Navigating the IMBA Journey: Insights from the 2023 Orientation and Welcome Party

The annual IMBA Orientation for the year 2023, held on Saturday, September 9th, at the Yiyu Hall Building of Commerce, marked the beginning of a transformative journey for a new cohort of students. The event was a blend of information, inspiration, and camaraderie, setting the stage for a fruitful academic year ahead.

The day commenced with student registration, followed by a warm welcome greeting by the hostess, who eloquently articulated the essence of the IMBA community's diversity and unity. She extended a heartfelt welcome to all attendees, emphasizing that each person, whether a current student, alumnus, or guest, played an integral role in the program's journey.

The Director of the IMBA Program, Professor Jason Tsai, took the stage next, offering invaluable guidance to the incoming students. He emphasized the importance of making the most of their time, utilizing available resources, and reaching out for assistance when needed. Professor Tsai also highlighted the significance of academic excellence, integration into Taiwanese culture, and mingling with local IMBA students.

Terry Wang, responsible for administration, provided a comprehensive overview of program requirements, internship opportunities, volunteer hours, and the process of writing a Master's Thesis and Business Plan. She also shared insights into available meeting rooms, student lounges, pigeon boxes for students, and dual degree and exchange student programs.

William Liu, conveyed his unwavering support and offered valuable guidance. He highlighted the support system available to students, emphasizing the pivotal role of the IMBA Administration Department in providing services such as assistance with work permits, access to career fairs and workshops, and the IMBA Global Talent Online Profile etc. Liu also underscored the significance of the IMBA office, portraying it as a steadfast ally for students on their academic journey. Additionally, he shed light on the impactful work of IMBA alumni, who actively collaborate with the program by sharing valuable internship opportunities and job openings. Finally, Liu encouraged students to maintain an updated LinkedIn profile on the IMBA page, facilitating access to promising career opportunities.

Current IMBA students, Nivedhitha Suresh and Zac Chen, shared their unique experiences. Nivedhitha, a full-time student, spoke about her transition from her job as a software engineer to pursuing an IMBA and offered insights into credit selection, dual degree and exchange opportunities, internships, and scholarships. She also recommended places to savor diverse cuisines and engage in extracurricular activities like hiking and marathons.

Zac Chen, a working and part-time student from Taiwan, shared his journey as a student and also his role as a Footwear Materials Manufacturing Manager at Nike. He highlighted the importance of networking, academic rigor, business acumen, and career development. Zac also shed light on his IMBA life outside of studies, which included participation in club activities and student outings.

Yenlan Lin, President of the IMBAA, gave an insightful overview of the alumni association's history, contributions, and purpose. He discussed planned activities that would further strengthen the bond between alumni and current students.
The President of the IMBA Student Council, Trisha Lionel, welcomed students with an engaging speech. She emphasized that being an IMBA student is more than academics; it's about embracing camaraderie and occasionally relying on caffeine and determination. The Student Council also introduced its members and invited incoming students to join their ranks.

The Oath Club and Dragon Boat Club shared their histories, past activities, and the process for joining. Co-Captain of the Dragon Boat Club, Suren Chultemsuren, highlighted the unique cultural experience, professional coaching, networking opportunities, and the healthy lifestyle it offers, encouraging students to become part of their vibrant community.

The orientation session concluded with a networking event where students had the opportunity to ask questions about courses, the student council, the dragon boat club, and the oath club. Following this, students were accompanied by VP of Public Relations Yaninee Likhitworasak and VP of International Relations Nichamon Satitpanaporn as they embarked on a campus tour of National Chengchi University which included the Indoor Swimming Pool building, Gym, On Campus Library and Dah Hsian Seeto Library.

The 2023 IMBA Orientation was an enriching experience that set the stage for an exciting and transformative academic journey. With the guidance of faculty, the support of alumni, and the camaraderie of fellow students, this year's cohort is well-equipped to excel in the diverse and vibrant IMBA community.

After the comprehensive orientation session and an enlightening campus tour, the 2023 IMBA students were led to the tranquil setting of the 4th floor of the Yi Xian Building. This brief respite followed a day filled with engaging activities. Upon entering the student lounge, they were greeted by cheerful welcome balloons and the refreshing coolness that provided a soothing contrast to their sunlit stroll. The room quickly buzzed with the energy of both familiar faces and new arrivals, all eager to initiate conversations and forge connections. It was a night when conversations flowed ceaselessly; you could feel the enthusiasm and happy energy radiating from the first-year students, who were undoubtedly the stars of this Welcome Party.

The party officially began after everyone had satisfied their appetite and thirst with delicious food and drinks, courtesy of our generous supporters, including IMBA alumni Dimas Pincheira, the IMBA office, the IMBA student council's organizing team, and all our other supporters. The event was further ignited with a lively trivia quiz hosted by Yuri Wei and Yao Wang, the current VP of Local Relations. This engaging game not only tested participants' knowledge of NCCU but also introduced fun facts about the diverse countries represented by the IMBA student body. Laughter and friendly competition filled the room as participants battled it out, showcasing their knowledge and learning fascinating facts about their peers' home countries. VP of Events, Jose Rivera, seamlessly maintained the musical ambiance, while VP of Social Media and Marketing, Adriana Castaneda, alongside Vice President Julia Shi and VP of Finance, Felix Pratama, diligently ensured a consistent and well-stocked supply of snacks, food, and beverages throughout the evening.

After the competition ended, an activity called the "Lucky Wheel" followed, which was hosted by Students Council Secretary Kaye Mari Maranan, where the names of the attendees were randomly drawn and called out to come to the stage. The chosen ones were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and received small gifts for their participation. This event fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among the attendees, as it sparked new conversations and gave IMBA students from different years a chance to get to know new acquaintances better.

Michael Kuo, a Taiwanese student who enrolled in 2023, left a lasting impression on the welcome party. He expressed that one of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. What made it even more special was the presence of senior members and recent graduates who had joined the event. Their insights added depth to their conversations, and it was truly inspiring to hear about their journeys and the lessons they had learned along the way. Whether they were discussing hobbies, sharing personal stories, or seeking advice for academic or professional pursuits, it was clear that this event provided an excellent platform for fostering new friendships and mentorships. It felt like a unique blend of generations coming together to support and inspire one another.

As the night drew to a close, it was time to say goodbye to the IMBA Welcome Party. The event had successfully accomplished its mission of bringing together students from around the world, fostering connections, and creating a sense of belonging. As the evening came to a close, there was a collective sense of eager anticipation in the air. The IMBA community eagerly looks forward to more exciting events and experiences throughout the academic year, with the assurance that the bonds formed during this Welcome Party will not only continue to flourish but also serve as the foundation for lasting friendships and collaborations.