Lantao Wu, Minnesota Carlson MBA Class of 2026
Age: 27
Hometown: Sichuan, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Edinburgh, M.S. Signal Processing; University of Central Lancashire, B.E. Electronic Engineering;
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Product Manager, Lenovo & Qihoo 360, 4 years;
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I have been working as a product manager in the tech industry and aspire to further develop my career in this field. On one hand, I want to acquire more business knowledge, and on the other hand, the U.S. is home to some of the best tech companies in the world. My goal is to join one of these companies to gain invaluable industry experience.
During my nearly four years of professional experience, I have demonstrated strong performance. I now hope to learn product management at a larger platform, which is why I believe pursuing an MBA is the best path to achieve my goals. An MBA will equip me with comprehensive business knowledge and provide hands-on projects that will help me quickly adapt to future business environments.
Why did you choose University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The first reason I chose the Carlson School of Management is its excellent reputation and strong connections with China. For example, Carlson collaborates with Lingnan College of Sun Yat-sen University on an EMBA program in China. This makes it an ideal choice for me to expand my network in both the US and China.
Secondly, Minnesota is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, offering ample opportunities to connect with alumni and establish relationships within these organizations.
Lastly, Carlson’s small cohort allows me to form more meaningful and long-term relationships with classmates and faculty. I firmly believe that relationships are more valuable and enduring than knowledge.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I believe my background in the tech industry can bring unique perspectives to the Class of 2026. In our cohort, only a small number of classmates aim to pursue careers in the tech industry after graduation. However, I’ve always found the tech industry to be fascinating. My past experiences can help others better understand the industry and what it’s like to work in it, providing valuable insights for their career journeys. Many classmates plan to start their careers in consulting after graduation. For those considering a transition to a different industry later, I believe the tech industry offers an excellent career pivot opportunity.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Experienced 50 meters bungee jumping
Post-MBA career interests:
Product Management in the Tech industry
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Spend time connecting with alumni to learn about the school’s culture, curriculum, and career experiences. Throughout the application season, I will maintain my confidence in myself.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Combine your career goals with a well-structured plan for the application season, such as applying to different schools based on the timeline of various rounds. This is especially important for international students, as applications may span multiple universities. It’s crucial to create a detailed schedule, including when to schedule coffee chats with alumni, when to write essays, and so on.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If possible, I would have liked to skip the anxiety of waiting for results during the application process. After submitting my applications, the period of waiting for interview invitations and final decisions was the most stressful for me. To those currently applying, I encourage you to stay confident and relaxed. Focus on doing your best in the areas you can control, and let go of the things you cannot. Most importantly, try to enjoy the journey of the application process.
What is your initial impression of the Minnesota Carlson MBA students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Carlson community was its incredible warmth and support. From the students to the faculty, everyone was approachable and willing to help. The smaller cohort size fosters a tight-knit environment where meaningful relationships can be built, and as an international student, I felt welcomed from day one.
What is one thing you have learned about Minnesota Carlson that has surprised you?
I was initially amazed by the close relationship between students and professors in the MBA program. The connection is incredibly strong, and we’re encouraged to share any ideas with our professors, who are always willing to support us wholeheartedly. At the end of the first semester, one of our professors even invited all of us to a gathering in his garage. Building relationships with professors beyond the classroom has been a delightful and unexpected surprise for me.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Since my background is in engineering, the initial learning curve was quite challenging for me, especially with courses like accounting and finance.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about visiting San Francisco with the school to connect with alumni working at tech companies like Google and Adobe. Since I aspire to continue my career in the tech industry, this experience is incredibly important to me. Additionally, San Francisco is a beautiful city, and I’m really looking forward to exploring it during the trip.
