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ALEX SUN '11

Program: One-Year (1Y) Program 
Nationality: Chinese
Majors: Marketing, Finance and Entrepreneurship
Educational background: Bachelor’s and Master’s in computer science, Shanghai Jiaotong University
Current position: Strategic Business Director, Envision Energy, Founder & Executive Director, Consult-In & CareerFrog
Sponsored by a company: Yes, McKinsey

                    
Why did you pursue an MBA, and in particular, why the 1Y program?
As an engagement manager with McKinsey, many colleagues were surprised to hear that I was applying for business school. “Continue with your career,” they said. “You will not be far away from becoming a McKinsey partner within the next few years.” However, I had a passion for green and clean energy development in China, and I aspired to be an influential business leader who can truly bring changes to the whole society rather than a mere adviser even as a McKinsey partner.

The goal of my MBA wasn't to move up the corporate ladder, but to step off it and go out on my own way!

Why did you choose Kellogg?
Kellogg offers such a flexible one-year MBA program that I could tailor it to my own needs. The diversity of the 1Y program was a perfect fit for me because I was clear about my career path. Kellogg also is known for its collaborative leadership. There is an understanding of leadership and collaboration here–you learn to consider business problems in cultural and social contexts, and how to strike a balance among multiple responsibilities. Kellogg’s worldwide reputation and its diversified network both in the U.S. and China will be a lifelong asset for me.

What was the most valuable Kellogg experience so far?
Mastering the intuition and logic of business and learning the fundamentals of an industry are essential, but not sufficient. The Buyout Lab and Venture Capital Lab course was an experiential learning course that allowed me the opportunity to be placed in a quarter-long internship with a local private equity/venture capital firm. I was exposed to the day-to-day working life of this fund, and assisted with their deal selection, due diligence and investment efforts.

At the same time, I was also heavily involved in the management of a portfolio company and worked closely with the CEO of this company to identify growing opportunities outside the U.S. market.

This experience gave me new insight into the industry, and helped me develop the skills necessary to succeed, and create value for the sponsor company as well.

What were your first impressions of Kellogg?
Kellogg has invested a huge amount of time and resources in student career support and job placement. I really enjoy the wide range of services and career opportunities created by Career Management Center at Kellogg. No wonder Kellogg has high job placement rates every year.

Kellogg also surprised me in that it has very strong academics both in finance and entrepreneurship. I really learned a lot from the many courses such as Entrepreneurship & New Venture Formation and Financial Decisions. The depth of the school’s academics impressed me.