Zach Harris, ASU Carey MBA Class of 2026
Age: 35
Hometown: Cary, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution and Major: UNCA, Music Technology
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Head of Operations, L3monade, 2 years; Greater China Foreign Department Manager, Jing Rui, 2.5 years; Trainer/Lead Instructor, FasTrack English, 2 years; Digital Content Coordinator, VitalSource, 4 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After spending several years working abroad in education management in China and eventually transitioning into launching my own business from Tokyo, I realized that I still had so much more to learn to bring my ideas to scale. I realized that if I wanted to grow to my fullest potential, I needed to connect with those who had blazed this path before me.
Why did you choose ASU W.P. Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
ASU is ranked #1 in Innovation for a reason. The professors are not only experts in their field but are also exceptionally gifted teachers. The Career Service department goes above and beyond to help develop each and every student to their max potential. Most importantly, the coursework is innately driven to produce the most progressive and forward thinking MBA’s out there. All this on top of the smaller cohort size means active and engaged lessons, real connections with professors and classmates, and authentic opportunities outside the classroom.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
Leading my department in China during COVID meant navigating border closures, government obstacles, immigration hurdles, and working under a lot of stress. I learned a lot about leadership and prioritizing the bottom line when making decisions. But I learned even more about the value of having a great team and how far you can go together. I aim to help raise up everyone around me to new heights and watch them achieve their dreams.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I was once cast as “American Soldier” in a big budget Chinese war movie.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Network with students currently in the program and politely ask them for feedback on your application materials.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would’ve come to ASU earlier!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GRE is especially tough if you’re on a tight time frame. Very grateful to my family and friends who pried me away from the books to go and enjoy life for a few hours every day.
What is your initial impression of the ASU Carey students/culture/community?
Everyone here at ASU is unbelievably smart, supportive, kind, and engaged. We’re not here to compete with each other, we’re here to better one another. Business is personal at W.P. Carey and you’d be hard pressed to find another program that cares so much about unlocking your capabilities as a leader.
What is one thing you have learned about ASU Carey that has surprised you?
Our network of alums is incredibly open and supportive. I’ve already made so many genuine connections with people in the ASU network that sincerely want to hear my story and help me succeed.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I want to do my best and learn everything to the point where I could teach it. If I have any anxiety, it’s about finding enough time in the day to study and practice as much as I’m used to.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Finding an internship! I’m so excited to connect with employers and find my spot with a dream company. ASU puts a real emphasis on aligning their students with some of the best employers in the country.
