Stella SHI Yang, Country Manager, Greater China
Stella SHI Yang, Country Manager, Greater China, Skype
Undergraduate Degree and Major:
Computer/Communications Engineering
Graduate School(s) / Degree(s) / Year(s):
Nanyang Technological University / Msc.(Communications Engineering) / 2002
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology / MBA / 2008
What are your responsibilities at work and how does your degree help you achieve them?
My major responsibilities: General management, business development and partnership management. The MBA program helped me to link all my knowledge in finance, accounting, operation, strategy, marketing and business law into my business management and decision-making process.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Skype is a young, fun, and creative company to work for. I can put all my technology and MBA knowledge (finance, strategy and management, etc.) into real practices in my daily work life.
What do you enjoy least about what you do?
I travel a lot.
Why did you choose this career?
I like IT/Telecom industry. My MBA program helped me move from engineer to business management smoothly. I also believe my pre-MBA working experiences can help me a lot if I am still working in IT/Telecom industry.
Why did you choose to get an MBA?
I was looking for a systematic training for business management. The MBA program is the one that can help me move from engineering to the business world.
The MBA program can help me expand my social networks, in different regions, industries.
What was your first job post-MBA?
Country Manager, Greater China, Skype
What traits should someone have to be successful in your career?
Passion for the new technology, good communication skills, and interpersonal skills and good business sense.
What advice would you give someone considering an MBA?
Before going for MBA, you should have a clear mind on what the MBA is, what values the MBA can bring to your career and life, and what are you going to do after business school.
When considering MBA programs, what do you suggest prospective students look for?
School (faculty, career services, social networking), career plan (industry, region, role), networking.
