James Park

MIT, Sloan School of Management

“A curious nerd with an analytical mind and a passion for innovation.”

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea

Fun Fact: I’ve traveled to 17 countries, visiting each more than once.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Chicago, Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Woori Venture Partners / Team Leader (Venture Capital)

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of MIT Sloan’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why it was so important to you? I am particularly drawn to MIT’s emphasis on technology and innovation, especially through its extensive resources like Action Learning labs and delta v. I wanted to attend a program that allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering creativity and innovation along with brilliant classmates and friends. Additionally, I am excited to connect with the broader MIT community, including undergraduates, master’s, and doctoral students who collectively contribute to building a vibrant hub for innovation.

Action Learning labs are one of MIT Sloan’s biggest attractions. Which lab interests you most? How does it fit with your interests? am particularly interested in the Entrepreneurship Lab (E-Lab) and Product Management Lab (PM-Lab). These labs align with my passion for innovation and my desire to gain experience in designing products with optimal market fit. This practical experience will help me refine my skills and strength, ultimately preparing me for a role as a product manager at a tech firm or as an investor in tech startups.

When you think of MIT, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Sloan program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? I think of innovation, cutting-edge technology, and a strong collaborative community. My experiences at MIT Sloan have reinforced these impressions. From prospective applicant to incoming MBA student, my interactions with current students and alumni — including former colleagues — have shown me a humble, passionate, and brilliant community. I have sensed a supportive culture of “Sloanies helping Sloanies,” and the more I engage, the more I feel I belong in this environment.

What excites you about earning an MBA in the Boston area?   I have lived in various cities including Chicago and New York, but I’m new to Boston. I’ve enjoyed building connections in each city, so I’m excited to live in Boston! I find Boston particularly appealing due to its historical significance and vibrant ecosystem. The city is home to numerous venture capital firms, innovative startups, and thought leaders.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026?
My diverse experiences across startup ecosystems in the U.S., Korea, Indonesia, and India give me a unique perspective that I can bring to classroom discussions. As a venture capitalist, I often engage with founders from various industries and enjoy our brainstorming sessions and debating market strategies and products. I hope to share my experiences and insights both in class and outside, fostering an environment where we can all be thought partners on basically any topic. Additionally, as an avid traveler, I look forward to organizing treks in Seoul or Southeast Asia, creating meaningful connections with my classmates.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far? My most memorable accomplishment was contributing to a pre-IPO funding initiative at Yanolja, a Korean hospitality startup, where we secured a $1.7B investment from SoftBank. As part of the strategy team, I helped shape the equity story and orchestrated funding initiatives that involved persuading global investors to embrace Yanolja’s unique business model and global aspirations.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into MIT Sloan’s MBA program?
Be authentic and specific when articulating your goals and motivations for pursuing an MBA at MIT Sloan. Clearly demonstrate how the unique offerings of Sloan align with your aspirations, whether through Action Learning labs, specific courses, or the community. Highlight past experiences that have shaped your journey, as these are the best indicators of future actions. Additionally, engage with current students and alumni to gain deeper insights into the program that will help refine your narrative.

DON’T MISS: MEET MIT SLOAN’S MBA CLASS OF 2026