Xinyan (Xenia) Qian, Kelley MBA Class of 2021
Age: 32
Hometown: Shanghai, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Shanghai University of International Business and Economics (formerly known as Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade) with major in Economics (International Investment)
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry):
- Two years with China Pacific Insurance Company
- One year with an architecture/interior design studio
- Five and half years on the concept team at Starbucks China
Why business school?
After working more than eight years at companies, I decide to go back to school to improve myself and to find more opportunities in a future career. I also want to better understand entrepreneurship during the studies. I want to get solid knowledge of business and framework of business thinking before running a business.
Why now?
My working experiences now can help me get a deeper understanding of MBA courses. Now, through Kelley’s Me Inc. program, I gradually will learn what my strengths and my weaknesses are, which will direct how an MBA can help me. I also want to build a network and find the next step of my career.
Why Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Reputation of MBA class qualities — especially in marketing and entrepreneurship — as well as a generous scholarship, and its collaborative culture. It’s also quiet place for study; It’s far away from big cities.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I have an international background and have worked for a government owned company, a private company and multinational company, experiences which each provide unique understanding about how to collaborate with people with different backgrounds.
Having both design and business knowledge helps me generate creative ideas. I also can share my experience of helping a multinational retail company grow in the Chinese market.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I have studied Taichi and Kendo from martial art masters and used to be a flute player in the school orchestra.
Post-MBA career interests?
Marketing, Project management, and Entrepreneurship.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Spend time on essays and mock interviews. Ask alumni and people with MBAs to review essays and set up mock interviews with them.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Manage my time better preparing for the GMAT, my essay, and recommendation letters. Set up timeline and follow that schedule during the application process. Apply before the second round, which is especially important for international applicants.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT takes time, I spent a long time preparing for the GMAT. I would have skipped this part if I could, but practice makes perfect.
What is your initial impression of Kelley’s students/culture/community?
This is a welcoming and collaborative community!
One thing you have learned about Kelley that has surprised you?
Super intensive class and workload. I didn’t expect Me Inc. would be so intensive!
Things you are most anxious about in your first year?
The intensive core course, Time management, Energy management.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Living in Bloomington, which is such a quiet and beautiful place.
