Kelly Lu

University of Pittsburgh, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business

“Driven, enthusiastic learner who never settles for second best.”

Hometown: Guangzhou, China

Fun fact about yourself: I am a house plant enthusiast and once collected up to 120 plants at once.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Carnegie Mellon University, Bachelor’s of Architecture with an additional major in Business Administration and minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? I started my own houseplant business, PlantWithKelly, and specialized in importing and selling plants from South America.

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? I interned at Aspirant and worked in the Strategy and Delivery team based in Pittsburgh.

Where will you be working after graduation? I am thrilled to be continuing my time at Aspirant after graduation, where I will join the Strategy and Delivery team full time as a Consultant.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: Throughout my business school journey, I’ve been deeply engaged in community work and leadership roles. As a member of the Student Executive Board, I’ve organized events benefiting both Katz students and local charities. In my capacity as a student engagement manager, I contributed to a consulting project with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, blending business skills with cultural initiatives. Additionally, as a sustainability consultant through the Center for Sustainable Business fellowship, I implemented a project management system for Lawyers for Net Zero. These experiences have been recognized through awards such as the L&L Brown MBA Scholarship, Katz Fund for Excellence Scholarship, and Joseph M. Katz Graduate Scholarship, validating my dedication to academic excellence and impactful leadership.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I take immense pride in my involvement with Lawyers for Net Zero as a student sustainability consultant during my time at Katz. This experience stands out as a testament to my commitment to making a tangible difference in the world of sustainability. Working closely with this small non-profit based in the UK, I was tasked with enhancing their project management system. Through dedicated effort and innovative thinking, I not only identified areas for improvement, but also successfully implemented solutions that had a direct and meaningful impact on the organization. This achievement epitomizes my passion for leveraging business skills to drive positive change and underscores my ability to contribute effectively to real-world challenges.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Amidst my full-time pursuit of an MBA and MS in Management Information Systems at Katz, I’ve dedicated myself to a part-time role at Aspirant, where I’ve achieved a significant milestone in my professional journey. Securing a promotion to the Consultant level, effective upon my graduation, stands out as a testament to my commitment and capabilities. Balancing rigorous academic demands with late nights at work has been challenging, yet immensely rewarding. Particularly noteworthy is my contribution to leading change management for a Fortune 500 company, where I managed work streams affecting thousands of employees and received accolades from stakeholders worldwide. This achievement encapsulates the culmination of perseverance, dedication, and the ability to thrive in demanding environments.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose Katz because I was deeply impressed by the unwavering commitment of the faculty and staff to providing abundant opportunities and attracting top talent to the MBA cohort. The school’s proactive approach in facilitating networking events, social gatherings, and post-graduation prospects aligned perfectly with my career aspirations. I saw Katz as not just a place to earn a degree, but as a vibrant community where I could thrive professionally and personally.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course during my MBA journey was “Negotiations, Teamwork, and Change.” This immersive weekend-long course stood out to me because of its hands-on, interactive approach that delved deep into real-world applications of negotiation strategies. Throughout the course, I gained invaluable insights into how effective negotiation techniques can significantly impact career trajectories and professional success. The blend of theory and practical exercises not only enhanced my understanding of negotiation dynamics, but also equipped me with the skills and confidence to navigate complex situations in the business world. Overall, this course not only broadened my perspective on negotiation but also left a lasting impression on my approach to teamwork and managing change in diverse settings.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor is Professor Tom Davis. He leads the Consulting Field Project at Katz with unwavering dedication to student success. Professor Davis’s relentless commitment to his students shines through in his teaching approach, where he goes above-and-beyond to ensure each student’s success. His passion for the subject matter is contagious, and his willingness to support and guide students through challenges is truly inspiring. Under his mentorship, I not only gained valuable consulting skills but also developed a deeper understanding of the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving professional goals. Professor Davis’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impression on his students’ personal and professional growth.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite yearly event at Katz is Friendsgiving. This special gathering epitomized the vibrant diversity and inclusive spirit of our community. It provided a platform for students to share their cultural heritage through unique cuisines from their respective countries, fostering a sense of connection and understanding among peers. Beyond merely celebrating diversity, Friendsgiving served as a powerful bonding exercise, encouraging students to engage in meaningful conversations and forge lasting friendships. This event underscored Kat’z commitment to creating an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to exchange ideas and experiences, ultimately enriching the learning journey for everyone involved.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back over my MBA experience, the one thing I would do differently is to prioritize networking more diligently. I would seize every opportunity to attend conferences, engage with alumni, and actively seek out mentorship opportunities to gain insights into different career paths and foster valuable connections. Networking plays a crucial role in expanding one’s professional horizons and opening doors to new opportunities. By being more proactive in building and nurturing my network, I believe I could have gained a broader perspective on the industry landscape and potentially unlocked new avenues for career advancement.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? I find that Pittsburgh is a city that perfectly complemented my academic pursuits with its rich cultural offerings and diverse recreational activities. Not only does Pittsburgh boast a thriving pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, providing ample opportunities for professional growth, but it also charms with its unique quirks, such as charming mom-and-pop shops nestled in character-filled neighborhoods. What’s more, its close proximity to major cities allows for convenient weekend getaways, all while being highly affordable—a true gem for students seeking both intellectual stimulation and an enriching urban experience.

What surprised you the most about business school? What surprised me the most about business school was the unwavering dedication of the professors and staff to provide the best education and experience for students. Their openness to accommodating requests for professional development courses, willingness to engage in discussions, and eagerness to take on additional responsibilities in mentoring students exceeded my expectations. Additionally, the opportunity for special independent study classes allowed both international and domestic students to gain valuable industry experience while attending school full time, highlighting the school’s commitment to holistic student development and career readiness.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I admire Bishal Dasgupta for his relentless pursuit of connecting with others and following his passions. Bishal’s ability to network effortlessly and authentically has always impressed me. He has a natural talent for building meaningful relationships and seeking out opportunities that align with his interests. Witnessing his dedication to forging connections and pursuing his goals has inspired me to enhance my networking skills and strive for greater authenticity in my interactions. Bishal sets a shining example of how genuine connections, and a passion-driven approach can lead to success in both personal and professional endeavors.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?  The top two items on my professional bucket list are to become Prosci Change Management Certified and to mentor a young professional within the next three years. These goals align with my aspirations to deepen my expertise in change management and give back by supporting the growth and development of emerging talent in my field. Achieving Prosci certification will enhance my skills and credibility in leading organizational change initiatives, while mentoring a young professional will allow me to share my knowledge and experience while contributing to their professional journey.

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

“I have known Kelly during her time at the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business as a dual MBA and MS in Management Information Systems student. Kelly has excelled in numerous areas during her time at Katz including academics, creating an inclusive community within the graduate school, and reaching her career goals. When I think of Kelly, what stands out is her determination to achieve the goals that she has set out for herself, and her compassion in supporting her fellow students.

Kelly arrived at the graduate school as a Master of Science in Management student, with two years of work experience, a goal of earning an MBA degree and obtaining a role in consulting. In her first semester, she excelled academically and secured an offer to our full-time MBA program. In addition to her impressive GPA, she also made an impact outside of the classroom by networking, applying for internships, and participating in experience-based learning programs. She earned a fellowship with the Center for Sustainable Business working with Lawyers for Net Zero’s effort in coaching lawyers to achieve sustainable policies within their organizations. She also participated in a consulting project with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and placed first in a case competition with ProspHire. Kelly’s networking and internship strategy paid off with an offer from Aspirant for a consulting internship. She did so well in her internship she was offered the opportunity to continue working for Aspirant on a part-time basis during her second year at Katz. She continued to produce valuable work and ultimately secured her ideal role as a consultant at Aspirant post-graduation.

However, that is not the end of Kelly’s accomplishments. She not only did extremely well academically and professionally, but she also made impactful contributions to the Katz community and her fellow students. Kelly served two years on the Student Executive Board, leading critical initiatives around mental health and wellbeing, and planning the most important social event of the Katz experience—the Fall Ball.

Kelly took full advantage of the opportunities provided to her at Katz, while creating opportunities for herself and her peers. What makes Kelly a Best and Brightest is her determination and grit to achieve the ambitious goals she sets for herself. She has had a positive impact on our community with not only her individual accomplishments, but the work she has done supporting the community at Katz.”

Molly Christy, M.A.
Assistant Director, Career Management & Corporate Engagement
University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business

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