Ching-Tse “C.J.” Tsai, Chicago Booth MBA Class of 2026
Age: 30
Hometown: Taipei City, Taiwan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Soochow University – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Business Development & Technical Program Manager, Tesla Supercharging, 6.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After spending six and a half years at Tesla, I’ve had the privilege of not only contributing to Tesla’s growth but also significantly boosting my home country’s EV charging infrastructure.
However, after these accomplishments, I often found myself asking, “What’s next?” The answer became clear: I want to extend my impact beyond the borders of the country where I was born and raised. I aspire to bring my skills and experience to the global stage, and business school is the ideal stepping stone to make that vision a reality. It offers the inspiration, connections, and training needed to tackle challenges on a global level.
Ultimately, how often do you get the chance to sit among top talents from around the world, discussing cases and big ideas?
Why did you choose Chicago Booth? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
“Pay-It-Forward” Culture. From the application process to preparing for my first semester at Booth, I’ve been continually amazed by the willingness of current students and alumni to help. Whether through coffee chats or casual conversations, they are eager to share insights, offer suggestions, and lend support.
What stands out even more is the genuine passion and excitement they express when talking about their alma mater or the projects and businesses they’re involved in. For me, the most remarkable achievements come from a combination of innovation and passion, and Booth is where I’ve found that excitement in abundance.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
My expertise is in the APAC Electric Vehicle Market and Energy Distribution Dynamics. Through my experience, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the electric vehicle (EV) market and energy distribution dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. Unlike the United States or Europe, most Asian countries face the challenge of smaller landmasses coupled with higher population densities. For example, how does a country as small as Taiwan generate and distribute enough electricity to power massive industrial foundries like TSMC? And what does the EV market look like in densely populated countries where most people live in apartments rather than houses?
At Booth, I’m excited to bring this knowledge into sustainable energy-related clubs. I look forward to contributing by hosting knowledge-sharing sessions and leading workshops on energy distribution and EV markets, particularly in the APAC region.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
The real teachers who taught me English weren’t from school or any tutors—they were rap music and video games. I vividly remember the moment I realized I might actually be fluent in English: it was after I finished playing Grand Theft Auto IV and discovered I hadn’t turned on the subtitles the entire time!
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Before diving straight into drafting my essay, I took the time to sit down and reflect on my life, from childhood to the present. I asked myself: What makes me who I am today? What’s the effort behind my accomplishments? What’s the work behind that effort?
This process of self-reflection helped me structure my essays and stories in a more coherent and meaningful way.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would start conversations with alumni much earlier.
Preparing an application requires not only self-reflection but also a deep understanding of each program’s strengths and emphasis. While I spent a lot of time having coffee chats with alumni and conducting research online, I believe I should have started these conversations even earlier—before I began taking exams and drafting essays.
In addition, these conversations pay off when you’re deciding where to spend the next two years of your life.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could, I would have skipped preparing for the GMAT’s “Sentence Correction” section, which has been removed in the GMAT Focus Edition. I found Sentence Correction to be the least relevant to MBA academia and my post-MBA career compared to other sections of the test.
What is your initial impression of the Booth students/culture/community?
As mentioned in the previous question, Booth’s “Pay-It-Forward” culture is not just a catchy slogan but a genuine practice that students and alumni embrace and take pride in.
It’s akin to any team sport: you want your teammates and even retired players to be supportive and informative, helping you train and prepare for the big games. The sense of community at Booth reflects this supportive spirit.
What is one thing you have learned about Booth that has surprised you?
While UChicago students are often seen as intellectually driven and academically focused—sometimes even labeled as “geeks” or “bookworms”—I’ve found that this perception holds true in academic settings but not necessarily during social activities.
What has surprised me is that the best way to describe Booth students is as individuals who are focused and enthusiastic about whatever they’re engaged in, whether it’s coursework, recruiting, or socializing. This passion and dedication extend across all aspects of life at Booth.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
One of my main concerns for my first year is managing the abundance of opportunities at Booth. In business, one of the crucial skills is making the right decisions amidst a sea of options, and doing so in a timely manner. I anticipate needing to react and adapt quickly to engage in the most efficient and suitable opportunities for me.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m thrilled about the opportunity to meet and brainstorm with talented individuals from around the world, both within Booth and across UChicago. I view these interactions as crucial for inspiring and sparking new ideas and innovations.
