About Dani
Country: China
Previous Degree: BS in Management, E-Commerce/Electronic Commerce
Previous University: Fujian Business University
Q: Why did you pursue your master's degree at D'Amore-McKim?
A: When I began exploring master's programs, I knew I wanted to continue in business and management. D'Amore-McKim stood out because of its strong faculty with extensive professional experience and its Boston campus, located in a vibrant city with a rich higher education community. That combination of mentorship and environment felt like the ideal place to take the next step in my education.
I chose the MS in International Management program because of my personal background. My father has a business in foreign trade, and I wanted to gain the skills and perspective to help him in the future. At the same time, the program offered opportunities to explore entrepreneurship and practical applications of global business concepts. Once I arrived, I quickly realized that D'Amore-McKim's emphasis on experiential learning truly set it apart, giving me the chance to put theory into practice and even explore launching a venture of my own.
Q: What was it like launching a new venture?
A: I met my co-founder, Jinyu Tian, in a class, and we quickly bonded over a shared passion for entrepreneurship and hands-on learning. Jinyu had already co-founded a company in China and was eager to dive back into the startup world. Together, we came up with the idea for SimBus, a founder simulation that empowers students with real founder skills. Through IDEA, Northeastern's student-led venture accelerator at Northeastern, we brought SimBus to life. The accelerator's structured Ready, Set, Go framework provided guidance and resources helped us secure our first round of GAP funding and turn our idea into a functioning startup, all while we were still students.
Q: How did your coursework support your entrepreneurial goals?
A: My coursework at D'Amore-McKim gave me a strong foundation in business and entrepreneurship. I learned essential theories and practical frameworks, and professors provided real-world insights that helped me apply these concepts to structuring a business, creating investor decks, and preparing for pitches.
Q: How did faculty offer mentorship?
A: Faculty mentorship was invaluable. They guided me in refining our business model, offered advice from their own professional experience, and helped me navigate challenges. Their support built my confidence and continues to influence the growth of my startup, showing how much they shaped my entrepreneurial journey.
Q: Did you have a global learning experience?
A: My original goal was to broaden my global business perspective, and the Global Field Study in Ireland brought that ambition to life. What I learned from faculty and coursework was only part of the picture. Traveling with classmates and professors to meet directly with top executives, including CEOs and CFOs, gave me a unique look into the inner workings of their businesses, a perspective you can't get as a tourist.
A highlight was our visit to the Guinness factory, where we explored the operations from an insider's perspective. It wasn't just a tour. It was a deep dive into strategy, logistics, and leadership. Each company visit added a new layer to my understanding of international business, and the chance to connect with peers and professionals in such a dynamic setting made the experience even more impactful.
This experience reinforced my entrepreneurial mindset. Understanding global business strategies and leadership firsthand helped me apply those lessons directly to my startup, SimBus. It showed me how to combine practical business knowledge with a global perspective, guiding how I grow and lead my venture today.
Q: What advice would you share with future D'Amore-McKim students?
A: Taken together, these experiences in the classroom, with mentors, and abroad shaped how I think about entrepreneurship. My biggest advice is to take advantage of the vast startup ecosystem at Northeastern; the community is incredibly supportive and active. When you have an idea, no matter how small or unrealistic you think it is, just go for it. The professors and teams at D'Amore-McKim are there to listen carefully and seriously to your ideas and help you turn them into reality.
