Jessie Li, Yale SOM MBA Class of 2021
Age: 27
Hometown: China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Hong Kong, Accounting and Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3+ years, Fintech
Why business school? Why now?
Career switch from fintech to consulting/other tech firms. It was time to try something new.
Why Yale? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Developing leaders for business and society, location/brand/program design.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
International background and Fintech work experience.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I played accordion for 6+ years when I was a kid.
Post-MBA career interests?
Consulting.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Self-reflection.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Be more proactive in reaching out to school’s current students and alumni.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
TOEFL test preparation, my desire of getting into a good MBA program.
What is your initial impression of Yale’s students/culture/community?
Nonprofit emphasis.
One thing you have learned about Yale that has surprised you?
The diversity of my class.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Summer internship recruiting.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Summer internship recruiting.
