Clark Gao, CEIBS MBA Class of 2022
Age: 30
Hometown: China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Toronto, Statistics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years in technology
Why business school? Why now?
I started as a Data Scientist and have worked as an individual contributor since then. I have been closely involved in a lot of data related product developments, however, launching these products requires not only advanced technical skills but also coordination among multifaceted aspects. During the years, I’ve developed interests in different parts of the product life cycle rather than just providing analytical insights. I want to leverage business school to boost my career to the next level.
Why CEIBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Born in China, I moved with my family to Canada when I was 15 and stayed in North America since. 15 years later, China has changed tremendously in every social-economic aspect, and I know very little about my country. CEIBS ranked as a top global MBA program suites me the best because of its “China depth, Global breadth” motto. Through CEIBS MBA, I wish to develop a better understanding of China’s market and how to conduct business in China.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
A data scientist works as an internal consultant and uses advanced analytical tools to solve business problems. More and more companies started to embrace the data-driven culture across functions and teams. I can share with my colleagues the fundamental logic behind a data person and how to communicate more efficiently using quantitative methods.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
For a long time, I aspired to become a chef. As I could never gather the courage to pursue that career, my cooking skills are limited to my house kitchen only.
Post-MBA career interests?
Post CEIBS, I envision myself working in a healthcare company as a product manager (PM), focusing on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into medical-related products and services. In the long term, I would like to pursue entrepreneurship in AI products specialized for healthcare.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be proactive and reach out to peers who are also considering applying MBA.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Do not try to be perfect on every aspect of your application package, the school evaluates the applicants as a whole and favors those with exceptional achievement in one area.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Application season was definitely stressful, but life was never meant to be easy. Set a goal and go for it.
What is your initial impression of CEIBS’s students/culture/community?
CEIBS’s student cohort is extremely interesting because we have one-third of students coming from outside of China, one-third of students who are from the mainland, and the rest who have both domestic and overseas experience. Within such a community, you can learn different perspectives about China’s business landscape from all three groups and they are usually very triggering.
One thing you have learned about CEIBS that has surprised you?
There are so many cats on CEIBS’s campus. This is heaven for those into pets.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am worried about the tight schedule for the first few terms of the curriculum.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I look forward to our first group assignment so that I can finally closely observe how people from different backgrounds collaborate. I also look forward to our off-campus activities.
