Bryan Xu, Rotman MBA Class of 2026
Age: 28
Hometown: Nanjing, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Syracuse University, Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Mirco Connect Investments, Associate, 1 year; Meritco Services, Business Analyst, 3 year
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After working for a couple of years in both consulting and investment, I realized that to truly understand the essence of different businesses, one must adopt a holistic view and a systematic approach. While business schools are not a panacea for learning or running a business, as George Box once said, “All models are wrong, but some are useful.”
Why did you choose Toronto Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I followed a top-down approach and decided to come to Canada first, naturally setting my sights on one of the best schools in the country. Having spent four years in the U.S. pursuing my previous degrees, I came to realize that Canada offers a more diverse and welcoming environment, combined with first-class business school education, making it a better fit for my current stage of life.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
As a former consultant and investor, I strive to bring diverse and systematic perspectives to team collaboration. Additionally, my expertise in finance enables me to help teammates from various backgrounds understand the core concepts and applications of modern finance in a way that is more practical and comprehensive than purely academic.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I do scuba diving, skydiving and boxing (not at the same time).
Post-MBA career interests:
Asset Management
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I spent a lot of time researching about life and work in Toronto/Canada before I applied to Rotman, and made the decision to apply and accepted the offer with minimal hesitation afterward. I thought it through and believed this is the right decision for me.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had done more networking and connected with more people before starting at Rotman. Even though it’s already been three months, I’m still meeting new people every day. Building lifelong friendships is one of the key goals of my MBA journey, and I’m excited about making the most of every opportunity to connect with talented people.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Final papers have definitely been a challenge. After a few years of working in Shanghai, my academic English got a bit rusty, so I had to brush off the cobwebs and get back into the groove. Surprisingly, it feels easier once I start writing because I now have more stories and experiences to share compared to a few years ago.
What is your initial impression of the Toronto Rotman students/culture/community?
Diverse cohort and great faculty.
What is one thing you have learned about Toronto Rotman that has surprised you?
The full-time MBA cohort is so diverse that we speak 37 different languages in total.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Securing an internship for next summer.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Meeting new friends and exploring the city.
