As a 47-year-old middle manager in a mechanical factory, I was thrilled to learn about UniAthena's IMBA via GMU, Italy. China's manufacturing, especially the mechanical field, is rapidly going high-end, smart, and green. This program, with its blend of global business know-how and practical examples, offers a global perspective of the markets. This will help me catch market trends and international practices, which is why I chose it.

I'm excited to focus on Research Methods and Dissertation, eager to learn advanced data-handling for top-notch research. I am also excited to explore Strategic Management, where I can learn the frameworks that help companies tackle competition and address market changes. These insights in particular are a boon for my mechanical-industry career.

Upon finishing the IMBA program, my short-term aim is to apply my new knowledge in my factory, optimizing internal processes to boost efficiency and product quality.​

Further ahead, I plan to spearhead new product development, expand market share at home and abroad, and forge international partnerships. In the long-term, I'm set on turning our factory into a leading intelligent manufacturing entity in the mechanical industry, contributing to China's manufacturing prowess.​

Balancing studies, work, and personal life is tough. I manage this by scheduling dedicated time for each, like studying evenings and weekends, and using commute time for reading.

At work, I boost efficiency with clear priorities and delegation, while at home, open communication with my supportive family helps relieve stress and keep me focused.

I led a project to upgrade a client's production line, which was hampered by low efficiency and high costs. Despite employee resistance, tech glitches, and tight schedules, I rallied the cross - functional team by highlighting the project's benefits and training staff. We also worked closely with suppliers to solve problems.​

Ultimately, we finished the project ahead of time. This experience taught me the significance of strong leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, and how a clear vision, effectively communicated, can drive a team to overcome hurdles.​

In my experience, resilience, adaptability, and integrity are crucial personal qualities for achieving success. This helps bounce back from setbacks like those in manufacturing, keep up with China's fast-changing business environment, and build trust and long-term relationships in business.

When our factory faced a major customer complaint that overwhelmed the previous team leader, I stepped up to lead. I coordinated relevant departments, analyzed the problem, and developed a solution plan while keeping the customer informed.

Thanks to effective efforts, we resolved the complaint, enhanced production and quality control, which not only retained the customer but also brought in more orders, teaching me the value of taking on leadership in tough times for growth.

If I had to recommend one must-read book, it would be "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries. This book offers invaluable insights, emphasizing continuous experimentation, validated learning, and iterative development, which can guide both entrepreneurs and managers to make better decisions, cut waste, and create customer-centric products.

My dream job is to be the general manager of a large-scale mechanical manufacturing enterprise. I am motivated by the opportunity to lead a team to achieve great things.

Drawing from my experience, I'd advise new professionals to embrace continuous learning with a growth mindset, seizing every chance to acquire new skills, and to build a robust professional network for valuable insights and opportunities.