William Chung, MIT Sloan MBA Class of 2025
William Chung, MIT Sloan MBA Class of 2025Age: 31
Hometown: Harrington Park, New Jersey
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Virginia Tech / Marketing Management (Go Hokies!)
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Medical Evacuation helicopter pilot for the U.S Army for 8 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Although my eight years in the military were incredibly rewarding, I knew my future career trajectory would distance me further from the two things I loved most: executing the medical evacuation mission and having direct soldier interaction. As I looked at my career options, it became apparent that the fulfillment I sought would not be found in continuing my military path and doing the traditional 20-year military career until retirement. Therefore, when the chance to transition careers arose, I recognized that pursuing an MBA would be the ideal path to pivot into the corporate sector. I knew business school would be a training ground for integration into civilian life and provide the tools for my future success.
Why did you choose MIT Sloan? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
My decision to attend MIT Sloan was based on four key factors.
1. The People: Sloan doesn’t just boast about being collaborative; they live and breathe it. My military background has instilled a profound appreciation for teamwork, and Sloan’s community exemplifies this. The veterans I met from Sloan shared their experiences of a tight-knit, supportive network. They were an integral part of my application success by providing countless hours of application assistance and advice.
2. Experiential Learning (Action Labs): Sloan provides an unmatched opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. This “learning-by-doing” approach aligned with my proactive learning style and my desire to engage directly through practical application. I’m really excited about Global Entrepreneurship Lab and Product Management Lab!
3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: At MIT Sloan, innovation and entrepreneurship aren’t just buzzwords. The school’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is rich with resources like the Martin Trust Center, the Sandbox Innovation Fund, Delta V, the 100k competition, and much more. I’m surrounded by classmates who are not just discussing ideas but actively pursuing them. It’s a community where the next game-changing startups are being formed.
4. Geography: My undergraduate education and my military service have taken me around the globe, far from family. Being in Boston meant I had the chance to be just a short drive away from home. The ability to visit family in just a few hours has been a delightful and valued change.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
Over the last eight years as a U.S. Army medical evacuation pilot, I had the honor of leading incredible people and flying the legendary Blackhawk helicopter, often in high-stakes scenarios around the world, including a ten-month deployment to Afghanistan. These experiences have shaped my approach to challenges and taught me the value of diverse, cross-functional teams in achieving complex objectives, where lives were often on the line. I’m looking forward to contributing my distinct perspective to my classmates and, most importantly, learning from the varied perspectives of my peers. I still have so much to learn!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have an affinity for what athletes call the “pain cave.” It’s that space where challenge and endurance intersect, and where you push past your limits. Whether it’s tackling a grueling workout, mastering a complex skill, or working through a difficult problem, I find joy in the challenge and the resilience it builds. This love for testing my endurance has taught me to appreciate the process of growth that comes from steadfast effort and determination.
Post-MBA career interests:
I have always been fascinated by technology, and piloting a highly advanced, multimillion-dollar aircraft further fueled my passion. I want to pursue a career in technology in either Product Management, Product Marketing Management or Strategy/Operations.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be unapologetically yourself. It’s about putting value to your unique journey and the perspectives you bring, rather than molding yourself to fit the perceived “ideal” MBA candidate. Self-reflection allows you to understand your own narrative deeply, acknowledging both your strengths and vulnerabilities. Authenticity is crucial because admissions teams are looking for real, diverse individuals – not just profiles that tick all the boxes. As a prospective candidate with a below-average GPA and GRE, I knew my genuine self was my greatest asset, and I let it shine through my application.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
In retrospect, the one thing I would approach differently would be to afford myself more time. I took my first GRE (out of four attempts) the last week of September, effectively negating any opportunity to apply to MBA programs in round 1. The compressed schedule I followed, especially applying to eight programs in round 2, put every aspect of the process on a tight deadline. The intensive nature of that period was brutal regarding workload, and the singular focus on applications meant missing out on Colorado Fall (my favorite season) and deepening relationships with the people around me. A more staggered approach would have allowed for a balanced, methodical, and less taxing application experience. I recommend not applying to eight schools in a single round!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Studying for the GRE was the most time-consuming and stress-inducing portion of the business school admissions process for me. Balancing long work hours with study sessions was a test of mental and physical endurance, often leading to early mornings dedicated to hitting the books. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing there isn’t enough time to study, yet this often reflects a misalignment of priorities rather than a genuine lack of time. To navigate through this, I learned to shift my perspective, understanding that making the GRE a priority was essential, rather than an optional afterthought. Prioritizing studying was not just about discipline, but also commitment to my goal of a business school admission.
What is your initial impression of the MIT Sloan students/culture/community?
At MIT Sloan, I’ve been welcomed by an extraordinary community of humble and innovative minds, all united by a drive to support and elevate each other’s ambitions. I’m surrounded by fellow students with diverse backgrounds and come from extraordinary walks of life. Sloan is such a low-ego place. The culture here, encapsulated by the unofficial slogan, “Sloanies helping Sloanies,” is not merely a phrase but a tangible reality I witness daily. Upon my arrival in Cambridge, two classmates (shout out to Berto and Nate), whom I hadn’t met before, jumped in to help me move. We were all hands on deck, sweating it out as we wrangled my oversized couch and an array of other belongings through the door, a memorable introduction to the supportive Sloan network.
The rigorous first-semester core is only manageable through a collective effort and a deep commitment to mutual growth. Shout out to my core team (Baltic Gannets) for being some of the kindest, most patient, and brilliant human beings. They’re keeping me afloat and I wouldn’t be able to find success without them! Sloan’s reputation for fostering principled, world-changing leaders is one I’ve found to be true, and the community’s blend of intelligence, kindness, and collaborative spirit has affirmed my decision to join this transformative MBA program.
What is one thing you have learned about MIT Sloan that has surprised you?
As a Sloanie, it’s easy to remain comfortable in the business school bubble. Yet, one surprising lesson I’ve learned is that the MIT Sloan community is a microcosm within MIT’s broader landscape. I’ve been frequently advised by peers and mentors, “to explore the other side of campus,” because the wealth of opportunity and intellectual diversity are only steps away. Embracing the full MIT experience means leaving the Sloan bubble to collaborate and learn from some of the most brilliant minds in the world just across campus. Don’t miss out on the opportunity!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about the prospect of recruiting within the tech industry in my first year. Given the industry’s volatility in 2023, marked by substantial layoffs and economic turbulence, the challenge of transitioning from a “cushy” government paycheck to a civilian career is nerve-racking. It’s amplified by the fact that I am seeking my first “real-world job” after a military career. But, MIT Sloan provides exceptional resources and a robust support network to navigate these challenges. With the support of the Sloan family, the journey feels far less intimidating.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The aspect of my first year that excites me the most is the opportunity to forge deep connections with my new classmates from MIT Sloan. I am passionate about meeting new people and am eager to engage with them in various settings, from academic collaboration on campus to adventurous excursions. Whether it’s sharing insights during a study session, forming bonds over a magical log cabin in Vermont, or embracing the cultural richness of an international trip, each experience is a chance to understand their perspectives and stories. In the end, life’s richness is measured by the people we encounter. The people we meet shape our journey, enrich our stories, and create the moments that become the milestones of our lives.
