About Alex
Previous University: Syracuse University
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science – Entrepreneurship & Management
Q: Why did you pursue your MS in Management at D'Amore-McKim?
A: My interest in entrepreneurship began in high school, when I interned with one of the first companies to break ground in China's education technology space. In college, that early experience inspired me to take action. I co-founded a startup rooted in my passion for edtech, and later, when the company I was interning for ran into difficulties during COVID, a few of us seized the moment to start something new, which ultimately became the second company of its kind in China.
After those experiences, I realized I wanted to strengthen my foundation in entrepreneurship and learn how to scale ideas more strategically; that drew me to D'Amore-McKim. I wanted the chance to customize my coursework, collaborate across disciplines, and learn from professors deeply connected to Boston's business community
Q: What was it like working with a student-led venture accelerator?
A: One of the most impactful experiences was working with the IDEA Student-Led Venture Accelerator. I had access to mentorship, resources, and structured guidance as my venture moved through its Ready, Set, Go framework, helping me develop a go-to-market strategy and then fundraise.
My cofounder, Dani Zheng, and I leveraged IDEA's support to launch our startup, SimBus, secure our first round of gap funding, and connect with mentors and peers who offered critical insights and accountability. IDEA helped transform our concept into a real venture, and I continue to run SimBus part-time after graduating in December.
Q: Tell us about your startup.
A: SimBus is an experiential learning platform that immerses students in a founder simulation, helping them develop real-world entrepreneurial skills and apply classroom concepts to practical business challenges. My cofounder and I conceived the idea during a graduate class discussion comparing entrepreneurship programs in the U.S. and China. We realized there was an opportunity to create an effective program that was accessible for students from non-business backgrounds. That conversation became the starting point for SimBus.
Q: Did D'Amore-McKim support you as an entrepreneur?
A: The entrepreneurship courses were really impactful. We were able to apply what we learned in marketing and strategy directly to our startup, which helped us refine our ideas and make progress each semester. Working on the startup as part of class projects gave us feedback and kept us accountable because we had to present our progress and results. D'Amore-McKim's AI Strategic Hub inspired us to explore emerging technologies and consider how AI could strengthen our platform, extending learning beyond the classroom. The combination of IDEA and classroom learning gave me confidence that I could take my startup further and sharpen my skills as a founder.
Q: Are you on a path to achieving your professional goals?
A: My long-term goal is to grow our start up and work on it full-time. The MS in Management program gave me flexibility, access to networks, and exposure to resources that directly support entrepreneurial growth. The marketing courses sparked the initial concept for our startup, while strategy and capstone courses provided frameworks and hands-on project experience that shaped how we designed and developed our platform.
The connections I made, and practical learning experiences were just as meaningful as the knowledge I gained and continue to guide my professional journey.
Q: Do you have any advice for future entrepreneurs and students?
A: If you want the freedom to pursue entrepreneurship, the MS in Management is ideal. Take full advantage of networking opportunities, especially through D'Amore-McKim. For international students like me, coming from a more conservative background, it can be easy to hold back, but building connections is crucial. Our work on SimBus has shown me that networking opens doors, provides support, and helps turn ideas into reality. I would encourage every student to actively engage with peers, professors, and mentors to grow your network and maximize your experience.
