Among the many benefits you gain by studying an MBA—increased job prospects, higher earning potential, a greater network, to name a few—is the chance to broaden your mindset as you break from everyday life and embark on an exciting journey. 

Many students choose to do this in a different location, leaving the comfort of home to study in a new city, country, or even continent. Studying abroad can help you develop both personally and professionally.

So, what if you study a dual degree?

Many business schools partner with other institutions to offer students the chance to study in multiple locations. For example, Peking University (PKU) Guanghua School of Management allows students enrolled in its MBA program to apply to study at one of 13 top-tier partner schools in Asia, Europe, and the USA after they complete their degree.

Students gain the opportunity to expand their global mindset and learn cross-cultural management skills as they immerse themselves in a different cultural environment, sharpen their language skills, and gain high-profile networks in two regions. Studying a dual degree also means gaining qualifications from two business schools.

Singapore-native, Lim Tem Poh, recently added to his PKU Guanghua MBA with a second MBA degree at NUS Business School, completing his dual degree experience in May 2024.

Gwen Guan, who was born in China and studied in Toronto, Canada, for her bachelor's degree, is currently completing her dual degree. After spending the initial period of her studies completing the PKU Guanghua MBA, she is now undertaking the MBA program at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management in the US.

Xuan Chang, also from China, decided to undertake a dual degree after enrolling in the PKU Guanghua MBA. She is currently completing a master’s degree in management at ESSEC Business School in France.

BusinessBecause spoke with Lim Tem Poh, Xuan Chang, and Gwen Guan to find out more about the mindset shift that takes place when studying a dual degree.

Here’s what they said.

How can studying a dual degree benefit you on a professional level?

LIM TEM POH: Studying this particular dual degree program immerses you in two of Asia's most dynamic business environments, equipping you with a global mindset and cross-cultural competencies highly valued by employers.

You graduate with an expanded professional network spanning multiple countries and industries, setting the stage for a successful international career.

The dual degree allows you to tap into the alumni networks and industry connections of both PKU Guanghua in China and NUS in Southeast Asia, empowering you to help companies expand across borders.

What is the benefit of studying at top business schools in Asia and the US?

GWEN GUAN: Studying dual MBA degrees in both China and the US offers a distinct professional advantage. This unique program allows me to deeply understand Eastern and Western business practices, cultures, and market dynamics.

By immersing myself in two of the world's largest and most influential economies, I can develop a global perspective while honing my ability to address local market needs. This combination equips me with the versatility to navigate and succeed in diverse business environments, making me a highly attractive candidate to top companies worldwide.

The program helps me build a solid professional network, connecting me with peers and experts from diverse backgrounds. This network enhances my immediate job prospects and supports my long-term career growth. By leveraging these connections, I can secure better opportunities and pave the way for sustained professional success.

In what way does studying at two institutions enhance your development?

XUAN CHANG: A dual degree program allows you to specialize in more than one area of expertise. For instance, combining finance from PKU Guanghua with luxury goods management from ESSEC offers a unique blend of knowledge that can distinguish me in the job market. This diverse skill set can open up opportunities in various sectors.

The challenges faced while adapting to new educational systems, languages, and cultures develop strong adaptability and problem-solving skills. These are competencies that are highly prized in the professional world, especially in roles that require dealing with complex, unpredictable business situations.

What impact does living in multiple locations have on your overall study experience?

LIM TEM POH: Immersing myself in two distinct cultures and educational environments has broadened my perspective, enhanced my adaptability, and fostered a sense of resilience that will shape my approach to leadership and problem-solving in my future roles.

Living in multiple locations has also had a significant personal impact, pushing me out of my comfort zone and challenging me to grow both professionally and personally.

Adapting to new environments, building diverse friendships, and embracing different ways of life has fostered a sense of open-mindedness and empathy. These qualities will be invaluable as I lead diverse teams and navigate complex business challenges in the future.

How can different academic settings change the learning experience?

GWEN GUAN: By immersing myself in various academic settings, I gain access to a wider range of resources, teaching styles, and networking opportunities. This diversity in education broadens my intellectual horizons and enables me to innovate and approach problems more comprehensively.

The personal growth that stems from adapting to new environments and forging relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds is priceless. It fortifies my resilience, broadens my perspective, and fosters a global outlook, all of which are indispensable qualities in today’s interconnected world.

What are the main challenges of studying a dual degree?

XUAN CHANG: The first challenge is to learn the local language and adapt to the local life in a strange country. In fact, to this day, my French is still not very good, so this also brings a certain degree of difficulty to my life in Paris. But fortunately the local teachers, classmates, and residents are mostly very friendly. With the teaching at ESSEC, the language is also mainly English so it does not affect learning.

You must also adapt to cooperating with students from different countries and cultural backgrounds. Since everyone has not received exactly the same education before, when faced with the same group task, people may handle it differently. Some students may be faster, some slower, some prefer to persist by themselves, and some prefer to discuss everything together in detail.

What were the highlights of your dual degree experience?

LIM TEM POH: The program's immersive structure, with one year at each institution, enabled me to have deep cultural exposure and equipped me with a versatile skill set and global mindset.

At PKU Guanghua, I gained invaluable insights into doing business in China and developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Transitioning to NUS for my second year brought fresh challenges and rewards. The school's rigorous curriculum, including a thought-provoking corporate entrepreneurship course, sparked my interest in venture studios.

I also had the opportunity to intern at Arthur D. Little [in Singapore], where I developed a supply chain optimization model that increased the supply chain resiliency of a national oil company looking to diversify into bioenergy.

The opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives, build cross-border connections, and gain exposure to two of Asia's most dynamic economies was invaluable.

How do you plan to use your dual degree to take the next step in your career?

LIM TEM POH: I plan to leverage my understanding of both Chinese and Southeast Asian markets to drive market entry strategies for my future employer.

Having studied and lived in both regions, I have a deep appreciation for the cultural nuances, consumer preferences, and regulatory landscapes that shape each market. This knowledge will allow me to develop tailored strategies that ensure successful cross-border expansion and growth.

What key advice would you have for those considering enrolling in a dual degree?

XUAN CHANG: Choose programs that allow you to live and study in countries that interest you deeply—as was the case with my move from Beijing to Paris. Engaging actively with the local culture will enhance your understanding of global nuances and enrich your personal and professional life.

In a dual degree setup, you’ll meet peers from various backgrounds. Embrace this diversity as a learning tool—different viewpoints can inspire innovation and lead to deeper insights into international business practices. Being proactive in group settings and learning to adapt to various working styles are essential skills in today’s globalized world.

Also, if your study destinations include countries where you are not fluent in the local language, invest time in learning it or improving your skills. Even basic proficiency can significantly ease daily life and improve your integration into the local community, as experienced with the challenges of learning French.

Source: BB - Study in China