Salome Jerusha A. A. Perera, a HKUST Full-time MBA Intake 2025 student, began her career in hospitality—an industry defined by pace, precision, and people. After several years in a data-focused role supporting sales and marketing performance, she reached a point where she wanted to move beyond execution and closer to the decisions that drive business direction.

In hospitality, much of the work happens in real time—responding to needs, solving problems on the spot, and ensuring every detail lands well. Over time, Salome began to see the bigger picture behind those daily decisions: pricing strategies, customer segmentation, brand positioning. That shift in perspective led her to consider an MBA.

Just as guests often request room upgrades, I realized it was time for me to ‘upgrade’ myself.

The idea wasn’t about starting over, but about building on what she already knew and expanding her scope.

Choosing the HKUST MBA felt like a practical decision. Based in Hong Kong and connected to the wider Asian market, the program offered both global recognition and regional relevance—important for someone planning to grow her career in APAC.

The transition, however, came with its own challenges. 

During the initial weeks, my schedule was quite overwhelming.

Moving from a structured work environment into an intensive academic setting required adjustment.

But after two months, I found my rhythm by focusing on what truly matters to me.

Learning to prioritise became part of the process, shaping how she approached both study and daily life.

Equally important was the community around her.  

Help is readily available, as long as you’re proactive in seeking it.

From classmates who actively support one another to faculty and alumni who stay accessible, the community became part of her daily experience.

At HKUST, she is now working toward a longer-term goal: stepping into a Chief Commercial Officer role. Through courses in strategy, leadership, and data-driven decision-making, she is building the perspective needed to navigate complex markets and guide business growth across regions. It’s a gradual shift—but one that brings her closer to shaping how businesses grow, not just how they run.