Jake Chang, Yale SOM’s MBA Class of 2027
Age: 26
Hometown: Princeton, NJ
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Chicago, Economics & Philosophy
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Strategy Lead at Success Academy Charter Schools (2024-25), NYC; Senior Analyst at Accenture Strategy (2021-23), NYC
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My experience working in education showed me how meaningful and fulfilling social impact work can be. I loved what I was doing in the charter school space, but I wanted to broaden my perspective and better understand how different parts of the social impact ecosystem come together. Business school felt like the right place to build that kind of experience. I also wanted to form new relationships with driven, collaborative people who care about making a difference.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Yale SOM for three main reasons. First, the school’s strong commitment to social impact stood out to me; there are myriad of opportunities available to those who are interested in the space. Second, the community is incredibly genuine and close-knit, helped by the smaller class size and Yale’s collaborative culture. Third, the interdisciplinary nature of Yale allows students to take classes across the university and learn from other schools. Overall, I was drawn to how SOM encourages students to think across boundaries and connect business with our broader society.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring a unique background that combines strategy consulting and nonprofit/social impact, and I hope to contribute this blended perspective to my classes and extracurricular activities. Beyond my professional background, I care deeply about fostering community and creating connections among people. I hope to bring that same energy to campus.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love wine! I’m currently training to become a sommelier and recently passed my Introductory Sommelier certification.
Post-MBA career interests:
In the short term, I hope to work in impact investing or impact consulting to gain broad exposure to the social impact space and understand how different organizations approach creating change. I want to build a strong foundation in how capital, strategy, and innovation come together to drive meaningful outcomes. In the longer term, I hope to return to education, which is where my passion for impact stems, and help reduce inequality by starting my own social enterprise focused on expanding access and opportunity in education.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely talk to current students about their experiences. They are the best ambassadors of the school and can give you an authentic sense of what life is really like at their programs.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Getting standardized testing out of the way earlier would have been helpful, as it would have given me more time to focus on the other parts of my application!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have loved to skip the waiting period between application and decisions. What helped me through that was just filling my time with friends and other activities, knowing that everything was now out of my hands.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
Love it. People are genuinely really kind here and willing to support each other. One proof point: my response rate reaching out to 2Y MBAs and alumni is much higher than I’ve encountered elsewhere.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve joined some incredible organizations during my time here so far, including the Meng Impact Investment Fund, Yale Philanthropy Conference, and Nonprofit Board Fellows, in the hopes to further build experience across the social impact space. I also joined SOM Student Government and the AAPI Association to support and stay involved with the broader community. And lastly, as an athlete, I’m part of our Tennis Club and SOM United soccer team.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
The diversity of experiences and perspectives here is simply incredible. While I expected at least some of it going in, only after more deeply engaging with the community, hearing people’s experiences and learning from them have I realized how much of a privilege it truly is to be here at Yale.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to take advantage of all the opportunities, form new lifelong friendships, and eat lots of pizza!
