Susan Wang
University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business
Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Born be to a storyteller/traveler, ready to pick up more cool gears and tools.
Hometown: Hangzhou, China (one of the fastest-growing cities in China known for its robust internet and technology sectors and entrepreneurship spirit, also the headquarters of internet giant Alibaba Group)
Fun Fact About Yourself: I am probably the best English-language singer in my team, one that consists of a group of Americans and Canadians.
Undergraduate School and Major:
Bachelor of Art, Chinese Literature & Language, Zhejiang Normal University (an institute particularly trains teachers)
One-year Study Abroad Program, Journalism & Communication, Washburn University, Topeka, KS (being a cowgirl for one year….)
Master of Art, Journalism & Communication, Fudan University
Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Senior Digital Content Producer, International Corporate Affairs, Alibaba Group
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: To serve as a conduit between East and West for vital company information as Alibaba goes global. The U.S. team depends on me to keep them current on everything coming out of China. So I play a key role at this critical stage of growth for Alibaba.
Looking back on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to future business school applicants? I think it is important to find a school (or a few schools) that fits you overall, Thus, you will naturally express your qualifications, passion and willingness in your essays and interview. Such matches will enhance the winning chance. So do more research, hear from current and former students, and check out the vibe of the school. Once you believe this is the one, be yourself and present to your readers and interviewer that you are an ideal candidate. Trust me, they will hear you. For Mendoza, I share the common vision with the school: doing business for social good.
What was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? I was enrolled into the MBA/MSBA (business analytics) dual-degree program. Coming from a technology industry, I am fully aware of the power of data analytics tools and data-driven solutions. Therefore, when I researched MBA programs, I was specifically looking for those that have a well-designed quantitative curriculum. Mendoza’s dual degree program can offer a fundamental business education with a strong analytical concentration, and allow me as an international student to obtain a longer OPT in the U.S for career development. This is exactly what I am looking for.
What would success look like to you after your first year of business school? In addition to growing my skill set and learning from people from different backgrounds and cultures, one bar I set for myself is to make an impact. That can include bringing China insights into the class, helping promote Mendoza/Notre Dame branding in China and worldwide and participating in local incubator project to drive technology innovation and commercialization.
To most people in China and to those who work in technology industry, the brand of Mendoza/Notre Dame can be strengthened. By making an impact, I will be able to raise the awareness of Mendoza/Notre Dame and help the school to attract more talents.
Related Stories In Our Meet The Class of 2019 Series:
The Pioneering MBAs In The Class of 2019
Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business
Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business
Vanderbilt University’s Owen School of Management
University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business
Notre Dame University Mendoza College of Business
UC-Berkeley’s Haas School of Business
New York University Stern School of Business
University of Texas-Austin McCombs School of Business
