Advancing a global career

Q: What is your background? 

A: I was born in Boston, lived briefly in Connecticut, and spent most of my childhood in Shanghai, which shaped my global perspective and how I navigate different cultures. Being bilingual in English and Mandarin also influenced what I wanted to study and the kind of career I imagined for myself. That's what lead me to return to the U.S. to earn my bachelor's degree in Communications and Asian Studies at Northeastern.  

Northeastern's flexible curriculum and encouragement to explore different industries ultimately guided me into pharmaceuticals and immunology, an industry I never expected to enter, especially without a medical background. I've spent nearly five years working with international companies in the pharmaceutical and tech industries.  

Q: What motivated you to pursue an MBA at D'Amore-McKim? 

A: I returned to Northeastern because of its highly engaged alumni network and the Double Husky Scholarship, which made earning my MBA accessible. Throughout my career, I've seen how willing Northeastern alumni are to connect, mentor, and open doors. This sense of community made returning for my MBA a natural choice.  

The university also holds deep personal significance for my family. After the Cultural Revolution disrupted my parents' Olympic training in China, my father came to Boston and was accepted to Northeastern as an undergraduate at the age of 35. He completed a co-op at GE Capital and went on to build a successful career. Knowing how transformational Northeastern was for him, and how it shaped my family's story, made the decision to return especially meaningful. 

Q: How do your MBA courses help you in your work? 

A: The Part-Time MBA made it possible for me to keep growing professionally while continuing in my role as Chief of Staff for Finance at Sanofi, where I lead global finance projects, drive cross-department initiatives, and ensure alignment between commercial and operational teams. Studying part-time was essential for maintaining career momentum.  

The evening classes made it manageable to balance full-time work with classes. I attend class after work, and my professors are incredibly understanding. They offer flexibility when needed and focus on helping us apply what we learn to real challenges in our jobs. Everything ties directly back to the workplace. 

My concentrations in International Business and Marketing align closely with my team's focus on the commercial side of healthcare, including branding. Courses like Intro Marketing and KPIs & Dashboards strengthened my ability to analyze data and develop actionable business proposals, while group projects, peer learning, and mentoring full-time students broadened my perspective and helped me navigate complex, cross-functional challenges. 

Q: How has the Northeastern alumni network supported you? 

A: The Northeastern network has opened doors throughout my career. My first role after undergrad came through a Northeastern alum, and I continue to connect with classmates and alumni in industries like tech, consulting, and healthcare. Returning for my MBA expanded this network even further, providing mentorship, industry insights, and professional opportunities that support my ongoing growth. 

Q: What are your long-term goals? 

 A: Looking ahead, I want to broaden my understanding of how the organization operates by stepping into roles in sales or marketing. My long-term goal is to focus on launch and brand strategy in the pharmaceutical industry, areas that require both a strong commercial mindset and the ability to navigate fast-moving market dynamics.  

D'Amore-McKim's Part-Time MBA has been a key part of that preparation. The MBA strengthened my analytical skills, exposed me to modern business tools like AI, and gave me countless opportunities to apply what I was learning directly to my work. That combination has helped me lead confidently through organizational and technological change, and it's positioned me for the next steps I want to take. 

Q: What advice do you have for future MBA students? 

A: I would encourage prospective students to take full advantage of the in-person learning experience. Building relationships with professors and classmates is invaluable, and the flexible schedule allows you to immediately apply what you are learning at work. The program will challenge you, expand your perspective, and prepare you for meaningful advancement in your career.