Tout Tun Lin

Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth

“An adaptable individual interested in the intersection of business and government.”

Hometown: Yangon, Myanmar

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m very scared of heights but love planes!

Undergraduate School and Major: Harvard College, Social Anthropology

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Value Retail, Business Analyst

What has been your first impression of the Tuck MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Tuck story so far. I have been in awe of the genuine sense of warmth and camaraderie that defines the Tuck community. One thing that has stood out are the friendships I have forged in our community kitchen. Like my fellow international students living in the dorm, I craved a home-cooked meal during my first week here. Thanks to a fellow dorm mate who decided to prepare ramyeon for our whole cluster, our cravings were satisfied. This seemingly simple act has transformed into a tradition that has become integral to my Tuck experience. Whenever one of us is hungry, a quick message summons us for an impromptu communal meal in just about an hour. As a result, I’ve rarely eaten dinner at our school dining hall!

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Dartmouth Tuck’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One of the standout aspects of Tuck’s MBA program that greatly influenced my decision was its strong emphasis on introspection and personal growth. This focus on introspection aligns perfectly with my belief that effective leadership begins with a deep understanding of oneself. It was essential for me to choose a business school that not only nurtures professional skills, but also supports personal growth and self-discovery, making Tuck the perfect fit for my MBA journey. For example, during orientation, Tuck paired us with a partner to go through an exercise called “River of Life”. Here, we reflected and shared the decisions that led us to where we are now. I went for coffee with my partner whom I did not know until that moment and talked for hours. Telling my story from scratch to someone else helped me revisit some of my weakest and strongest moments.

What excites you the most about coming to live in Hanover? What is the one activity you can’t wait to do? I can’t wait to explore the outdoors and ski in the winter! This is my first time living in a town where I’m a short drive from ski slopes and amazing trails and I’m excited to make the most of it.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Dartmouth Tuck? I never really took myself as someone who might be interested in (or good at) balance sheets and income statements. However, our professor for Financial Accounting, Leslie Robinson, has such enthusiasm for the subject that I can’t help but feel the same way. I really enjoy her classes and it speaks to the engaging teaching culture that exists at Tuck.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: When I was back in Myanmar after college, I worked on the first comprehensive research project commissioned by a UN organization for LGBTQIA+ mental health needs in my country. Through this project, I had the opportunity to interview multiple focus groups in places where I had never imagined a supportive community would exist. I was inspired by their stories, the struggles they overcame, and the safe spaces they created through sheer determination. I am honored to have been part of the team that highlighted their stories out to the world.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? I hope to work in an advisory role where I help legacy organizations transform their entrenched systems. This will set me up to straddle the private-public sector divide and equip me with the transferable skills to tackle Myanmar’s pressing challenges when I return.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT Sloan

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Dartmouth Tuck’s MBA program? Community is a major part of the Tuck fabric. Get to know the school and the people before you apply. Reach out to current students or alumni who are always excited to talk about their Tuck experience. For me, my conversations with alumni and current students reinforced my decision to come to Tuck and I know I wouldn’t be here without them.

DON’T MISS: MEET DARTMOUTH TUCK’S MBA CLASS OF 2025