Steven Huang, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2024
Age: 27
Hometown: Dalian, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Colgate University; Double major in Economics and International Relations
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years; Education Industry
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I was working for an education startup for a few years, and before that, within higher education. The startup I worked for was experiencing some growing pains, and I was looking to go into business school to learn a bit more in-depth about effective leadership skills and how to help better grow a team. Meanwhile, I was excited to explore opportunities in addition to the education sector with a more robust repertoire of business knowledge.
Why did you choose Texas McCombs? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The school culture and the city! I didn’t get a chance to visit McCombs before I enrolled due to COVID restrictions on traveling. However, I was able to connect with a few current McCombs MBA students and got to hear about their personal journeys, as well as their appreciation for the school’s welcoming and inclusive culture. In addition to that, my partner and I had only heard good things about Austin. We knew that this would be the city where we would want to start a new adventure with our dog, Baowie.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I would have to say my multi-dimensional perspective thanks to the years studying as an international student during my undergraduate degree, along with the professional experience I have gained working for international organizations and multicultural teams.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I once spent 7 weeks studying and only speaking French in Vermont for a summer after my freshman year in college (with almost no prior knowledge of the language).
Post-MBA career interests:
Management Consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely reach out to current students who have similar backgrounds and identities as mine to get a sense of what their McCombs journeys have been like.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would’ve utilized the MAC (McCombs Ambassador Committee) resource even more to ask specific questions I truly was interested in learning the answers to.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
There is not a part of the application process that I would have skipped if given the chance. My best advice for prospective applicants on submitting their applications is to not stress about thinking what the admissions team wants to hear! Focus on who you are and why you want to be a part of the McCombs community. Write about that, and “what they want to hear” will shine through.
What is your initial impression of the Texas McCombs students/culture/community?
Very welcoming! I remember the enthusiastic MBA Program Office staff during my first day of orientation when they welcomed us into the community, and their positivity has sustained ever since.
What is one thing you have learned about Texas McCombs that has surprised you?
We have our own tailgates! Coming from a small liberal arts college, though we had a division 1 football team, I didn’t really experience the gameday culture. I was surprised to know that the McCombs MBA Graduate Business Council hosts our very own tailgates before games.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I was anxious about not being able to balance my time well between courses, recruitment tasks, and personal priorities (as in family, etc.).
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I have been so excited about meeting new friends and getting to know others’ stories before coming to business school. That includes not only their professional experiences but also personal journeys overall.
