Alumni Advisory Council member Allen Chen (UCL MBA with Peking University, 2019) reflects on the importance of building community and sharing global perspectives and shares how the UCL MBA with Peking University has enabled him to pursue his ambitions with clarity and determination.
the pathway to mba
I was born and raised in southern China and studied BSc (Hons) Economics at the University of Bath. Although I began investing at a very young age, my initial career aspiration was to become a management consultant after graduation.
Whilst studying at Bath I undertook a placement year in London. During this time, I became actively involved in consulting and FinTech initiatives, and in my final year, I worked part-time as an investment analyst for a boutique hedge fund, focusing on trading strategies and equity analysis. This experience laid the foundation for my future career.
After graduation, I moved to New York and joined BlackRock as a financial analyst. There, I specialised in multi-asset investment strategies, conducting thorough research to identify trends and opportunities across various asset classes, sectors, and regions.
In my spare time, I served as an advisor to a few start-ups in New York and London. One of the projects I’m particularly proud of was advising a crowdfunded litigation FinTech start-up. This experience combined my interests in finance and technology with creating a tangible social impact. We explored innovative ways to use financial technology to offer legal solutions that may help increase quality representation for vulnerable populations.
In 2017, I returned to China and worked for a private equity fund in Shenzhen specialising in venture capital investments. Through my desire to leverage my international experience, I enrolled on the UCL MBA with Peking University.
the ucl mba with peking university: building community and global perspectives
As both a member of the first cohort and class president, I had a truly unique and enriching experience. Discussing economics, finance, and global issues with professors and lecturers from London was an academic highlight, fostering a deeper understanding of China and the world.
I founded a student-led social club called LANGRUN SHARING, through which I organised over 80 online/offline events, including debate competitions, networking sessions, keynote speeches by industry leaders, and knowledge-sharing seminars. Additionally, I facilitated events featuring industry experts, government officials involved in Belt and Road Initiatives, and foreign investors.
These engagements provided students and alumni with invaluable insights into global economic trends and investment strategies and developed a vibrant academic and professional network across various sectors.
The MBA programme has not only enriched my academic experience but has also played a pivotal role in shaping my career trajectory and enabling me to pursue my ambitions with clarity and determination. Having gained a deeper knowledge of economics, finance, and management, I am now working for one of the largest asset managers in Asia.
a week in the life: asset management in china
The asset management industry in China is entering a golden age, with increasing focus on long-term and value investing, driven by rising incomes and growing investor sophistication.
In China, the finance industry will continue to play its crucial role in serving the real economy, focusing on five major areas of finance: technology finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance and digital finance. These areas hold immense potential for driving China’s long term economic development while addressing critical global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and technological advancement.
A typical work week is busy, full of challenges and rewarding. My role involves managing diversified investment portfolios, analysing global economic trends, and making strategic investment decisions across various asset classes. Through these efforts, I hope to contribute to building a more resilient and equitable financial ecosystem that benefits both investors and society at large.
Each day I review local and global financial market news and economic data, conduct comprehensive market and portfolio analysis, make informed investment decisions, and execute trades across various asset classes, including equities, bonds and alternatives. Throughout the week, I attend morning briefing meetings, participate in investment committees, and meet with industry analysts and experts to gather insights. Regular communication with clients to discuss portfolio performance and address concerns is crucial, but I tend to focus more on continuous macro research, risk management, and thematic investment projects, wrapping up the week with a performance review and planning for the upcoming week.
I usually squeeze in some time each week to connect and socialise with alumni and connections from different industries via a variety of events.
shared experiences, lifelong connections: alumni engagement
As the class president of the first MBA cohort, joining the NSD (National School of Development) Alumni Committee was a natural transition. I am actively involved in alumni activities across China, including in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. These activities help maintain strong connections with fellow alumni and keep me engaged with the broader community.
In the summer of 2024, I joined the UCL School of Management Alumni Advisory Council. I am driven by a desire to build a robust and interactive network for School of Management alumni residing outside the UK and aim to cultivate an environment that encourages knowledge sharing, fosters connections, and stimulates the exchange of ideas.
I warmly welcome students and alumni to reach out to me for any guidance, advice, or simply to share experiences. Whether you are navigating your academic journey, considering career options, or looking to connect with a network of like-minded professionals, I am here to support you. Feel free to contact me anytime; I am always eager to engage in meaningful conversations and help in any way I can.
Find out more about the UCL School of Management Advisory Council or stay up to date with the School’s alumni events. Alternatively, you can read about our recent alumni engagements in East Asia.