Lara Peng, Dartmouth Tuck MBA Class of 2024
Age: 29
Hometown: Beijing, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Wesleyan University, Major in Economics, Minor in East Asian Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 years, aviation finance
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My previous job provided me with numerous opportunities to travel around the world, during which I witnessed how aviation connects people, cultures, and businesses across continents, and therefore contributed to the personal pursuit of happiness as well as social-economic development. However, the COVID-19 outbreak changed the market landscape and brought a variety of unprecedented challenges, making me rethink my long-term career development. Without an aviation academic background, I learned most of my skills on the job, and I realized that I needed an MBA education to broaden my knowledge base and skill set. Meanwhile, I was eager to meet more talented people from many different backgrounds and expand my professional and personal networks.
Why did you choose Dartmouth Tuck? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I went to a liberal arts college for undergraduate education, and I enjoyed my life there. Thus, I was drawn to Tuck’s tight-knit community, team-based learning, and opportunities for personalized feedback, which were very familiar to me. Having spent most of my life in Beijing, a mega city, I found the unique geographical setting of Tuck attractive. Nevertheless, friendly Tuckies are my major reason for choosing Tuck. During my application, I reached out to multiple current students and alumni, and all of them gave me prompt and positive feedback. Since I’d received a lot of help from this community, I hoped to become a member and then pay it forward.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I have a global mindset as I have received both Asian and Western education and worked in a highly international business. I love talking to people from different cultures and learning about their perspectives. I aspire to utilize my international experience to help foster a supportive and inclusive community for my classmates.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fortune teller told me that my lucky color was green and I should always wear green.
Post-MBA career interests:
Immediately post-MBA, I’m hoping to join a consulting firm, where I can help the recovery of the global aviation industry by developing strategies for clients spanning the aviation value chain.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Taking time to reflect on myself. A thorough reflection will help you better understand your goals, your values, and how will you connect your past journey with your future career.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Not reading too many online posts regarding MBA applications and comparing myself with other prospective applicants. You can check online to learn from others’ experiences and understand the competitiveness of admission processes, but don’t let them discourage you and hurt your self-confidence. People have different backgrounds, experiences, goals, and timelines. And there isn’t a standard “qualified candidate profile” for a certain program.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Other people’s doubt about my decision to pursue full-time MBA education. In the environment I was in, it’s not very common that a single female hitting age 30 gives up her job and goes back to school, and many people don’t know what an MBA education means. During my application process, I tried to focus on my goal and let the noise wash over me. And I also sought advice from people who shared similar experiences and received support from them.
What is your initial impression of the Dartmouth Tuck students/culture/community?
Tuckies are nice, compassionate, and always willing to offer a hand.
What is one thing you have learned about Dartmouth Tuck that has surprised you?
How convenient the residential life is. I currently live in the dorms, and I don’t need to go outdoors to do everyday activities since there are a series of tunnels connecting each Tuck building.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The cold of winter. I spent my college life in Connecticut and got a sense of what winter is like in New England but my Tuckie friend from Connecticut advised me to be well prepared for the winter in New Hampshire.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know new people and learning more about their diverse life experiences and perspectives!
