I can only miss you now. I hope that one day, we'll be able to understand each other, that perhaps, we might be at least, good friends, if not more than just friends.
I hope, that maybe one day, you will be able to read this, but I know you will never be able to read it.
晚安嘈老鼠，好梦，我想念你。。
----
Bang - Shooting Star (Storm & Euphony remix)
Like a shooting star, across the midnight sky
Gonna to fly, just to be with you tonight
I really need you here to hold
Keep me warm when nights are cold
I wish I had you here to keep
Left me cryin in my sleep
I dont care how far I take a plane tonight
Just tell me where you are and everythings gonna be alright
----
It's warm here, but so lonely. I wonder whether I'll see you again....
At this point in time, you want something else, you want what I can't provide. As much as I strive to accept that, I cannot feel but a pang in my heart to know that sooner or later we will drift apart as we have started to do so. You say you're busy with work, and I know that I'm no longer in Beijing now, but it's hard to feel assured when we're in such a complicated relationship. That when I know there is a long line of men waiting to win your hand.
I don't know what you want from me, maybe just a friendship. Then again, I don't know what I really want from you - except that I would like to be next to you, holding you tight.
Noisy Mouse. It was good while it lasted, you made me laugh, you opened my eyes - I can only miss you now. I hope that one day, we'll be able to understand each other, that perhaps, we might be at least, good friends, if not more than just friends.
I hope, that maybe one day, you will be able to read this, but I know you will never be able to read it.
晚安嘈老鼠，好梦，我想念你。。
----
Bang - Shooting Star (Storm & Euphony remix)
Like a shooting star, across the midnight sky
Gonna to fly, just to be with you tonight
I really need you here to hold
Keep me warm when nights are cold
I wish I had you here to keep
Left me cryin in my sleep
I dont care how far I take a plane tonight
Just tell me where you are and everythings gonna be alright
----
It's warm here, but so lonely. I wonder whether I'll see you again....
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Questions and Answers - CEIBS vs Tsinghua - Entrepreneurship
Hi,
I'm deciding between Tsinghua SEM and CEIBS. My goal is tobe an entreprenuer so my concern are the class experience, quality of classmates and professors. How are these areas compared to top20 school in U.S.? How good are Tsinghua entreprenuership electives? If u were me, which of the 2 school would you choose?
Thanks alot for your help
- Anonymous
Hi Anonymous
You caught me as I was thinking between going to sleep or playing poker. It's been a while since I've written anything, so well, I figured it would be a good time to address your question.
1. You want to be an entrepreneur.
There is no special business school that you go to that will turn you into an entrepreneur. By and large, all decent business schools will cover the basics that you need to become an entrepreneur - some finance, some management, some strategy, etc. What is probably important is what do you want to learn at business school that will allow you to become an entrepreneur.
If you're an engineer, then there's quite a bit you can learn at business school, if you're somebody with a sales/marketing and/or finance knowledge - you're pretty set. You do not really have to go to business school to become an entrepreneur. Actually, it's more likely that you will go to business school and then decide NOT to become an entrepreneur as you watch yourself blow away money on tuition fees, living costs, girls (or boys) and alcohol.
What's important is who you mix with. If I'm not wrong, perhaps maybe 10% - 15% of students will venture into entrepreneurship at any normal school. If you mix with people who want to go into finance, you might go there - or consulting, etc. There's a certain amount of pressure at school for you to get a "proper job".
But mix with the people who want to start something, and maybe, you might catch that bug as well. And hopefully, you will start something.
2. CEIBS vs Tsinghua for entrepreneurship
As I have not attended CEIBS, I don't really know. What I do know, is that I have a friend in CEIBS who is interested in starting a venture with me. So that makes 1 Tsinghua, 1 CEIBS. I also do know that there are a few others at Tsinghua who are interested in their own ventures as well as a few others at CEIBS.
What I do know is that at Tsinghua, there is a fairly large number of people who come from family owned businesses. Meaning, it's in their family to be entrepreneurial - so you might want to take that into consideration. I am told that CEIBS is full of professionals, so not that many might want to venture out and start something new (I'm assuming that if your family started something, they would support you starting something and you might actually start something).
3. Quality of classmates, professors and class experience.
Well, in terms of my class - the quality of classmates differ wildly. From people who do not really know anything, to people who are wicked smart. By and large, most fall into the grey area - they're good, but not stellar, but at the same time, not totally shit.
I've addressed professors before, but to rehash - Tsinghua has its fair share of winners and losers.
What I have been told that Tsinghua will be revamping the admissions process to deliver a higher class quality. Local Chinese applicants will be required to take the GMAT and selectivity will be driven down. This is probably to happen for the class of 2014. As for the class for 2013, I only know only but one person - and if you get a chance to know her well, you will consider yourself a lucky lucky man. :)
4. Entrepreneurship electives.
Entrepreneurship electives at Tsinghua are nothing spectacular. Like I said earlier, there are no classes that will turn you into an entrepreneur. It's an accumulation of what you know in terms of basics and your ability to think and act on what you feel will be a good opportunity. You could go to Stanford and come out a none-entrepreneur. Or Babson, which is apparently really good for entrepreneurship. A lot of it depends on you, not the school you attend. The core classes will give you a foundation, the electives will give you a framework, but aside from that... it's all you.
5. Choosing between CEIBS and Tsinghua.
I chose Tsinghua because I had the understanding that it would be more of an entrepreneurship school - given that it's seen as the MIT of the East, and has close ties with many venture capitalists. It is true that several venture capitalists have come and given talks at the school, it is also true that Tsinghua is in the "Silicon Valley" of Beijing. But getting money from them and having an idea is also really really hard.
On the other hand, my friend chose CEIBS because he felt that being in Shanghai would give him easier access to the economic pulse of China. However, having said that, he'll be doing his internship in Shanghai. He's pretty happy at CEIBS, although I will have a more thorough discussion with him when I see him next week.
Tsinghua has obviously a better general name. However, CEIBS seems to have better relationships with MNC companies. Shanghai is much nicer than Beijing, especially Wudaokou - but also much pricier.
Am I disappointed that Tsinghua didn't deliver on the entrepreneurship training? Well, I guess I learnt that it's not the training that makes you an entrepreneur, but it's what you want in life.
-
If you come to Tsinghua, I hope to see you and I hope you will have a good experience. Doing an MBA at Tsinghua, or maybe, China in general isn't the easiest thing in the world. There will be a lot of frustrations and disappointments. But coming to Tsinghua or CEIBS isn't really about the MBA - it's about being in China and being part of China's future. And that, is more important than which school you go to.
------
And last but not least, to the person in the class of 2013 that I know. It was good knowing you, I had fun.... :)
LMC vs U2 - Take me to the clouds above (Tim Dawes remix)
I'm deciding between Tsinghua SEM and CEIBS. My goal is tobe an entreprenuer so my concern are the class experience, quality of classmates and professors. How are these areas compared to top20 school in U.S.? How good are Tsinghua entreprenuership electives? If u were me, which of the 2 school would you choose?
Thanks alot for your help
- Anonymous
Hi Anonymous
You caught me as I was thinking between going to sleep or playing poker. It's been a while since I've written anything, so well, I figured it would be a good time to address your question.
1. You want to be an entrepreneur.
There is no special business school that you go to that will turn you into an entrepreneur. By and large, all decent business schools will cover the basics that you need to become an entrepreneur - some finance, some management, some strategy, etc. What is probably important is what do you want to learn at business school that will allow you to become an entrepreneur.
If you're an engineer, then there's quite a bit you can learn at business school, if you're somebody with a sales/marketing and/or finance knowledge - you're pretty set. You do not really have to go to business school to become an entrepreneur. Actually, it's more likely that you will go to business school and then decide NOT to become an entrepreneur as you watch yourself blow away money on tuition fees, living costs, girls (or boys) and alcohol.
What's important is who you mix with. If I'm not wrong, perhaps maybe 10% - 15% of students will venture into entrepreneurship at any normal school. If you mix with people who want to go into finance, you might go there - or consulting, etc. There's a certain amount of pressure at school for you to get a "proper job".
But mix with the people who want to start something, and maybe, you might catch that bug as well. And hopefully, you will start something.
2. CEIBS vs Tsinghua for entrepreneurship
As I have not attended CEIBS, I don't really know. What I do know, is that I have a friend in CEIBS who is interested in starting a venture with me. So that makes 1 Tsinghua, 1 CEIBS. I also do know that there are a few others at Tsinghua who are interested in their own ventures as well as a few others at CEIBS.
What I do know is that at Tsinghua, there is a fairly large number of people who come from family owned businesses. Meaning, it's in their family to be entrepreneurial - so you might want to take that into consideration. I am told that CEIBS is full of professionals, so not that many might want to venture out and start something new (I'm assuming that if your family started something, they would support you starting something and you might actually start something).
3. Quality of classmates, professors and class experience.
Well, in terms of my class - the quality of classmates differ wildly. From people who do not really know anything, to people who are wicked smart. By and large, most fall into the grey area - they're good, but not stellar, but at the same time, not totally shit.
I've addressed professors before, but to rehash - Tsinghua has its fair share of winners and losers.
What I have been told that Tsinghua will be revamping the admissions process to deliver a higher class quality. Local Chinese applicants will be required to take the GMAT and selectivity will be driven down. This is probably to happen for the class of 2014. As for the class for 2013, I only know only but one person - and if you get a chance to know her well, you will consider yourself a lucky lucky man. :)
4. Entrepreneurship electives.
Entrepreneurship electives at Tsinghua are nothing spectacular. Like I said earlier, there are no classes that will turn you into an entrepreneur. It's an accumulation of what you know in terms of basics and your ability to think and act on what you feel will be a good opportunity. You could go to Stanford and come out a none-entrepreneur. Or Babson, which is apparently really good for entrepreneurship. A lot of it depends on you, not the school you attend. The core classes will give you a foundation, the electives will give you a framework, but aside from that... it's all you.
5. Choosing between CEIBS and Tsinghua.
I chose Tsinghua because I had the understanding that it would be more of an entrepreneurship school - given that it's seen as the MIT of the East, and has close ties with many venture capitalists. It is true that several venture capitalists have come and given talks at the school, it is also true that Tsinghua is in the "Silicon Valley" of Beijing. But getting money from them and having an idea is also really really hard.
On the other hand, my friend chose CEIBS because he felt that being in Shanghai would give him easier access to the economic pulse of China. However, having said that, he'll be doing his internship in Shanghai. He's pretty happy at CEIBS, although I will have a more thorough discussion with him when I see him next week.
Tsinghua has obviously a better general name. However, CEIBS seems to have better relationships with MNC companies. Shanghai is much nicer than Beijing, especially Wudaokou - but also much pricier.
Am I disappointed that Tsinghua didn't deliver on the entrepreneurship training? Well, I guess I learnt that it's not the training that makes you an entrepreneur, but it's what you want in life.
-
If you come to Tsinghua, I hope to see you and I hope you will have a good experience. Doing an MBA at Tsinghua, or maybe, China in general isn't the easiest thing in the world. There will be a lot of frustrations and disappointments. But coming to Tsinghua or CEIBS isn't really about the MBA - it's about being in China and being part of China's future. And that, is more important than which school you go to.
------
And last but not least, to the person in the class of 2013 that I know. It was good knowing you, I had fun.... :)
LMC vs U2 - Take me to the clouds above (Tim Dawes remix)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Love, in China
Ever wondered what it's like to date a Chinese girl? Well, in general, Chinese girls are pretty intelligent, relatively pretty and know what they want.
What do they want? Simple.
1. A good life.
2. Money which gives a good life.
3. More money, because that doesn't hurt.
It would be unfair to say that all Chinese girls are just out to get money, but a good number of them, maybe in the high 80% or even low 90%s are looking to have a good life, which means having a good life. Having said that, I guess most girls when looking for a partner are looking for for somebody who can support them and afford them a comfortable life and lifestyle.
I think, given the environment that China is, where money trumps all, it's understandable that there's a certain mentality where money becomes a priority. But the question is, most Chinese girls want a life where they don't have to work for the money - where they are able to have a relaxed life while the husband brings home the bacon.
The usual equation that I've come across is,
Giving me stuff + Time + Potential career success = Love
If you're missing out on one of them, then it's not really love. It's a serious concern if you do not have a lot of money, or actually believe, in true love and an equal partnership. However, if you're able to dig down and bring in the money, then it's relatively easy to find love.
But what if they're correct? What if love and life is about money...
Relook part relationships and apply, what if you had a lot more money, would the relationship have failed?
-----
Nathelie & Technikal - Big Sky (Grammer remix)
What do they want? Simple.
1. A good life.
2. Money which gives a good life.
3. More money, because that doesn't hurt.
It would be unfair to say that all Chinese girls are just out to get money, but a good number of them, maybe in the high 80% or even low 90%s are looking to have a good life, which means having a good life. Having said that, I guess most girls when looking for a partner are looking for for somebody who can support them and afford them a comfortable life and lifestyle.
I think, given the environment that China is, where money trumps all, it's understandable that there's a certain mentality where money becomes a priority. But the question is, most Chinese girls want a life where they don't have to work for the money - where they are able to have a relaxed life while the husband brings home the bacon.
The usual equation that I've come across is,
Giving me stuff + Time + Potential career success = Love
If you're missing out on one of them, then it's not really love. It's a serious concern if you do not have a lot of money, or actually believe, in true love and an equal partnership. However, if you're able to dig down and bring in the money, then it's relatively easy to find love.
But what if they're correct? What if love and life is about money...
Relook part relationships and apply, what if you had a lot more money, would the relationship have failed?
-----
Nathelie & Technikal - Big Sky (Grammer remix)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
What's life like?
Life is pretty simple in terms of what it's like. Assuming that we all die at about 70, we all have the same amount of chips. 70 years of life, or maybe, 52 (when you're 18) - 624 months - approx. 18 985 days of living.
Some of us start with good cards, holding Aces, maybe AceKing, maybe pairs. That's the luck factor that you have. Maybe you're smart, good looking, or maybe your family has money, etc.
Then you bet, maybe you bet a year at college, then another year or two. Sometimes, you drop out, sometimes you stay on and see if your bet works out.
The flop comes, you graduate - do you get a good job? Do you hit your set? maybe top pair? If yes, you might bet a little bit more, maybe 5 more years... if not, you fold and reshuffle again. Spend another year looking for that dream job. Maybe you do an MBA - if it doesn't pay off, then you fold.
Maybe the turn brings a love, or maybe a promotion. Bet a little bit more, a couple more years. You get married, you bet more. Sometimes you don't feel good about it, so you reshuffle and redeal again. If you feel good, you bet more.
The turn comes, so you've got the job, you've got the girl. She wants a divorce, you lose that pot. Time to reshuffle and start again.
But remember, you only have 70 years. Everytime you reshuffle, you lose those years. Everytime you bet into the pot, your stack goes down...
At some point, you hopefully make it big. But you don't get the pot back in years, you get it back in other ways... money, love, satisfaction, children. Some people don't make it big... they spend their life looking for something that doesn't pay off. Some get paid off in ways they could never imagine...
And all this time, your stack goes down.
-----
Sean Pollo & Peryton - Invade
Some of us start with good cards, holding Aces, maybe AceKing, maybe pairs. That's the luck factor that you have. Maybe you're smart, good looking, or maybe your family has money, etc.
Then you bet, maybe you bet a year at college, then another year or two. Sometimes, you drop out, sometimes you stay on and see if your bet works out.
The flop comes, you graduate - do you get a good job? Do you hit your set? maybe top pair? If yes, you might bet a little bit more, maybe 5 more years... if not, you fold and reshuffle again. Spend another year looking for that dream job. Maybe you do an MBA - if it doesn't pay off, then you fold.
Maybe the turn brings a love, or maybe a promotion. Bet a little bit more, a couple more years. You get married, you bet more. Sometimes you don't feel good about it, so you reshuffle and redeal again. If you feel good, you bet more.
The turn comes, so you've got the job, you've got the girl. She wants a divorce, you lose that pot. Time to reshuffle and start again.
But remember, you only have 70 years. Everytime you reshuffle, you lose those years. Everytime you bet into the pot, your stack goes down...
At some point, you hopefully make it big. But you don't get the pot back in years, you get it back in other ways... money, love, satisfaction, children. Some people don't make it big... they spend their life looking for something that doesn't pay off. Some get paid off in ways they could never imagine...
And all this time, your stack goes down.
-----
Sean Pollo & Peryton - Invade
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Down
Down on everything
But maybe a simpler life is the key....
Klubbdriver - Move Your Feet (Pulsedriver remix)
But maybe a simpler life is the key....
Klubbdriver - Move Your Feet (Pulsedriver remix)
Partying at Tsinghua
In light of people getting shafted over the bills, here are some simple guidelines to follow when you go out in a group to drink.
1. Don't invite non-Tsinghua people unless you're close with them.
2. Don't let the people you invite, invite other people that you don't know.
3. Everybody should pay up front, before drinks are ordered.
4. There's no such thing as "I'm not drinking" when the person has a drink. Make everybody pay up their share even if they only have one drink.
5. Designate one person to order, nobody else orders except for the designated person (preferably holding the cash as well).
If you do that, you'll have a good time. If you don't do that, you'll be left holding the bag and having to cover for others.
----
Lumin8 & Cheever - Sahara
1. Don't invite non-Tsinghua people unless you're close with them.
2. Don't let the people you invite, invite other people that you don't know.
3. Everybody should pay up front, before drinks are ordered.
4. There's no such thing as "I'm not drinking" when the person has a drink. Make everybody pay up their share even if they only have one drink.
5. Designate one person to order, nobody else orders except for the designated person (preferably holding the cash as well).
If you do that, you'll have a good time. If you don't do that, you'll be left holding the bag and having to cover for others.
----
Lumin8 & Cheever - Sahara
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Come on dream on!
First things first... some stories going around the campus is that a certain Firm will be working with the school to revamp the program after a certain letter was sent to the dean and friends, which was critical towards the program. Especially since the goal is to be #1 by 2020 (to which I'll like to see how they knock the other schools out).
While that is good news, the questions remain.
1. How much will they revamp? You would have to revamp a significant amount.
2. Will they really revamp it? Possibly not, too much change might not be accepted
3. Will the Firm hire Tsinghua SEM MBAs after it has been revamped? Nah. Not when there's H/S/W/K/M/Booth/Col/Tuck/MIT/INSEAD/LBS (in no order) to feed them....
I'm hoping that things will be changed, perhaps before next year. However, I don't have much faith in that happening since there will be a significant amount of red tape (not exclusively to Tsinghua).
----
To the dean, faculty, and MBA office... here's a little song for you guys... oh, and to the rest of my classmates and future Tsinghua MBAs (I hope you guys get a better deal)
Dreams to survive
Dreams make a wish come true
Keep your dreams alive...
Dream... dream on....
Your dream will come alive!
2 Brothers on the Dance Floor - Dreams (Funk D Remix)
2 Brothers on the Dance Floor - Dreams (Original)
While that is good news, the questions remain.
1. How much will they revamp? You would have to revamp a significant amount.
2. Will they really revamp it? Possibly not, too much change might not be accepted
3. Will the Firm hire Tsinghua SEM MBAs after it has been revamped? Nah. Not when there's H/S/W/K/M/Booth/Col/Tuck/MIT/INSEAD/LBS (in no order) to feed them....
I'm hoping that things will be changed, perhaps before next year. However, I don't have much faith in that happening since there will be a significant amount of red tape (not exclusively to Tsinghua).
----
To the dean, faculty, and MBA office... here's a little song for you guys... oh, and to the rest of my classmates and future Tsinghua MBAs (I hope you guys get a better deal)
Dreams to survive
Dreams make a wish come true
Keep your dreams alive...
Dream... dream on....
Your dream will come alive!
2 Brothers on the Dance Floor - Dreams (Funk D Remix)
2 Brothers on the Dance Floor - Dreams (Original)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Should you come to Tsinghua SEM IMBA's Program? (would I do it again?)
So, it appears that people searching for Tsinghua IMBA/MBA program actually come across this blog, which is pretty interesting because I thought I was hidden away from the rest of the world in a little corner on the Internet.
Anyway, I also realize that my posts about Tsinghua have been getting more and more negative, and will probably continue to do so. I don't intend of sugar coating anything for people who want to know what it's like to come to Tsinghua SEM. However, I thought it would be good to have an unbiased look at Tsinghua SEM.
1. Should you come to Tsinghua SEM?
You should NOT come here if you plan to go into investment banking or consulting, or maybe anything cool that MBAs usually do. Unless of course, you're incredibly fluent at Chinese, however, even then, as I've said before, top tier companies like Goldman/McKinsey do NOT recruit from here.
You should come here if you want to
i) Have a 2 year holiday in China and get to know what China is like from a semi-expat point of view.
ii) If you want to have a valid reason to learn Chinese.
iii) If you want a mainland Chinese girlfriend, or boyfriend, whatever floats your boat.
iv) If you want to be baller but in a cheap way.
v) If you really want to push yourself to explore new opportunities - entrepreneurship or niche careers that you would never have had thought about before.
Because.. because the CDC here is crap, I've been forced to explore possibilities that I never would have considered before. Which is actually a really good thing. So that's the silver lining of Tsinghua SEM's Career Developement Center. It's made me think about doing something different and forcing me to be more resourceful when looking for an internship/job.
Now, having said all that, how am I doing? Well, I'm waiting on internship replies - none which were the result of an excellent career service or a plethora of companies begging Tsinghua SEM MBAs to go for a summer internship.
But, the question is, did coming to Tsinghua give me any opportunities?
Yes. It did. By virtue of having the Tsinghua name, more general organizations (non-MBA recruiters) are open to meeting up with me. However, this is limited as in, there aren't that many non-MBA recruiting companies that you really want to work for (in terms of job scope and compensation). But that would differ from person to person... so if you really do want to come here, please do your research on what organizations you want to work for properly.
By coming to Tsinghua, almost overnight, you're given the halo of "China expert" in a minor sense. People who aren't extremely well versed will think that you are being taught by the best and brightest of China's acadamic world.
Which brings me to the next point...
2. Classes and professors.
In this second term, there are good professors that are worth attending. I'll list down their classes and names - where I can remember.
i) Gao Xudong - Strategic Management (he also teaches 1st semester)
ii) Dr Ingo Beyer - Practical Strategy Management (he's the head of McKinsey China)
iii) David Robb - Operations Management
iv) David Li - China in the Global Economy (incredible)
3. Wudaokou
Wudaokou is where Tsinghua University is. It is shit. As in, it's the shittiest place to live in. I have no idea whether any of my classmates actually enjoy staying in Wudaokou. As far as I know, it gets so bad, that once a week, we go down to town to get away from all of this. I repeat, coming to Tsinghua won't kill you, but staying in Wudaokou will...
4. Would I do it again?
Would I? Maybe not, maybe LBS/INSEAD would have been better. In terms of career, almost definitely. But then, on the other hand, who knows what lies on the road less travelled?
I would do it again for the chance to be in China. But I wouldn't do it again for the lack of basic job opportunities. I would do it again for learning Chinese and China. I wouldn't do it again to stay in Wudaokou.
I guess, like I did say before, coming here is a gamble. I guess now, it's time to see if the gamble pays off...
Anyway, I also realize that my posts about Tsinghua have been getting more and more negative, and will probably continue to do so. I don't intend of sugar coating anything for people who want to know what it's like to come to Tsinghua SEM. However, I thought it would be good to have an unbiased look at Tsinghua SEM.
1. Should you come to Tsinghua SEM?
You should NOT come here if you plan to go into investment banking or consulting, or maybe anything cool that MBAs usually do. Unless of course, you're incredibly fluent at Chinese, however, even then, as I've said before, top tier companies like Goldman/McKinsey do NOT recruit from here.
You should come here if you want to
i) Have a 2 year holiday in China and get to know what China is like from a semi-expat point of view.
ii) If you want to have a valid reason to learn Chinese.
iii) If you want a mainland Chinese girlfriend, or boyfriend, whatever floats your boat.
iv) If you want to be baller but in a cheap way.
v) If you really want to push yourself to explore new opportunities - entrepreneurship or niche careers that you would never have had thought about before.
Because.. because the CDC here is crap, I've been forced to explore possibilities that I never would have considered before. Which is actually a really good thing. So that's the silver lining of Tsinghua SEM's Career Developement Center. It's made me think about doing something different and forcing me to be more resourceful when looking for an internship/job.
Now, having said all that, how am I doing? Well, I'm waiting on internship replies - none which were the result of an excellent career service or a plethora of companies begging Tsinghua SEM MBAs to go for a summer internship.
But, the question is, did coming to Tsinghua give me any opportunities?
Yes. It did. By virtue of having the Tsinghua name, more general organizations (non-MBA recruiters) are open to meeting up with me. However, this is limited as in, there aren't that many non-MBA recruiting companies that you really want to work for (in terms of job scope and compensation). But that would differ from person to person... so if you really do want to come here, please do your research on what organizations you want to work for properly.
By coming to Tsinghua, almost overnight, you're given the halo of "China expert" in a minor sense. People who aren't extremely well versed will think that you are being taught by the best and brightest of China's acadamic world.
Which brings me to the next point...
2. Classes and professors.
In this second term, there are good professors that are worth attending. I'll list down their classes and names - where I can remember.
i) Gao Xudong - Strategic Management (he also teaches 1st semester)
ii) Dr Ingo Beyer - Practical Strategy Management (he's the head of McKinsey China)
iii) David Robb - Operations Management
iv) David Li - China in the Global Economy (incredible)
3. Wudaokou
Wudaokou is where Tsinghua University is. It is shit. As in, it's the shittiest place to live in. I have no idea whether any of my classmates actually enjoy staying in Wudaokou. As far as I know, it gets so bad, that once a week, we go down to town to get away from all of this. I repeat, coming to Tsinghua won't kill you, but staying in Wudaokou will...
4. Would I do it again?
Would I? Maybe not, maybe LBS/INSEAD would have been better. In terms of career, almost definitely. But then, on the other hand, who knows what lies on the road less travelled?
I would do it again for the chance to be in China. But I wouldn't do it again for the lack of basic job opportunities. I would do it again for learning Chinese and China. I wouldn't do it again to stay in Wudaokou.
I guess, like I did say before, coming here is a gamble. I guess now, it's time to see if the gamble pays off...
Saturday, March 19, 2011
One month out
So it's been a month, and what did we learn?
1. CDC (Career development center) sucks. And when I mean sucks, it means that the CDC is the shits. Why? well, glad you asked. For starters, the CDC seems to be more interested in helping locals get jobs - which means, a bulk (85% or more) of their postings are intentionally in Chinese for the locals. Even when there are interesting jobs with Morgan Stanley etc.
Secondly, the school is geared towards ensuring that the best and brightest of the undergraduate class gets job. And honestly speaking, if you were in Tsinghua undergrad, you would be able to choose from quite a large range of jobs and companies that come on campus.
And lastly, the CDC does not communicate one a regular basis. Not only that, but they do not do anything to assure international students of a job.
2. Professors can be full of bullshit. The professors for the core classes seem pretty decent, and even helpful when you approach them. However, there are certain classes where the quality of education is just... shit. Was in a class where the "professor" kept repeating that he had been a successful businessman, was rolling in the benjamins and was looking to fund start up projects with his own money. I had the impression that he would fund, take a majority stake and kick you out once the project showed profit.
3. I also learnt that if you go out for 4-5 days in a row until 4am, there's a very high tendency of you getting sick especially when there's a flu bug going around....
I'm wondering whether it was really worth committing to two years here. Compared to actual top schools, Tsinghua is seriously lacking in the CDC and career options....
----
Chwhynny - Till the day I die (Darwin & Entity Big Kick Mix)
1. CDC (Career development center) sucks. And when I mean sucks, it means that the CDC is the shits. Why? well, glad you asked. For starters, the CDC seems to be more interested in helping locals get jobs - which means, a bulk (85% or more) of their postings are intentionally in Chinese for the locals. Even when there are interesting jobs with Morgan Stanley etc.
Secondly, the school is geared towards ensuring that the best and brightest of the undergraduate class gets job. And honestly speaking, if you were in Tsinghua undergrad, you would be able to choose from quite a large range of jobs and companies that come on campus.
And lastly, the CDC does not communicate one a regular basis. Not only that, but they do not do anything to assure international students of a job.
2. Professors can be full of bullshit. The professors for the core classes seem pretty decent, and even helpful when you approach them. However, there are certain classes where the quality of education is just... shit. Was in a class where the "professor" kept repeating that he had been a successful businessman, was rolling in the benjamins and was looking to fund start up projects with his own money. I had the impression that he would fund, take a majority stake and kick you out once the project showed profit.
3. I also learnt that if you go out for 4-5 days in a row until 4am, there's a very high tendency of you getting sick especially when there's a flu bug going around....
I'm wondering whether it was really worth committing to two years here. Compared to actual top schools, Tsinghua is seriously lacking in the CDC and career options....
----
Chwhynny - Till the day I die (Darwin & Entity Big Kick Mix)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Semester 2: Start!
Here we go!
Semester 2 promises to be filled with plenty of all-nighters and unhealthy food, not limited to red bull, coffee, more red bull and funky pills that the military secretly uses to keep snipers awake and focused for 72 hours straight.
The holidays were pretty good all in... except for the non stop fireworks on the first day that started at 6.30am... and went on.. until... noon. And the last night, where I not only couldn't hear myself think (that's normal) but I couldn't hear my music either.
Heads up on the classes, China in a Global Economy by Prof. David Li is pretty good. Corporate finance has promises to be interesting and operational management sounds challenging - but from what I heard, it's not as hard as corporate finance.
----
Had a huge swing in poker during a live game... down to the last RMB3 in my wallet and back to win everything that was lost earlier. All in 3 hours, no other game can provide that kind of adrenaline....
----
DJ S3rl - Here We Go!
Semester 2 promises to be filled with plenty of all-nighters and unhealthy food, not limited to red bull, coffee, more red bull and funky pills that the military secretly uses to keep snipers awake and focused for 72 hours straight.
The holidays were pretty good all in... except for the non stop fireworks on the first day that started at 6.30am... and went on.. until... noon. And the last night, where I not only couldn't hear myself think (that's normal) but I couldn't hear my music either.
Heads up on the classes, China in a Global Economy by Prof. David Li is pretty good. Corporate finance has promises to be interesting and operational management sounds challenging - but from what I heard, it's not as hard as corporate finance.
----
Had a huge swing in poker during a live game... down to the last RMB3 in my wallet and back to win everything that was lost earlier. All in 3 hours, no other game can provide that kind of adrenaline....
----
DJ S3rl - Here We Go!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Holidays!
Nothing really happens during the holidays...
The first few days are filled with dinners and drinks.. and more drinks... and so much drinks that you begin to wish that you never have another drink again. And then, people start to leave, one by one - back to their home towns, back to their home countries or maybe just on a holiday.
After that, if you've decided to stay in Beijing for the winter (including the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year) then you realize that you're suddenly here all alone. Nobody to have lunch with, nobody to have dinner with and man, you kinda wish you were out there having a drink with somebody.
So really, what can you do? Not much. For the days leading up to the New Year, you just take Chinese classes (preferably every day), go to the gym and maybe, explore Beijing a little bit. There are quite a few things to do - a must do it to try the different Chinese cuisines that China has to offer - Hunan food (Changsa Hotel), Sichuan food (Spice Garden) etc etc. It's quite interesting although you are probably likely to gain a few pounds.
You could also try looking for love, which isn't such a bad thing to do when you're bored and lonely.
What do I do? Not much, thankfully, I've got a friend visiting me so we just chill and head out. Waking up at 2pm has become the norm because sleeping at 6am has also become the norm.
Tomorrow, I find out what celebrating the Chinese New Year in Beijing is really like :)
-----
Barbra Streisand!!
Katie Jewel - Burning Love (Breeze remix)
Duck Sauce - Barbra Streisand (O-God remix)
The first few days are filled with dinners and drinks.. and more drinks... and so much drinks that you begin to wish that you never have another drink again. And then, people start to leave, one by one - back to their home towns, back to their home countries or maybe just on a holiday.
After that, if you've decided to stay in Beijing for the winter (including the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year) then you realize that you're suddenly here all alone. Nobody to have lunch with, nobody to have dinner with and man, you kinda wish you were out there having a drink with somebody.
So really, what can you do? Not much. For the days leading up to the New Year, you just take Chinese classes (preferably every day), go to the gym and maybe, explore Beijing a little bit. There are quite a few things to do - a must do it to try the different Chinese cuisines that China has to offer - Hunan food (Changsa Hotel), Sichuan food (Spice Garden) etc etc. It's quite interesting although you are probably likely to gain a few pounds.
You could also try looking for love, which isn't such a bad thing to do when you're bored and lonely.
What do I do? Not much, thankfully, I've got a friend visiting me so we just chill and head out. Waking up at 2pm has become the norm because sleeping at 6am has also become the norm.
Tomorrow, I find out what celebrating the Chinese New Year in Beijing is really like :)
-----
Barbra Streisand!!
Katie Jewel - Burning Love (Breeze remix)
Duck Sauce - Barbra Streisand (O-God remix)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Numa Numa
So yeah, it's 3.15am, the week is going well. What a difference a week makes sometimes, you can change your perspective and start looking differently at things.
Don't ask about the music choices I made tonight! :D
O-zone - Dragostea Din Tei (Chinese Hardcore Remix)
O-zone - Dragostea Din Tei (DJ Splash Trance Remix)
Don't ask about the music choices I made tonight! :D
O-zone - Dragostea Din Tei (Chinese Hardcore Remix)
O-zone - Dragostea Din Tei (DJ Splash Trance Remix)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Slow and steady... rush...
Something someone sent to me, I guess it's true, slow down and enjoy the moment...
-----
Slow Dance
Have you ever watched kids, on a merry go round?
Or listened to the rain, slapping on the ground?
Ever follow a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.
Do you go through each day, on the fly?
When you ask, "How are you", do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in bed
With the next hundred chores, running through your head?
You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.
Ever told your child, "We'll do it tomorrow"
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time, to call and say "Hi"
You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there
When you worry and hurry through your day
It's like an unopened gift.... thrown away
Life is not a race
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over....
----
DHT - Listen to Your Heart (Rob Mayth remix)
-----
Slow Dance
Have you ever watched kids, on a merry go round?
Or listened to the rain, slapping on the ground?
Ever follow a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.
Do you go through each day, on the fly?
When you ask, "How are you", do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in bed
With the next hundred chores, running through your head?
You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.
Ever told your child, "We'll do it tomorrow"
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time, to call and say "Hi"
You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there
When you worry and hurry through your day
It's like an unopened gift.... thrown away
Life is not a race
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over....
----
DHT - Listen to Your Heart (Rob Mayth remix)
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Welcome to tomorrow
Let's see, I did have some things that I wanted to talk about - but I met somebody and I can't remember what they are. So, keeping it brief, NYE was an uneventful affair, with a discussion that concluded with that
i) There are very few girls in both I1/I2 combined that guys would want to hit up.
ii) There are even fewer guys in both I1/I2 combined that girls would want to hit up as well.
Admittedly, the sample size was pretty small - but I guess it's true though, there aren't that many attractive (physically, mentally, emotionally) guys/girls in the class. But by and large, most people are categorized as "nice", but nice doesn't get you laid, it just means that others wouldn't mind being on your study group. :)
This year, should be an interesting year if everything goes well. Hopefully it will be.
Oh yes, I wanted to talk about the Microsoft Kinect. It's pretty incredible and will almost guarantee to impress anybody who uses it for the first time. I think it's the future of gaming, and promises of what things will happen moving forward. It looks like Microsoft isn't that bad after all (I've always liked them a lot though. Go Office!).
Happy New Year, to what few readers I have.
Snap - Welcome to Tomorrow
I like how she's armed with a crossbow.. old school classics can be pretty good.
Welcome to tomorrow, welcome into my world...
Hocus pocus turn around, ain't no magic act around...
The world of tomorrow is a game world that layers on the world that we know today.
i) There are very few girls in both I1/I2 combined that guys would want to hit up.
ii) There are even fewer guys in both I1/I2 combined that girls would want to hit up as well.
Admittedly, the sample size was pretty small - but I guess it's true though, there aren't that many attractive (physically, mentally, emotionally) guys/girls in the class. But by and large, most people are categorized as "nice", but nice doesn't get you laid, it just means that others wouldn't mind being on your study group. :)
This year, should be an interesting year if everything goes well. Hopefully it will be.
Oh yes, I wanted to talk about the Microsoft Kinect. It's pretty incredible and will almost guarantee to impress anybody who uses it for the first time. I think it's the future of gaming, and promises of what things will happen moving forward. It looks like Microsoft isn't that bad after all (I've always liked them a lot though. Go Office!).
Happy New Year, to what few readers I have.
Snap - Welcome to Tomorrow
I like how she's armed with a crossbow.. old school classics can be pretty good.
Welcome to tomorrow, welcome into my world...
Hocus pocus turn around, ain't no magic act around...
The world of tomorrow is a game world that layers on the world that we know today.
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