Haiyan Jia

University of Minnesota Twin Cities – Carlson School of Management

“Disruptive global portfolio leader transforming science into strategy, driving innovation, reinvention, and measurable business impact.”

Age: 47

Hometown: Beijing, China

Fun fact about yourself:

I had the rare opportunity to meet Nobel Peace Prize laureate and University of Minnesota alum Norman Borlaug multiple times during my graduate studies. I still keep his autographed biography and a photo from when he signed it, a reminder of the global impact one life’s work can have. As a proud “Triple Gopher” (MS, PhD, and MBA), his legacy continues to inspire my path.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

• Hebei Agricultural University, BS
• University of Minnesota, MS
• University of Minnesota, PhD
• University of Minnesota, MBA

Where are you currently working? 3M Company, Area Portfolio Leader

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am most proud of continuously reinventing my career across industries, functions, and life stages.

Before joining 3M, I served as an R&D Director at Mondelez in the UK. Building on global experience leading cross-country, cross-functional teams, I drove innovation, transformation, and business results with or without formal authority.

At a pivotal moment, I made the deliberate decision to step away from the Mondelez role to support my daughter’s return to the U.S. for high school. Rather than treating it as a pause, I used it as an inflection point to redefine my career path. I began consulting for startups and established companies while pursuing my MBA, intentionally pivoting from global R&D into business leadership.

Today at 3M, I lead portfolio and pricing strategy in advanced materials, a distinct new industry and domain. This journey from agro raw materials to technical ceramics, and from R&D to business leadership, reflects my commitment to continuous growth, resilience, and creating impact across boundaries.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose the Carlson School of Management because of its strength in strategy, deep industry connections, and reputation for developing leaders who translate ideas into business impact. As a “Triple Gopher,” I already trusted the University’s academic rigor, and Carlson stood out for its practical, decision-focused approach and highly engaged community.

After spending three years as an expat in the UK with Mondelez, I was eager to return to the U.S. and reconnect with my network and community. Carlson’s location in Minnesota, home to multiple Fortune 500 companies and a vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem, further reinforced my decision.

What truly set the program apart was its ability to combine flexibility with meaningful in-person engagement, allowing me to rebuild relationships, access its ecosystem, and apply what I learned in real time while pivoting my career. Carlson offered not just a program, but a platform to accelerate my transition into business leadership.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? It was the depth and diversity of perspectives in every discussion.

Carlson’s online format brought together experienced professionals across industries and geographies, making each conversation more nuanced and grounded in real-world challenges. The ability to step back, reflect, and engage thoughtfully, rather than react in real time, elevated both the quality of dialogue and my own decision-making as a leader.

How did your online MBA experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? My earlier education was focused on mastering knowledge; the MBA was centered on applying judgment. Rather than solving defined problems, we navigated ambiguity, balancing competing priorities, perspectives, and incomplete information. The online format required greater discipline and intention, but it enabled more reflective, experience-driven learning that directly sharpened my leadership approach.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Use the program as a platform for transformation.

Take full advantage of what it offers: apply what you learn immediately, explore new paths, and invest in building meaningful relationships. The more you integrate the experience into your real life, the more valuable it becomes.

How has your online MBA education helped you in your current job? The MBA gave me the structure and confidence to execute a successful career pivot.

During my transition from global R&D leadership into a business role, I applied frameworks in strategy, pricing, and market analysis in real time: first in consulting, and then in my role at 3M. It enabled me to move beyond technical expertise and lead decisions that connect technology, customer needs, and financial outcomes.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Yes. While I was about 80% through the MBA program, I secured a full-time Area Portfolio Leader role at 3M.

I transitioned from consulting and MBA studies into this role. It marked a full shift from R&D leadership to owning business strategy. I now lead portfolio management, pricing, and global market alignment in a new industry and product space.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? I chose the online MBA because it allowed me to continue moving forward during a period of significant change. As I navigated both a family transition and a career pivot, the program provided the flexibility to grow professionally, academically, and personally without putting momentum on hold.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? AI was integrated into coursework through tools and assignments focused on market analysis, competitive intelligence, and data-driven decision-making. In several classes, we used AI to synthesize large amounts of information, test assumptions, and support strategic recommendations.

During my transition into a new industry, these tools were especially valuable in accelerating my learning curve and identifying patterns across unfamiliar markets. At the same time, the experience reinforced that while AI enhances speed and analytical depth, effective leadership still depends on human judgment, context, and the ability to make decisions amid ambiguity.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 10-20 hours

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My goal is to lead global business strategy at the intersection of science and innovation, helping organizations translate advanced technologies into scalable solutions that create lasting value across industries and society.

 

© Copyright 2026 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.