Meet the MBA Class of 2024: Mars LIN Jian, CEIBS

Mars LIN Jian
China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)

“A curious young man with a passion for impactful business.”

Hometown: Wenzhou, China

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love to try new sports. I am a retired/failed filmmaker.

Undergraduate School and Major: B.A. in Management – Zhejiang University

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Investment Director, Qin Capital

Aside from your classmates, what was the key programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? CEIBS has built an outstanding alumni network in China. A lot of senior leaders and successful entrepreneurs from various industries are in this alumni network, who are impactful business leaders, and their stories inspired me a lot, and I hope one day I can become one of them.

I’m so passionate about being an impactful business leader in the future, but it requires much effort, and there is a long way to go. CEIBS offers a mentoring program at the very beginning of the MBA journey, and I can choose a CEIBS alumni mentor. With the guidance of an experienced mentor, I am confident I will eventually get there.

What course, club or activity excites you the most? I’m really excited about the Integrated China Strategy Project (ICSP). Students can work in teams to tackle real-world business issues. It is a unique opportunity for CEIBS students to work deeply with the school’s partner companies.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In 2021, after the double reduction policy was released and dramatically changed the landscape for education companies in China, I managed a team to check the portfolio of companies in education industry, searched potential trade-off chances and led the execution of a more than 130 million RMB deal, reporting directly to our Chairman. It was a very high-pressure period of time. I am proud of my ability to combine soft skills management with M&A execution to successfully earn 2x return for the firm during that period.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why? I would recommend prospective MBAs read something about ESG the UN’s SDGs as these will come up a lot in conversation on campus. Alternatively, you can consider taking a CFA in ESG investing programme, which would also give you a broad understanding of why environmental, social and governance topics are so important and interrelated to a company’s sustainable development.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into CEIBS MBA program? Talk to someone who shares similar values with you to help you review your essay. Not only making your essays clearer, but also, even more importantly, having a deep reflection before applying, thinking about what you really want. On a separate note, get well prepared for the GMAT and apply as early as possible.