Chien Ming Tan

“Problem solver always looking for a challenge and for ways to help others”

Program: MBA

Hometown: Singapore

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have lived in 4 different countries in the last 10 years

Undergraduate School and Major: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Bachelors of Aerospace Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:
Staff Software Systems Engineer at Rivian Automotive

What were some of the key motivating factors behind pursing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you?

I have always enjoyed leading and mentoring people, and I believe that the MBA can help me take a step in the direction of becoming a leader.

When you think of your school, what is the first word that comes to mind and why?

Innovative. I have taken multiple online certificates and classes, and none come close to the way Quantic manages to keep you engaged with interesting case studies, thought provoking projects, and the engaging method of instruction though the app.

What are one or two key aspects of this MBA program that stood out among the others, and why were they so important to you?

The main reason this MBA stood out to me was the convenience of being fully online. Many other MBAs claim to be online but still have very strict and rigid rules, but Quantic allows much more flexibility to manage your classes.

What course were you/are you most interested in taking coming into the program and why?

I have always been interested in being a leader and a mentor. The leadership courses are the ones that I am most interested and excited to take.

What club, activity, or experience at the school have you most enjoyed so far, and why?

I have enjoyed the group projects involving real life case studies the most. They provide a connection from the classroom to real life that really helps drive the lessons home.

What do you consider the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

My biggest accomplishment has been the launch of the autonomy system with the initial Rivian R1 and Amazon EDV vehicles

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective MBAs? Why?

What are two things you have learned at your school that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?

I have learned that I actually enjoy economics more than I thought I would. The realization that economics is really just a study of human behavior was a huge lightbulb moment for me.

On the non-academic front, I have been surprised by how well I have been able to manage my time to keep up with classes, work, and life. I was definitely worried about having to make some sacrifices coming into the MBA, but it has surprised me how well I have been able to keep up with everything while making minimal sacrifices and compromises.