Student Profile

Sichao Ni

Why did you sign up for an HBS Online course?

I'm a lifelong learner. I believe that commencement from college and graduate school isn't the end but the beginning of independent learning. Today's rapidly evolving job market demands new skills, and HBS Online offered a convenient way to refresh and polish my business skills from a top tier business school, all while conducting diplomacy around the world.

Moreover, I always wanted to experience the famous HBS case method. The online programs didn't disappoint. HBS Online taught business differently from all the other schools and programs I'd attended or participated in. While many people start their relationship with HBS Online for Harvard's reputation and brand, most quickly found there's much more value in the teaching pedagogy and network than simply the Harvard name.

What did you enjoy most about learning with HBS Online?

I enjoyed the HBS case method in all of my classes. It forced me to challenge previously held assumptions about business. HBS Online doesn't teach you knowledge or prescribe to any cookie-cutter solutions to problems. Rather, it teaches you how to think about business problems and arrive at a solution yourself.

How are you applying what you learned in the courses you took?

Core business skills (i.e. finance, accounting, negotiation, strategy) are highly applicable across industries in both private and public sectors. As such, I found the insights and skills I gained from the courses to be immediately applicable to my work in the private sector and in government overseas. In addition, I found that HBS Online classes helped me think more deeply about issues and see things beyond the mere surface level.

What advice do you have for managing the course workload?

Start early! You can find the time to fit a class into your schedule if you're truly committed to learning. I found taking one or two classes while working a full-time job to be manageable. Your peers and the HBS Online support team are there to help you, and they all want you to succeed.

What advice do you have about using the HBS Online platform to engage and interact with other students?

Be proactive! Your network will only be as strong as you make it. Don't be shy of reaching out to your cohort peers. You're all in this together!

More importantly, your learning isn't just from the professor and content on the platform; your peers contribute to your learning by providing feedback and constructive critiques. Read them and comment back!

Do you have any additional advice for people who will be taking HBS Online courses?

Enjoy the experience, and have fun! This shouldn't be seen as additional work but as an experience that will accelerate your professional career in the long run.