Oanh On, Cornell Johnson MBA Class of 2024
Age: 31
Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, University of Economics and Law, business administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Nine years in marketing, focusing on brand building and product innovation for fast-moving consumer goods
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
In the past two years as a marketing manager, I served Tetra Pak’s customers as a strategic partner to provide solutions for their product innovations. This strategic partner scope of work has some similarities with the task of a consultant, and it intrigues me a lot, sparking a fire inside me to pursue a career in strategic consulting. An MBA is a great way to switch my career from marketing to consulting smoothly and efficiently.
Besides that, I love how the Cornell Johnson MBA program can bring me diverse perspectives on business. My MBA class is multicultural and multi-industry, so I can learn from other classmates and bring my value — my marketing expertise in multinational companies — to the class.
Why did you choose Cornell Johnson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The two main reasons that led me to choose Cornell Johnson were diversity and a close-knit community. Given my curiosity and experience working in multinational companies, I searched for programs that would push me to learn from a large network of global citizens, just like Cornell Johnson, with 43% of the class being international students. Located in a small but cozy city — Ithaca — Cornell has opportunities for students to focus their time and attention on their personal growth and peer relationships. The community environment is really nice after a hard week of studying, and I love how Cornell Johnson puts effort into creating a close-knit community through many team-building events and diversity and inclusion conferences, especially the traditional Johnson Outdoor Experience and Johnson Means Business. The JMB conference was the tipping point making me fall for Cornell Johnson when Ryan Foster, MBA Class of 2021, was assigned as my JMB buddy to share the MBA program and the Johnson Community, and Baron Munoz, MBA Class of 2021, gave me helpful feedback and advice for the admission interview.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am part of an underrepresented minority. Growing up and working in a developing Asian country, I received encouragement to live within social expectations, to blend in rather than stand out.
At Cornell Johnson, as we learn leadership skills, we are brought into the conversation of diversity and are taught to listen to and learn from others despite their differences. In the Johnson Class of 2024, I want to be a true ambassador of the LGBTQ+ community, focused on enhancing awareness and recruiting more allies since the LGBTQ+ community needs straight allies to be vocal with their support in the workplace which will allow for a broader representation in business.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Born in a tropical country, I was terrified of winter and snow, especially when I heard about how intense the winter in Ithaca is. But now, I choose to have fun. I am signing up for the Ski and Snowboard Club to enjoy the snow.
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA, I am planning to become a strategy consultant in digital and technology transformation.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would take the time to connect with current students and alums through the schools’ events. Each applicant has unique needs and priorities in the program and culture. It’s important to ensure you have an accurate feel for each program and its community to find the right fit for you.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would approach and conquer the GMAT more strategically. Studying the wrong way and taking the GMAT with the wrong strategy cost me time and money. Besides that, it is good to change your mindset about the importance of the GMAT. A high GMAT score does not guarantee admission; the GMAT score is one data point the admission committee collects, together with your experience, your essays, your goals, etc., to paint a complete portrait.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Spend less time on the GMAT and more time connecting with MBA programs’ students and alums.
What is your initial impression of the Cornell Johnson students/culture/community?
It’s an inclusive and welcoming environment. Cornell gave us a warm welcome with plenty of social events before the term began. Cornell did an excellent job of making students feel united, like we are genuinely in a collaborative and supportive community. Additionally, Cornell Johnson put much effort into fostering a diverse and inclusive vibe in every activity.
What is one thing you have learned about Cornell Johnson that has surprised you?
I am surprised by the enormous support system provided by Johnson. Students get practical advice from everyone from second-year students to staff and faculty. There is guidance for each step of the MBA journey, from academics to the recruitment process.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m most anxious about managing my coursework and recruiting simultaneously. Remembering all 303 classmates’ unique stories is also challenging for me.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited about being a part of this diverse and talented community since each classmate I’ve met has amazing experiences and skill sets in their field.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
On the bright side, COVID-19 helped me have more time to prepare my application because the work-from-home policy saved me a lot of commute time, and the restriction period gave me the opportunity to focus on crafting my application.
