Fang Yuan, IMD MBA Class of 2025
Age: 33
Hometown: Shenyang, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Tianjin University, Applied Chemistry
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 10 years in quality management, including Arkema, Huntsman, 3M, and Nilfisk.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After working in quality management for 10 years across several industries, I wanted to use my knowledge and experience to create a greater business impact. An MBA at IMD was a natural next step for me. It would fill my knowledge gaps in finance, accounting, economics, and leadership. It also provides a valuable opportunity to explore industries – and, more importantly, to do so with support from the alumni network.
Why did you choose IMD? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
First, IMD is known for its leadership stream. Through my previous career experience, I became aware that my leadership was limited under some circumstances, although it worked in certain contexts where it had developed. I was ready to learn about leadership and explore my own thoughts on it. Actually, I regularly post reflections on LinkedIn about the cultural roots and differences that I have discovered along the way.
Second, IMD is family-friendly. If I were to transform myself, I wanted to bring my family with me on the journey to participate and observe the changes for themselves. I remember when I raised questions about how partners and children live in the region, I got an immediate reassurance from the admissions team, who provided connections from the current cohort with family relocation. That was the first time I experienced the support from the IMD community. As expected, my wife and daughter have enjoyed the new culture and climate so much that I could focus on my education and spread the joy of learning to them daily.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
With 10 years of operational knowledge across different manufacturing sectors in China, my unique observations add to experiential learning in the class.
On the other hand, I contribute to the class by my openness to cultural differences and my experiences with them. I share my deep experience of cultural differences. In teamwork, in gestures, in languages, my effort helps the cohort to better understand how my culture works.
In addition, I get a personal branding as a funny person. The laughter I bring to the class helps to reduce tension and allows us to learn together.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I hosted annual parties at all the employers I have worked for.
Post-MBA career interests:
Roles in operation or product management at manufacturing companies, such as those in chemicals, instruments, and machinery.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be yourself. Overall, I think the interviews are an opportunity to show your character. Along with all the essays, I was prepared to tell my stories. This is important for me, as an MBA at IMD is a journey of self-discovery. So, I feel proud that I showcased my character at the very beginning, and have kept doing so, giving me the best chance to increase my self-awareness.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would connect with more alumni and ask for more insider experience in the process. But I was too shy to reach out to alumni as I thought the decision was my own. Mindset prevented me from asking for help from the IMD network, which certainly had the best information about my concerns, such as relocating, daily life, and the program. Now, as a current student at IMD, I am sure that we are all eager to talk and help other candidates by sharing our experience. Often, it is the personal stories from real people that brings out key information that we might not otherwise think about.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would not skip any of it. Looking back, I enjoyed the process of preparing for GMAT, essays, school application, and background knowledge. I did all this independently and part-time. For example, I read several books on economics before the program started. Though it is not required, I appreciate the learning I gained from the experience.
What is your initial impression of the IMD students/culture/community?
I felt the diverse experience from day one. This meant there was so much to learn from. On the very first day, I talked to classmates from healthcare, advertising, and consulting as well as athletics. I remember my brain buzzing to understand what would happen when I dreamed of that day. The diverse experiences are truly appreciated by the class. Often, we have conversations based on accurate observations from classmates, turning concepts from class into real stories.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am co-leading the Manufacturing Club. I have a passion for manufacturing companies and the manufacturing function overall. This experience has led me to start reaching out to industry leaders, having conversations, and bringing their stories to the cohort.
What is one thing you have learned about IMD that has surprised you?
The personal development electives. The journey to understand the unconscious and emotions is impressive. The one-to-one conversations we had really pushed me to think deeply. Through them, I became more aware of my own fear, shame, and anger. From this self-awareness, I am confident I can develop different patterns.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I enjoyed the gala party in the MBAT. After three days of competition and cheering each other on, we came together for a beautiful night of music and dance. Actually, I think connecting with my classmates in this way was the best part.
