The impact of professional education programs on career development

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of the professional development programs on individual career development. The objective of this study is to evaluate the alignment of professional programs with the changing business environment in China and their ability to address the market skills gap. Design/methodology/approach This study will use the University of Hong Kong Institute for China Business (HKUICB) case for analysis. This study adopts a mixed research method combining quantitative data from an alumni survey and qualitative interviews. Quantitative data included employment status, salary progression, job title and satisfaction with the program’s impact on career development. Qualitative data collection included semi-structured interviews with alumni, faculty and industry partners. Findings Quantitative research findings show that over 70% of respondents consider HKUICB professional education programs to be highly beneficial to their career development. Qualitative analysis found that alumni highly recognize the professionalism, forward-looking nature, problem-solving approach and practicality of HKUICB programs. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive insight into how a professional education program can impact alumni career development, especially in China’s ever-changing market economy. It also explores the importance of networking and business opportunities in career development, which provides a new perspective on existing literature.