Yi Ding, CBS MBA Class of 2022
Age: 29
Hometown: China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: BA with a concentration in Finance, the George Washington University
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years, consulting/private equity/investment.
Why business school? Why now?
Pursuing an MBA degree has always been a part of my career plan since starting my first job. As for the current timing, I’m at a natural career transition point and I figured that I better get to it before becoming too old.
Why CBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I choose Columbia Business School because of its strong reputation in finance and its location. I have a real passion for derivatives trading, and CBS / NYC offers the best place to pursue my interest.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
Likely my diverse background. Especially my past experiences on bridging cultures gaps between entities based in completely different jurisdictions and under distinct business practices.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
Although my professional experience has been mostly in finance, I have a strong personal interest for astronomy and space exploration. Boarding a spaceship and traveling to another planet or even galaxy has been my dream.
Post-MBA career interests?
Trading and investing.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Visit schools early to get a general sense, then let your instincts make the right decision for you.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I should’ve sought more advice from direct resources such as alumni and the admission office.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Nothing really. The process was reflective and fruitful. Take a deep breath and relax, do your best, and leave the rest to trusting yourself and fate.
What is your initial impression of CBS’s students/culture/community?
It is an extremely warm and friendly community. The Zoom teaching environment has been much better than I expected.
One thing you have learned about CBS that has surprised you?
A brand new building is coming online for business school students and I’m very excited that class teachings there are starting in 2021.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The Zoom teaching somehow lasting until graduation, and finally getting an official degree after two years of rigorous home study.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Meeting new friends and hearing their fascinating stories.
