Seline Sun, Yale School of Management MBA Class of 2027
Age: 35
Hometown: Beijing / Yantai, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Xiamen University — Bachelor of Business Administration, Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Director of Strategic & Global Partnerships, Technology Industry — Tencent (5 years); Founding Member & General Manager of Airport AI Product, Artificial Intelligence Startup — Aibee (2 years); General Management & Business Development Roles — HNA Group and Qunar (4 years); Think Tank Research — BES Group (3 years). 13 years across tech strategy, AI innovation, and partnership development.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I choose to attend business school to further elevate my career, making broader impact.
With years of experiences in the tech sector, I’ve discovered my passion for leveraging technology to uplift underserved communities, such as leading a team to design China’s first AI kiosks in airports for first-time travelers. While I’ve witnessed the transformative power of these projects, I recognize that my hands-on impact and understanding of financial and strategic thinking remain limited. An MBA will equip me with the tools to refine leadership skills, develop global business judgment, and prepare for complex challenges ahead. Now feels like the right moment to pause, reflect, and expand my impact on a global scale.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Yale SOM for three reasons. First, its mission—to educate leaders for business and society—perfectly matches my own purpose of using technology to create social impact. Second, the people. Every conversation with SOM students and alumni revealed a community that genuinely cares about each other and the world. People here think deeply, act boldly, and lift one another up. Third, the integrated curriculum and programs like the Global Social Enterprise course and FASPE program align with my goal to bridge innovation and inclusion.
Among these, the people stood out the most. SOM is where purpose meets performance, and where conversations often spark new ways of thinking about leadership and impact.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring a mix of startup grit, big-tech strategy, and a heart for social impact. My experience spans from building AI products from scratch to leading global partnerships at Tencent. For example, I co-organized the MIT x Yale “Human-AI Symbiosis Co-Creation Workshop,” exploring how to design AI responsibly across eight dimensions, from ideology to sustainability.
I love connecting ideas and people, especially around how innovation can serve humanity. Within the SOM community, I hope to contribute an entrepreneurial mindset, cross-industry experience, and the belief that business and compassion can move together.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m a Guinness World Record holder—for the world’s largest pizza party in New Haven! SOM life turns out to be full of teamwork, laughter, and, apparently, a lot of pizza.
Post-MBA career interests:
In the short term, I plan to join a global technology company in a strategic or business development role. Long term, I aspire to co-found a tech venture that uplifts underserved communities through innovation-driven products, combining business discipline with meaningful impact.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Attend in-person events and meet current students. Those conversations helped me understand each program’s culture beyond the brochures.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Spend more time learning about MBA life and preparing earlier.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Honestly, I enjoyed every part of the journey. It helped me reflect deeply on my purpose and growth.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
Supportive and thoughtful. People here truly care about society, the world, and each other. They think deeply, talk deeply, and are always ready to support anyone who needs help. It’s a community built on kindness and purpose.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve become a first-year leader of the Tech Club and a director of the AI Club. Both align with my passion for technology and give me the chance to share real-world insights with classmates pursuing tech careers. I also serve in the External Relations Department of ACSSY, bridging Chinese students and entrepreneurs with Yale’s broader community. I love building connections that spark collaboration across cultures and industries.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
How open and inspiring Evans Hall feels. Its glass walls perfectly reflect the school’s culture of transparent, collaborative. Studying there always reminds me to think boldly and stay connected to the world beyond business.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The people! The second-years have been incredibly generous with their time and advice, helping us navigate everything from recruiting to case prep. Club events are energetic, creative, and full of learning opportunities. I’m most excited about growing together with such a purpose-driven and supportive community.
