Stephany Yu-chien Sun, IESE MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: National Sun Yat-sen University, Foreign Languages and Literature
Pre-MBA Work experience (years, industry): 5 years. Non-profit religious organization
Why Business School? Why now?
I decided to join an MBA program because I want a career switch.
After 5 years in a Catholic institution, I have discovered my talent and passion for communications, but I have also reached a career plateau because laypeople seldom reach management position in a Catholic institution.
I see myself in a senior management position that oversees all communication activities at a multinational corporation in 10 years. I want to become a communication director with a solid understanding of marketing strategy. But since I have no business-related knowledge, I believe that I need to take some time to seriously learn and gain deeper insight in order to fulfill my potentials.
For me, an MBA will not only help me learn all about the business world, but also open my eyes to infinite possibilities.
As for why now.. I had 5 years of experience in the same position and it was getting a bit too comfy for me. I think it’s in human nature to conform to certain repetition and to avoid taking risks, but settling for comfort zone is the last thing I want to see myself doing at the age of 28. I think it’s an excellent timing for me right now, because I would love to spend the last 2 years of my 20s learning new things, pushing myself into all kinds of limits, and developing myself into a better me. Then when I turn 30, I will be able to open a brand-new chapter of my life.
Why IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
After a few trips to Italy and some stories from my brother who is doing his internship in Germany, I fell in love with the European culture and made up my mind to spend a few years in Europe.
When I was doing my research on business schools, I only looked for European schools. I believed that I need a 2-year program because 1 year seems too short for a more comprehensive learning. So for me it was very easy to narrow down to IESE and a couple of other schools.
After participating in the Case Presentation, I was totally drawn to the case study method because I had so much fun sharing and listening to different ideas and I thought that’s exactly the learning environment I want.
I find IESE a perfect fit for me because its mission and value matches exactly with my own beliefs: I, too, want to become a leader who has positive and lasting impact on the society.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I guess I’m definitely not the typical MBA applicant. Compare to my classmates, I have a very unique professional experience and background, which contributes to the diversity of the Class of 2020.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I am an obsessed planner. I literally make plans every day: 3-year, 5-year big plans concerning my life agenda, or small, simply plans of how I will spend Friday night. Before I go on a trip, I have to make plans and do all the research.
I enjoy making plans so much that my vacation begins not when I hop on the plane but when I start planning. Making plans helps me appreciate the things that I have now, sometimes helps me to overcome depressing situations because I will know that I always have better things to look forward to.
Post-MBA career interest?
My long-term goal is to earn a senior management position that oversees communications activities at a large multinational corporation. I believe I want to return to communication eventually because I’ve always wanted to do something that I love, that I am good at, and that can help people; I think communications matches all 3 persepectives.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
I would try to be more active during the Assessment Day. Try to speak out more, and meet more people.
What is your initial impression of IESE’s students/ culture/ community?
I find it amazing that when I talk to anyone from IESE— professors, alumni, currents students, ANYONE— they all mention 3 magical phrases: help each other, respect one another, and contribute. To be honest I doubted if the school has done a nice job brainwashing everyone to say these things all the time. But I knew from the start that IESE culture is exactly what I want to be part of.
One thing you have learned about IESE that has surprised you?
I was very surprised to know that IESE has a Catholic affiliation: its founder was Opus Dei and that its mission was based on Christian values. As a Catholic my whole life, I already felt a strong connection with IESE before I was even admitted.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Due to my lack of experience and weak network in the business area, I’m actually a bit worried that I will have a hard time catching up with class.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
To study and befriend with brilliant people from around the world!
Clear Admit Resources
Thanks for reading about IESE’s MBA Class of 2020. As you work on your IESE application, we encourage you to consider all of Clear Admit’s IESE Business School offerings:
- IESE Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
- Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to IESE
- Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to IESE
