On Sunday, September 1st, 2024, the International Master of Business Administration (IMBA) Program held an engaging orientation ceremony to welcome its new students. The event took place on the sixth floor of the College of Commerce Building and was led by two moderators who created an uplifting and informative atmosphere for the afternoon.
The orientation began with an inspiring welcome speech by Professor Jason Tsai, the Director of the IMBA Program. In his address, he emphasized the significant role that the IMBA program plays in students’ academic journeys, describing it as a pivotal step in their formal education. He encouraged students to take advantage of this unique opportunity, especially those from international backgrounds, emphasizing the opportunity costs involved. He also urged local students to explore the exchange program or dual degree options and advised international students to pursue internship or part-time job opportunities. The Director highlighted the importance of networking within the IMBA community and encouraged students to connect with alumni from their home countries.
Following Director Tsai’s address, the students gathered on stage for a group photo, marking the start of their shared journey and the friendships that would form during their studies.
The orientation then shifted to an administrative session led by the IMBA Administration Office. The office representatives provided essential information about the program’s structure, resources and opportunities. They detailed the IMBA course layout, concentration options, policies, and facilities creating an informative atmosphere for the journey ahead.
The orientation truly came alive during the sessions where current students and alumni shared their experiences, providing valuable insights for the newcomers embarking on their IMBA journey. Roxanne Hu, a current student from the 2021 batch, offered her unique perspective as a local student. Her advice was to communicate openly with professors, classmates, and loved ones; to set and reach specific goals; and to develop a routine to manage time effectively. She also emphasized the importance of prioritizing well-being, especially during overwhelming times, and pointed out the program’s flexibility, which allowed her to study abroad in France during her second year after completing the required first-year courses.
Johana Cuellar from Colombia, a member of the 2023 batch, enthusiastically shared her experiences, showcasing her short film from the Study in Taiwan competition. She emphasized the significance of cultural adaptation, the journey of self-discovery in a new environment, and preserving mental health amidst academic rigors. She also shared her international internship as a visual content creator, offering three key insights: understanding Taiwanese work culture, building a robust portfolio, and fostering valuable professional relationships. She concluded with an inspiring quote from Rumi: “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
The alumni perspective was brought to life by Francisco Lopez from Honduras and Taro Tseng from Taiwan. Francisco discussed the challenges and rewards of the IMBA experience. He encouraged students to welcome feedback, take responsibility for their choices, and engage actively in the IMBA community. He further urged students to have faith in themselves, to communicate openly, and to practice self-compassion when things do not go according to plan.
Taro shared her insights as a local alumnus, emphasizing the need to remain focused on personal goals despite academic pressures. She encouraged students to enjoy the program and to maintain a balance between their studies and personal relationships. Drawing from her dual-degree experience in France, Taro underscored the importance of appreciating diverse perspectives and the personal growth that derives from interacting with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
Dicky Irawan, the President of the IMBA Student Council, took the opportunity to introduce the council members, shared information about open positions, and urged new students to get involved. Additionally, he spoke on behalf of the IMBA Oath Club, which advocates for ethical leadership, and invited students to play a role in the club.
The final club presentation was delivered by the co-captains of the IMBA Dragon Boat Team, Anthony Santoso from Indonesia and Lynn Kao from Taiwan. Lynn shared the significance of the Dragon Boat Festival and the team structure while Anthony highlighted the multifaceted benefits of joining the team. They concluded with a call to action for interested students to join and rewarded the first recruit with a prize.
The formal orientation concluded with a vibrant networking session, allowing new students to forge the connections that would prove essential throughout their IMBA journey. A campus tour followed, familiarizing students with their new academic home.
The IMBA 2024 Orientation left the new students equipped, inspired, and ready to embark on their academic journey at NCCUC. The new students departed, marking the end of a memorable first chapter in what promised to be an enriching and transformative experience for the IMBA batch of 2024.
