Chin Han, Manchester AMBS MBA Class of 2025
Chin Han, Manchester AMBS MBA Class of 2025Age: 29
Hometown: Canada (Vancouver) and Taiwan, ROC
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Toronto, Honours Molecular Biology of the Cell
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): 6 years cumulative in banking and investments, broken down to the following: Most recent role: Business Development Manager with Manulife Investments (Vancouver, BC) from May 2022-Aug 2023; Next: Relationship manager with Coast Capital Savings (Vancouver, BC) from Feb 2020-May 2022; Next: Sales & Service Specialist -> Premier Relationship manager with HSBC Bank Canada (Vancouver, BC) from Oct 2017-Feb 2020
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve always wanted to dabble in entrepreneurship, to open my jewelry store globally. Thus, MBA naturally became the most suitable choice for me to learn how to think like an executive and how to run a business from scratch. Why now? Financially, I’ve built up some savings. Support-wise, I’ve garnered strong support from my parents and from my district vice president (my boss) back home who wrote me my recommendation letter. Career-wise, I’ve built up enough experience such that I always have a safety net option to return to my old role (an amazing job) anytime post-MBA. There is no better opportune time for me to take this once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore my passion for entrepreneurship through an MBA.
Why did you choose Alliance Manchester? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose AMBS to challenge myself in projects. I remember reading into different MBA programs, and AMBS caught my eye with the most practical, hands-on projects. I looked forward to the not-for-profit project, since helping charity has always been dear to me, and the merger and acquisitions simulation was so much fun. Aside from AMBS’ unique program, being in Manchester was an important factor. Manchester is located close to London by train, a natural fashion hub for observing jewelry operations, yet not located in central London, which is an unlikely place for a new brand to start up. Manchester is a city full of innovation, and the perfect place to learn how to fall.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Manchester AMBS Class of 2025?
If anyone is interested in working in a finance role in Vancouver, BC, I am happy to refer them and spend time chatting about job markets in Vancouver. In projects, I often hear the feedback “love working with you,” “always cheerful,” and “you’re like sunshine.”
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m not sure if auto-correct is the culprit here, but in emails, I’ve always been called “Chris” instead of Chin. I’m a vegetarian for humanitarian purposes, not because I’m a Buddhist, even though I am a Buddhist.
Post-MBA career interests:
Pre-MBA, I applied with a strong set of intentions. Three months in, my post-MBA interests have changed month by month. That’s one of the perks of AMBS MBA – exploring different sectors and industries. I get to try consulting, operations, media, tech, telecom, marketing, and more. The resources at AMBS are endless, from Bloomberg to tech upskilling, the limit is literally time and energy. The possibilities are endless. (I’m currently very interested in production operations)
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I mapped out three career paths along with the roles and market salary range in each path. This was noted as very unique amongst other applicants, and it’s something I’d absolutely do again as part of my application process. I chatted with ambassador alumni from different years and different countries – they answered all my silly Qs and further reinforced that AMBS is exactly what I’m looking for.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I applied late – during the last round, and it was crunch time. I would write my personal statement earlier and apply during the earlier rounds. A later decision means leftover housing at a more expensive price. I applied to AMBS on my own, and during the application process, chatted with alumni. However, I wished I’d chatted more with the admissions team officers as well, who are extremely knowledgeable and are amazing resources for all QA.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The standardized tests – GRE and GMAT. I’m not the best test-taker. What got me through it is the fun emails I send using GRE vocab ☺. I do recognize the importance of standardized tests, and am not advocating in any way to remove it.
What is your initial impression of the Manchester AMBS students/culture/community?
I loved the energy. Everyone is willing to help in any way possible. The support is phenomenal, and makes a foreign country feel right at home. It’s an environment in which you grow and learn together, not by comparing yourselves with another (which is something that happens way too often), but rather by challenging yourself academically and internally. AMBS recognizes the importance of transferable skills across different industries and really offers the opportunity to learn it all by doing.
What is one thing you have learned about Alliance Manchester that has surprised you?
The strength of the careers team and the alumni connections is definitely a positive surprise. PCS is extremely knowledgeable and has databases for every industry role you can think of. Alumni are super friendly and are always willing to have coffee chats regarding their expertise.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Undeniably, it’d be what to do after I graduate. However, this subsides as I explore more and more industries to find my passion and suitability.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Learning amongst peers – self-reflection in projects – and making friends for a lifetime.
