A Catalyst for Change  

Meet Dara Bonomi (Full-Time MBA Intake 2024), a former economics and business management teacher who's embarking on an exciting career transition through HKUST's Full-Time MBA program. Her story exemplifies how diverse professional backgrounds can pave the way for impactful business careers. 

Moving from Theory to Practice

The decision to pursue an MBA stems from my desire for a career switch that would challenge me to expand my skillset.

While she enjoyed teaching business concepts, Dara realized she wanted to be an active participant in the industry rather than just teaching about it. 

I want to be part of making business decisions, not just explaining them.

Despite thriving in education, where she honed critical thinking, organization, and problem-solving skills, she felt ready to apply these capabilities in a more quantifiable business environment. 

Embracing the MBA Experience

When asked about her first impressions of the program, Dara's eyes light up as she describes the immersion week.

It was truly a time of discovery. The experience brought our cohort together through team-building exercises and self-reflection. We attended seminars showcasing various career paths and MBA courses, which helped us understand potential specializations.

Preparing for the Transition 

Perhaps most intriguing is Dara's preparation for this transition. Before starting her MBA journey, she participated in "Experience Bain," a program offering insight into consulting careers. "It was an invaluable opportunity," she reflects. 

Working on a real consulting case with MBA students from around the world and presenting to Bain consultants gave me practical exposure to the field. I'd recommend it to any pre-MBA student.

Leveraging Transferable Skills  

Her transition from education to business demonstrates the versatility of transferable skills. "Teaching develops critical thinking, communication, and improvisation skills," she notes. 

I'm confident these capabilities will make me a strong asset in today's market. Moving from explaining business theories to implementing them in real-world scenarios is exactly the challenge I'm looking for.

The Road Ahead  

Dara's journey from teaching economics to pursuing an MBA at HKUST showcases how professional evolution can open doors to new opportunities, especially when backed by a program that values diverse perspectives and experiences.