Wei Li

“Just a quirky student endlessly curious about the world and its wonders”

Hometown: Hong Kong

Fun Fact About Yourself: I grew up with five dogs and six cats! Caring for them taught me invaluable lessons about love, responsibility, and nurturing.

Undergraduate School and Major: B.A. in Contemporary China Studies, Chinese University of Hong Kong M.A. in Regional Studies East Asia, Harvard University

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: U.S.- China Relations Analyst, Harvard University

What has been your favorite part of Atlanta so far? What has made it such a great place to earn an MBA?

I absolutely love Midtown Atlanta, and one of my favorite things about Georgia Tech is its location right in the heart of it all. That vibrant energy was a big reason I chose to pursue my MBA here—I wanted to be surrounded by activity, inspiration, and a diverse community. I still vividly remember the first time I walked down Peachtree Street during an Atlanta city festival, passing landmarks like the Federal Reserve Bank, Fox Theatre, and Bank of America Plaza, all the way to the Carnegie Education Pavilion. At that event, Georgia Tech had a booth, and I saw students proudly wearing the iconic white and gold while Buzz, the mascot, brought so much energy and fun to the crowd. It felt like love at first sight—something about their enthusiasm and authenticity struck a chord with me. It was one of those moments where I thought, “This is where I want to be.” That experience planted the seed, and today, I’m living that dream.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was one key part of the Scheller MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?

The practicum courses at Scheller were a major draw for me, especially the Quantitative and Computational Finance Practicum. Coming from a less traditional finance background, I was eager to build a solid foundation of technical skills and industry knowledge. This practicum stood out because it tackles real-world financial challenges—like asset management, credit risk, and derivatives pricing—while offering the chance to work on projects involving big data analysis. For someone like me, who learns best by doing, the opportunity to formulate and present solutions to real-world problems alongside classmates felt invaluable. I also appreciated that Scheller’s practicums bring in visiting lecturers from top institutions, bridging classroom concepts with industry practices. This hands-on, collaborative education approach made Scheller the ideal place for me to grow and develop the skills I need to succeed.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Georgia Tech?

I really enjoyed Principles of Finance, a required course in our first semester. Before this class, I often wondered things like how Warren Buffett evaluates companies for acquisition, what I should do with the money if I won the lottery, how to tell if a stock is overpriced, or what’s really going on with mortgages. We learned how to answer all of those questions in this class—honestly, it felt like so many mysteries were solved! As someone who’s always curious, it was like watching the magic unfold as all these concepts came together. We also did a lot of Excel practice, which made the class much more interactive and practical compared to a traditional lecture. I used to be so intimidated by Excel (and I’m sure many others can relate), but now I’m working toward using it without even touching the mouse—I’m definitely getting there!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

One of my proudest moments was leading the preparation of U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns for his upcoming mission in Asia by curating two consultations with a team of experts. Growing up in a traditional community where girls were not expected to pursue goals beyond domestic life, I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to experience this journey and contribute in my own way.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far:

It’s definitely stepping out of my comfort zone to initiate coffee chats! You wouldn’t believe that I used to have panic attacks before these informational interviews. Even if they were virtual, I’d feel a knot in my stomach, fidgeting nonstop, and struggling to keep my composure. However, I’ve learned that one of the most important skills we, as MBA students, must cultivate is the ability to connect with people and stay grounded, even when we are uncomfortable. It’s all part of developing leadership.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far?

My best memory so far is the day during orientation when we discovered who our core teammates would be. Each of us received a mysterious envelope containing a small token, and the room buzzed with excitement as we eagerly searched for others with the same token. It felt like a treasure hunt! When we finally gathered with our teammates, it was as if we had instantly become “siblings”—knowing we would support each other for the next two years and beyond. It was a powerful moment that made the journey ahead feel less lonely and more exciting.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Georgia Tech Scheller’s MBA program?

My advice for potential applicants is to be proactive in reaching out to the admissions office, current students, and alumni. Don’t hesitate to express what you’re looking for in an MBA program and the kind of support you need. Scheller is a safe space where you can be your authentic self. We take pride in our supportive and inclusive community. It’s all about finding your people, your path, and making the most of the opportunities available. Be open, ask questions, and let us help you find the right fit!