Eva Look

Imperial College Business School

“TPRG and mechanical puzzle enthusiast, passionate about creating positive change in the world.”

Hometown: Hong Kong, China

Fun fact about yourself: I collect mechanical puzzles when travelling around the world and currently own a diverse set of 40+ puzzles.

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Hong Kong, Bachelor of Science (Major in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology)

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Grey Advertising at Associate Account Director

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? Prior to starting my Full-Time MBA at Imperial College Business School in September 2023, I worked at Grey Advertising during the summer of 2023. In this position, I led and oversaw project teams consisting of 6 to 10 members. My responsibilities included providing end-to-end marketing consulting and executing strategies for one of the Fortune Global 500 brand. I am currently interning at PwC Strategy&.

Where will you be working after graduation? I aspire to work in social impact and sustainability consulting roles after graduation. I am passionate about driving positive change and making a meaningful impact through my work. However, I am also open to exploring opportunities in generic consulting, where I can help businesses solve complex problems and contribute to their overall success.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: I serve as the Head of Internal & 180DC Relations for the Consulting Careers Club at Business School. In this capacity, I am responsible for managing internal collaborations and organising events in partnership with 180 Degree Consulting Imperial and other careers clubs. Additionally, I hold the position of Marketing Director and project consultant at 180 Degree Consulting Imperial, where I provide pro-bono consulting services to social enterprises and NGOs.

Moreover, I am actively involved as a Student Ambassador and Student Content Creator, leveraging my expertise to introduce Imperial’s MBA programme to prospective students. These roles allow me to contribute to the school’s community and share my knowledge and experiences with others.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of my most recent achievements is organising a collaborative event in conjunction with three different clubs. We brought together distinguished speakers from renowned consulting firms such as Deloitte, Archipel&Co, Pollination and Dalberg, who shared real-life case studies from the domains of sustainability and social impact consulting. The event was a resounding success, thanks to the close collaboration between the clubs involved, and it attracted a significant number of students who were eager to learn more about the impactful work in the consulting field. The positive feedback we received further reinforced the value of the event and the impact it had on the attendees.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of my proudest accomplishments in my career was leading a team in the design and construction of a recyclable booth equipped with interactive screens to educate visitors about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices during a global business event. Despite facing a tight timeline, our team successfully completed the project in half the time typically required for similar endeavours. The booth garnered good amount of attention and engagement, resulting in over 20 business leads generated within just two days.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose Imperial College Business School for several reasons. Firstly, Imperial’s reputation in the fields of innovation, business, and technology is renowned. The university’s emphasis on STEM and Business creates an environment rich in opportunities to engage with experts and professionals from diverse backgrounds. Coming from a Science background myself, I believe that being surrounded by individuals with similar mindsets will foster a strong ground for collaboration and growth.

Secondly, I am particularly drawn to the modules focused on entrepreneurship and the initiatives offered by the Enterprise Lab at Imperial. This is a dedicated support service for students and alumni who want to develop their entrepreneurial mindset, skills, and networks. The Enterprise Lab team can help talk us through our ideas, guide us through our programmes, and point us in the direction of experts who can help. As someone interested in entrepreneurship and with aspirations to establish a social enterprise in the future, these resources align perfectly with my long-term goals. The practical knowledge, support, and mentorship available through the entrepreneurship-focused modules and the Enterprise Lab will equip me with the essential skills and network necessary to succeed in the entrepreneurial world.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favourite MBA professor thus far has been Dr. Danielle Lyssimachou. At the beginning of the term, many of us in the cohort were concerned about the Accounting module since a significant portion of us had not been exposed to accounting before. However, Danielle’s teaching style and approach made the class extremely engaging and accessible. Danielle’s lively and narrative approach to teaching accounting brought the subject to life. She skillfully guided us through the interpretation and understanding of a company’s balance sheet and financial reports from a managerial perspective. Her thoughtful teaching preparation and materials, along with a step-by-step approach, enabled me to grasp the intricacies of a company’s financial position and status by analysing their annual reports.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? Currently, my favourite course is Innovation and Entrepreneurship taught by Professor Michelle Rogan. This module stands out due to its evidence-based approach to teaching and the practical knowledge it imparts. Professor Rogan skilfullly employs cases to illustrate various entrepreneurship practices, providing us with valuable insights and real-world examples. In addition to the case studies, the module incorporates a simulation exercise that offers a hands-on understanding of the growth process for new ventures, allowing us to apply theoretical concepts to realistic scenarios. One of the highlights of the course has been the opportunity to interact with guest panels consisting of startup founders and angel investors. Their firsthand experiences and insights have enriched our understanding of the topics covered in the module, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? While I don’t have any significant regrets, if I were to do things differently, I would have reached out to Imperial alumni much earlier in the programme. Initially, I didn’t fully realise the extent to which the alumni network at Imperial could be helpful and supportive until I proactively connected with them a few months into the MBA programme. By tapping into the alumni network from the start, I could have taken advantage of the wealth of knowledge and connections available to me.

What is the biggest myth about your school? One common misconception about Imperial is that it is primarily a STEM-focused institution, leading some to question its strength in business education. However, my experience at the school has shattered this myth. I have been consistently amazed by the caliber of professors and their extensive expertise in their respective fields. For instance, Professor Franklin Allen, with over 43 years of teaching experience, exemplifies the high quality of instruction and mentorship available at Imperial. Furthermore, the programmes and resources are very up-to-date, reflecting the ever-evolving business landscape. The fact that Imperial offers modules dedicated to emerging topics such as artificial intelligence, despite it being a relatively new field, demonstrates the school’s commitment to staying at the forefront of business education.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? One aspect I loved most about London is its vibrant and diverse community. The city is a melting pot of people from various backgrounds, creating an environment that encourages easy adaptation and fosters a rich cultural experience. Furthermore, the city offers an abundance of opportunities for exploration and enrichment. Within a 30-minute walk, one can visit museums to expand their knowledge, explore art galleries to appreciate the latest artistic endeavours, unwind at bars, and find solace in parks for relaxation.

What surprised you the most about business school? One of the most surprising aspects of business school for me has been the incredibly heartwarming relationships formed with my MBA cohort and alumni. Not only is the cohort culturally diverse, but they are also incredibly friendly and supportive. The bonds we forged during the two weeks before the start of the school year through team-building activities made us feel like a close-knit family. We have celebrated each other’s festivals, including Diwali, Burns Night, and even Lunar New Year, creating a sense of inclusivity and shared experiences. Additionally, the support and love from the alumni community have been truly remarkable. Alumni frequently return to the business school to share their MBA journeys and work experiences, providing valuable insights and guidance. I have been fortunate to have a mentor who went above-and-beyond to make me feel welcome at the college, offering a personal tour of the campus. This act of kindness was not only heartwarming, but also demonstrated the strong sense of community and support that exists within the business school.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? While I admire everyone in my cohort, if I had to choose one person, it would be Aakanksha Jaiswal. Aakanksha stands out not only as a recipient of the Advisory Board Scholarship but also as the driving force behind the strong bond within our cohort. Her leadership abilities are evident in her role as the president of the Women Means Business Club. Under her guidance, the club has organised various events to empower women in the business school, helping them foster connections and develop valuable skillsets for their future careers. Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Aakanksha excels at caring for others and emphasizing the importance of self-care. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being of her classmates, reminding us to prioritize our own mental and physical health amidst the demands of the program.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? There are two main aspirations that top my professional bucket list. First, I am driven by the desire to utilize my expertise and experience to make a meaningful and positive impact on the community. I have a strong passion for creating change and believe that by leveraging my skills, knowledge, and resources, I can contribute to addressing societal challenges and improving the lives of others. Second, I aspire to establish a social enterprise that operates sustainably without relying solely on external funding. By building a social enterprise that can support itself through innovative revenue-generating strategies, I aim to challenge the notion that profitability must be compromised in the pursuit of social good.

What made Eva such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“Eva Look is a significant contributor to the Full-Time MBA cohort. She has immersed herself in her studies and is known for her strong entrepreneurial flair and enthusiasm for consulting and sustainability. Eva is dedicated to her learning beyond the classroom as she participates in the Consulting Careers Club and 180 Degree Consulting at Imperial. She contributes to the wider Business School community as a Student Ambassador and Student Content Creator, inspiring and motivating others who are interested in pursuing an MBA at Imperial. We cannot wait to see what Eva achieves post MBA.”

Professor James Barlow
Chair in Technology and Innovation Management

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2024