You-Jing (Regina) Liu, Mendoza College of Business MBA Class of 2025
You-Jing (Regina) Liu, Mendoza College of Business MBA Class of 2025Age: 26
Hometown: Hsinchu, Taiwan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, double majors in Applied Foreign Languages and Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): A total of 3-year work experience in Corporate Banking and Research Startup respectively (Citibank, UBS, Quanthon)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
The thought of pursuing my master’s degree in the United States has been in my mind since my sophomore. My double majoring in Finance during college allowed me to explore my career interest. Furthermore, my enriching experiences working for two multinational financial services companies solidified my determination to attend business school. In my previous roles, I had the opportunity to engage in cross-functional communication and collaborate with colleagues worldwide. As a result, I believe that an MBA program is the ideal platform to advance my career path, immerse myself in cultural diversity, and establish connections with top-tier professionals.
Why did you choose Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Choosing the right business school can be life’s biggest decision, particularly when considering offers from various prestigious institutions. However, for me, the decision was made easier by two key factors that made Notre Dame Mendoza the perfect fit: the strength of its alumni network and the abundance of experiential learning opportunities.
Throughout my research on Notre Dame Mendoza, I consistently came across references to the incredible support of the alumni network. This, coupled with the impressive admissions and career development teams, convinced me that Notre Dame was the ideal environment for me to thrive in. When I first set foot on campus and attended the Now Irish Orientation, the Mendoza community made us feel at home immediately.
In addition to the supportive community, Mendoza offers numerous experiential learning opportunities designed to help students tailor their potential. Programs such as Silicon Valley Mod-Away Program, Business on the Frontlines, and Grow Irish Week provide students with diverse, real-world experiences that will be invaluable in our future careers.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
As the only Taiwanese in the classroom, my most valuable contribution is to share my work, life, and cultural experiences from a diverse perspective. My background in banking and my extracurricular activities in volunteering are essential elements to shape who I am today. Additionally, I value collaborative efforts and the uniqueness of individuals, and I will do my best to help foster a positive and inclusive learning environment for everyone in the class.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
My preferred fast-food choice in Taiwan is McDonald’s, but when I’m in the United States, I have many enticing options, including Shake Shack, In-N-Out, and Five Guys. In addition to my love for fast food, I’m also a big fan of the TV show “Friends.” In fact, I even own two sets of Lego featuring characters and scenes from the show.
Post-MBA career interests:
I aim to transition my career into Corporate Finance within the technology industry.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Taking the time to reflect on my personal and professional experiences and aligning them with my values was a crucial step in the application process. Engaging in self-reflection helped me to craft a more authentic and compelling narrative in my application materials. The most intriguing part of the application requirements for Notre Dame Mendoza is the “Slide Presentation”. Making good use of the preparation also allowed me to articulate my motivations and aspirations with greater clarity and conviction.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
In my opinion, prioritizing networking with alumni and individuals sharing similar backgrounds is essential. This is because the more insights you gather, the sharper your goals become. Furthermore, networking is pivotal in MBA job searches, and starting early can offer substantial advantages.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I wouldn’t say that I can’t think of any tough part because, obviously, the GMAT was the hardest for me. However, I don’t want to skip any challenges. Every challenge I’ve faced has helped me become more resilient, and every success I’ve achieved has given me the confidence to aim for more. Frankly speaking, the most rewarding moment was when I received the admission offer from Notre Dame. Thus, I will embrace every part of my journey and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.
What is your initial impression of the Notre Dame Mendoza students/culture/community?
During the Now Irish Orientation, followed by the Leadership Launch, we had the opportunity to meet the entire Notre Dame community, including fellow students, faculty, and staff for the first time. What impressed me the most was that the Notre Dame community not only delivered a comprehensive orientation to introduce us to our exciting school life but also fostered an intimate atmosphere that allowed us to connect on a deeper level. It encouraged us to embrace our vulnerability and openly express our true feelings toward our peers. This orientation and workshop were instrumental in helping us forge genuine connections with others.
What is one thing you have learned about Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business College of Business that has surprised you?
What has pleasantly surprised me the most is that Notre Dame Mendoza truly lives and breathes their core virtues, “Grow the Good in the Business” and “Tender-Strong-True.” They integrate these values into the curriculum and the community, creating a positive environment that encourages students to become not just successful business professionals but also responsible, empathetic, and ethical leaders in the business.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am still learning to balance my academic responsibilities, search for internships, and attend networking events. Luckily, we have a dedicated career coach and academic advisor who are always available to help us when we feel overwhelmed or unsure!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am thrilled about the chance to fully experience life in the United States. Although I have been here before, my previous visit was too short to explore to the extent I would have liked. Thus, my plan is to visit two of my dream destinations – Niagara Falls and Yosemite National Park. I simply cannot wait to witness their natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes in person. But beyond these specific trips, there are countless opportunities to discover new places, cultures, and experiences and broaden my horizons. Therefore, I am eager to make the most of them during my MBA journey and beyond. Go Irish!
