Minnie Fu, MIT Sloan MBA Class of 2024
Age: 28
Hometown: Yunnan, China/ Vancouver, Canada
Undergraduate Institution and Major: New York University, International Relations & Media Communications
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 years, finance/research/clean energy
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After six years and four departments in a globally renowned corporation, I was ready for a new challenge to push myself out of my comfort zone. I found myself craving innovative ideas (especially in tech), out-of-the-boxing thinking and an entrepreneurial and diverse community. In my most recent managerial role in sales and strategy, I also saw room for improvement in my leadership and business analytics skills. I knew business school was a perfect opportunity for me to take these skills to the next level.
Why did you choose MIT Sloan? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Sloan because of its unique combination of entrepreneurship, tech innovation and diverse talent. I wanted to attend an MBA program that has both a strong focus in technology and a student body that is truly collaborative, principled and driven. Many other factors certainly came into consideration when I was making my decision, such as location, financial support and program experience. But ultimately, I stayed true to my most important reason for doing an MBA, which is to fulfill my career goals.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the MIT Sloan Class of 2024?
Creative thinking, global perspectives (I lived and worked in four countries for the past 15 years), and ability to influence others to become better versions of themselves
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I was actually named after Minnie Mouse. When I was six years old, my mother taught me and my friends English by making us watch Disney cartoons…and we all picked our names from the shows.
Post-MBA career interests:
Product Management/Strategy, Tech
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Speak to as many people as possible from your prospective schools/programs. These are real humans that can give you diverse, (hopefully) authentic perspectives about the programs.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Be very clear about why you want to pursue an MBA, stick to it and worry less about other noises.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I took GMAT in July 2020 at the peak of Covid. For two months, I was preparing for the exam every night after working 12 hours a day at home, which was a shoebox for me at the time because of limited space in Hong Kong. I’d skip this experience in a heartbeat if I could, but I’m also very grateful for my friends, family and significant other who supported me to get through it.
What is your initial impression of the Sloan students/culture/community?
I first found out about the culture of “Sloanies help Sloanies” during an admissions event and fortunately experienced it just before making my final decision to come to Sloan. After an initial chat with a year-two Sloanie about my decision factors, I was quickly introduced to more than five more Sloanies in just three days, all of who were incredibly thoughtful and keen to help. I never expected to see this kind of culture at an MBA program.
What is one thing you have learned about Sloan that has surprised you?
Even though I worked in very diverse global organizations before and would like to think I have a high standard in this area, I must say the Sloan classrooms still surprised me with their remarkable diversity – and people are truly inclusive. I was also surprised by the resourcefulness of student clubs. In my view, all of the professional clubs, such as the Product Management Club, Consulting Club, Investment Banking Club and the Energy/Climate Club, offer great opportunities and truly prepare students for success.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Ramping up my quantitative skills quickly, especially during the core semesters. Learning accounting from scratch and re-learning R is definitely a new challenge.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Building true friendships with classmates and exploring entrepreneurial resources at Sloan and MIT
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
I delayed my application for a year (took my exam in 2020 but didn’t apply for schools until 2021) as I wanted a fully in-person experience.
