Krit Pattarawongvisut, UCLA Anderson MBA Class of 2026
Age: 29
Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Chulalongkorn University (Bangkok, Thailand), BBA, Accounting
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Head of Innovation and New Business, Genfosis (Health tech startup), Apr 2023 – Jul 2024; Assistant Manager – Sales Operations and Business Development, Shopee Food (Sea Limited), Jul 2022 – Mar 2023; Senior Associate – Strategy and Operations, Shopee Xpress (Sea Limited), Jan 2019 – Jun 2022; Associate – Project Management, Garena Labs (Sea Limited), Jul 2017 – Dec 2018
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve worked in tech giant conglomerates and early stages of startups, and in many functions from backend to front-facing roles with customers, but I still felt there was something more out there. So, I decided to embark on an adventure to see what’s happening on the other side of the world, and the U.S. is the prominent choice for someone who wants to continue their path in the tech sector.
Why did you choose UCLA Anderson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I think my criteria are quite simple. I’m here for community and career. Anderson has been known as one of the close-knit community MBAs in both the US and Thailand. All my friends and seniors who attended Anderson praised the school’s value of #ShareSuccess. Also, Anderson has one of the best career centers in MBA programs, hats off to Parker Career Center!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
Hmm… It’s a tough question. I think the way that we do business in Southeast Asia is quite different from here, so that’s the part where I could spark some conversations. Apart from that, everyone loves Thai food, so I cook!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
My bad trait is that I spend too much money on coffee. During the first week that I arrived here, I shared my coffee with so many people and I had a good time connecting with them through this magic liquid!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m pursuing my MBA to continue the same path in health technology, but on broader horizon. The healthcare industry here is massive and innovative. They are the real driving force for the world!
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I put all my energy into GMAT, application, and interview preparation. I believe that I did everything that I could in this process. I can assure everyone who is on the same path as me to just do it! The experience will be worth your time
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would learn more about the “life” side of an MBA. I think some of us forget to realize that we’re here for at least 2 years, and that dictates everything during our two years. I’m lucky that I end up in the city that I really enjoy the lifestyle, people, and weather. Yes, the weather here is perfect all year round, and I can’t imagine myself dealing with the rain, hot, or even snow now!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I did not talk to as many current students or alumni as I could have. Looking back at my application and interview, I think I could extract more on the values of Anderson and become a better choice of candidate that really stands out. I can emphasize that your interviewer talks to so many people in a day, and extra preparation could help you shine!
What is your initial impression of the UCLA Anderson students/culture/community?
I’m surrounded by smart yet humble people. We have a vibrant community where people are so eager to learn from each other’s experience and contribute to group success. Anderson community lives by the value of #Sharesuccess.
What is one thing you have learned about UCLA Anderson that has surprised you?
There are so many things that you could do here, and so many people are willing to adopt you on their journey. You will never run out of the list; just be open-minded. Los Angeles is an amazing place to live, and I’m enjoying every bit of it!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
It’s my first time that I moved across the world, so it was a huge adjustment during my first month here. But Anderson people eased that and made my time here smooth sailing.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I want to echo every, or most of, the voices here at Anderson. I think that internship recruitment is our main focus right now, and everyone really wants to do well in that. I’m excited to see where this path could take me in the future.
