Rianna Zhou

University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

“Dedicated software engineer, masterful crepe chef, and enthusiastic explorer of new experiences.”

Hometown: Tianjin, China

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a martial arts enthusiast who practices six different styles and continues exploring more.

Undergraduate School and Major: National University of Singapore – Industrial and System Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Software Engineer, JPMorgan Chase

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Chicago Booth’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?  The highly flexible curriculum at Chicago Booth was a decisive factor in my decision to attend. This unique aspect of the program allows me to design a personalized educational journey that aligns perfectly with my professional aspirations. The ability to choose from a wide range of courses, not only within the business school but also from other departments across the university, enables me to integrate diverse academic perspectives and skills into my MBA study.

The Booth MBA is also known for being highly data-driven. Why does the program’s focus on quantitative analysis and decision-making appeal to you? How have you been able to leverage this approach in your career so far? The data-driven approach at Chicago Booth resonates deeply with my professional experience. As a software engineer, I’ve directly engaged in projects which incorporate data-centric strategies and significantly enhance software functionality. By systematically analyzing system data to enhance stability and speed, I’ve learned the importance of grounding decisions in robust quantitative analysis. This reliance on data has transcended my professional life and become integral to my personal decision-making as well. I applied a similar analysis even when applying for my MBA.

At Booth, the emphasis on quantitative analysis and evidence-based decision-making is particularly compelling to me. It offers a structured way to tackle complex business problems and reinforces the reliability of decisions through data. I am enthusiastic about leveraging Booth’s analytical rigor to further develop my career.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Chicago Booth? I am particularly excited about leveraging the resources at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and participating in the John Edwardson, ’72, Social New Venture Challenge (SNVC) hosted by the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation. It will be crucial for developing and potentially launching my entrepreneurial ideas in the agriculture technology sector. Engaging with these platforms will provide me with the support, mentorship, and network necessary to transform innovative concepts into viable business solutions with significant social impact.

What has been your first impression of the Booth MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Booth story so far. My first impression of the Booth MBA students and alumni has been overwhelmingly positive. At a recruitment event in Singapore, I had the chance to meet several members of the Booth community, and what stood out was their sincerity. Despite their diverse and impressive backgrounds, they shared their experiences with a remarkable level of authenticity and sincerity. Each person I met was not only interesting and unique but also openly shared their diverse experiences and perspectives. This openness made me eager to learn more about their personal journeys and the supportive environment at Booth.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? Chicago’s economy is incredibly diverse, which allows me to gain experience across different industries. From startups in the tech sector to established firms in agriculture and consulting, Chicago offers a wide range of practical learning opportunities and business challenges. Additionally, having my family based in Chicago enriches my personal life, providing emotional support and stability while I pursue my academic and professional goals.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far. My biggest career accomplishment to date has been the creation of a revolutionary software platform that integrated the functionalities of 24 legacy applications and microservices into a single, unified, and stable system. Faced with an unstable legacy system that jeopardized business stability, I led the development of this new integrated solution, which consolidated all essential functions into one application. This project was monumental not only due to its technical complexity, but also because it demanded extensive collaboration across various teams and stakeholders. I worked tirelessly, day and night, engaging with numerous colleagues to ensure a seamless transition. What many considered an “impossible mission” within the constraints of time and budget, I turned into a successful reality, demonstrating that with determination and teamwork, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

Describe the best memory of your life. Why does that moment resonate with you? The best memory of my life takes me back to my university days, specifically to a project that was both a milestone in my career and a cornerstone in my personal development. Alongside a close-knit group of friends, I co-founded the NUS Global Citizen Conference. This pioneering initiative united 150 delegates, 15 NGOs (non-government organizations), and 9 international speakers with the aim of fostering a global citizen mindset and addressing complex global challenges. The entire process, from the meticulous planning to the flawless execution, was not just a professional triumph but also a deeply personal journey.

What makes this memory so precious is not only the success of the conference itself, but also the lifelong friendships and profound self-discovery it facilitated. In working closely with friends who were as committed as I was to making a significant impact, I found a community of like-minded individuals who shared a common goal. The sense of accomplishment coupled with the deep personal connections I developed truly defines why this memory is the best of my life.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Chicago Booth’s MBA program? Authenticity is crucial in the application process. Chicago Booth looks for candidates who are not only capable and driven, but also genuine in their aspirations and reflections. Let your true self shine through in your essays, interviews, and interactions. This authenticity will help the admissions committee understand who you are beyond your resume, and see the unique contributions you can make to the Booth community.

To understand if Chicago Booth is the right fit for you, I recommend connecting with alumni. Discussing your own goals and aspirations can also help you gauge how well Booth could support your ambitions. This interaction not only aids in making an informed decision but also shows the admissions committee your proactive engagement.

DON’T MISS: MEET CHICAGO BOOTH’S MBA CLASS OF 2026