Yunji Hwang

University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management and Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy (MBA/MGA dual degree)

“Determined and resilient problem-solver. Aspire to unite diverse voices for social justice and global impact.”

Hometown: Seoul, Korea

Fun Fact About Yourself: I possess a remarkably keen sense of smell; I can often figure out not only the type of food being cooked, but also identify the presence of specific individuals in a location solely by their distinctive scents. It’s my superpower in navigating the world!

Undergraduate School and Major: University of British Columbia, History

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: UNICEF, Geneva, Switzerland, Advocacy and Partnerships Officer

Integrative thinking is one of the cornerstones of the Rotman MBA experience. What does integrative thinking mean to you and how have you been able to apply it thus far? Integrative thinking to me is about synthesizing diverse perspectives to catalyze meaningful change and promote inclusion and global equity. As an aspiring social entrepreneur with a passion for the transformative power of technology and innovation, I participated in the Elevate Festival, a conference that intersects technology and social innovation. In a world facing complex challenges, I believe this integrative approach is critical for MBA students and I made it my mission to apply this perspective during my time at Rotman. For example, I participated in a case competition where I had the opportunity to collaborate with my teammates from across disciplines to address the social issues faced by immigrant workers in Canada. This experience showcased how diverse viewpoints, when integrated, yield innovative solutions. My commitment is to continue applying integrative thinking to contribute to a world where our actions, from business endeavors to global affairs, foster good, empower individuals, and strive for global equality.

What has been your favorite part of Toronto so far? Why? Toronto’s vibrancy and diversity make it my favorite part. The city’s dynamic atmosphere, abundant opportunities, and the fact that I can grab a bite from a wide range of cuisines close to my house is what I love the most. In Toronto, daily interactions with people from various ethnic backgrounds, disciplines, and walks of life enrich my experience, creating a unique and exciting daily life where I learn and am humbled every day.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Toronto Rotman’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The key element that drew me to Rotman’s MBA program was its strong emphasis on experiential learning through real-world projects and case studies, exemplified by courses like the Advanced CDL class. This aligns with my preferred learning style, providing practical insights into business challenges. I am particularly excited about the elective courses in the second year that offer further opportunities for hands-on experience.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Toronto Rotman? Joining the Rotman Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital student club has been the most enjoyable experience at Toronto Rotman, particularly my participation in the Problem Hunt Case Competition. Collaborating with team members from diverse backgrounds, we addressed a social issue of our choice by designing our venture. As an aspiring entrepreneur, this was a valuable experience. I enjoyed exploring the intersection of business and social challenges, experimenting with solutions, and witnessing the powerful synergy of our diverse team, blending skills in finance, engineering, software, design, and public policy & humanities. Most importantly, I cherished meeting like-minded aspiring entrepreneurs who have become my close friends. They inspire and support me, helping navigate the challenging and often lonely journey of entrepreneurship.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my most significant career accomplishments was co-organizing an online panel discussion on sexual violence in armed conflict in Asia as part of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at UBC. This achievement holds great importance for me as it not only raised awareness on a seldom-discussed topic, but also showcased my capability to bring together experts and activists from diverse disciplines and industries, including academics and filmmakers, for a positive cause. Particularly noteworthy was the success of this initiative during the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, where I played a pivotal role in keeping internal and external stakeholders informed and motivated. This experience highlighted my leadership potential and played a crucial role in my decision to pursue an MBA.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My most significant accomplishment as an MBA student has been strategically navigating the business world to identify and prioritize essential skills for my future as a leader and entrepreneur in social impact, social innovation, and social entrepreneurship. Proactively reaching out to diverse professionals within my target area, I successfully gained valuable insights. This process involved clarified the industries, skills, and internships aligning with my long-term goals. Even more, it informed my approach to classes and the utilization of opportunities within and beyond Rotman, instilling a greater sense of certainty about my future.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My favourite memory as an MBA student occurred during our Section 4 class hangout. It was a moment of genuine connection and camaraderie, where I felt comfortable being myself, surrounded by a supportive group of peers. This experience reaffirmed my gratitude for the wonderful individuals I’m fortunate to be surrounded by in my life and in this MBA program, fostering a sense of excitement and happiness about the community I’ve found here.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Toronto Rotman’s MBA program? My advice for prospective applicants is to authentically showcase your passion and articulate why and how Rotman’s MBA program aligns with your long-term aspirations. While you may not have a concrete goal, demonstrating a clear direction and expressing genuine enthusiasm about what you hope to gain from the Rotman experience will highlight your determination to make the most of this opportunity.

DON’T MISS: MEET TORONTO ROTMAN’S MBA CLASS OF 2025