Xiaofeng Xiong, IESE MBA Class of 2020
Age: 30
Hometown: Sichuan, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Zhejiang University, Pharmacy
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years in Healthcare Industry (3 years as a pharmacist, and 4 years in medical device sales)
Why business school? Why now?
I want to pursue my MBA education to enhance my career and increase my potential to help more people. The comprehensive training in an MBA program about marketing, finance, operations, global economy could broaden my horizon with a bigger picture of business.
I have received help from many kind people, and it has always been my passion to spread my positive energies around, whether as a volunteer in Operation Smile—an NGO providing global-wise cleft palate or lip repair surgeries—or as a sponsor for poor students’ education and living expenses. I still feel the urgency to do more and to grow further. An MBA program is a best place to meet people from NGOs worldwide, to attend humanity-themed conference, and to make greater social impact in an international context.
After seven years in the healthcare industry, I have grown into a professional in the medical devices sector and my career has arrived at a stage where comprehensive training is essential, and a big picture of business becomes a must.
Why IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose IESE because of its excellent ranking, job opportunities from top companies, case study method, the diversity of student body, the nice alumni, and the values of IESE. Among these factors, the values most prominently factored into my decision. In IESE the emphasis of social responsibilities is not only showcased in case discussion, but also in every commercial course or proposition that might have a social impact. IESE’s values echo my values: when I was working in the healthcare industry, I made decisions by “prioritizing patients’ benefits,” and I was proud that I could contribute to save lives.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I spent my first three years as a pharmacist in a major hospital, which gave me solid knowledge about pharmacy and organization structure in hospitals. Thus, I can help peers aspiring to shift to healthcare with the fundamentals about healthcare.
The following four years with JNJ gave me a better view about how hospitals work from the outside. My firsthand industry work experiences could be shared in case studies with classmates with diverse backgrounds. In addition, as a sales professional dealing with Chinese hospitals, I had to navigate through complicated procedures for procurement of medical equipment through negotiations and biddings. These experiences will enrich practical cases and experiences in the negotiation class.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I planned to apply for American business school as many people did, but the more I knew about IESE, the more committed I felt towards IESE’s programs.
Post-MBA career interests?
My major targets are to work with healthcare industry cases in the consulting firm, because I enjoy business problem solving, challenging status quo, multi-functional exposure in consulting, and the sense of saving lives.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Approach IESE alumni through all channels possible: admission events, LinkedIn hunting, and program research; set up a structured strategy and apply as early as possible.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
If I were given a chance to restart my application process, I would focus more on the unparalleled global platform IESE would set for me. I would start my journey with the Spanish language slightly earlier in order to take the best advantage of the most exciting fun ahead of me.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped application to U.S. schools if I had started to network with IESE alumni in the first place and if I had attended the rich variety of activities organized by the admission office throughout the year. It would have been so much easier for me to make my decision on IESE.
What is your initial impression of IESE’s students/culture/community?
IESE alumni are humble, low-profile, open-minded, and interesting. Most importantly, IESE embodies a close and inclusive community characterized by sharing and responsibility.
One thing you have learned about IESE that has surprised you?
I was surprised that the students in IESE are from more than 60 countries, with no dominant nationality on campus. Even within the first two weeks of the Business Spanish Program, I’ve already had the privilege to work with IESEers from eight countries in my 15-student study group.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
So much fun ongoing out there on campus and in the great city of Barcelona. I’d probably need to struggle my way out to strike a balance between study, sleep and socializing. The case study method requiring us to cover dozens of pages for three cases per day is highly attractive whereas very challenging at the same time.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am also excited about the case study method, which empowers me to apply what I have learned in the classroom in resolving real world problems.
