Alen Chan, Chicago Booth MiM Class of 2026
Age: 23
Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: National Taiwan University, Economics and History
Pre-MiM Work Experience: ESG strategy and sustainability consultant intern, Ernst & Young (EY), 11 months
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My professional journey has been defined by rigorous analysis—spending two years conducting empirical economic research in Japan and another year in ESG strategy at EY. However, I realized that high-level analysis is only half the equation. I decided to attend business school now to master the other half: rounding out my profile with the strategic and managerial toolkit necessary to lead teams and drive decisions.
Why did you choose Chicago Booth? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Given my background in economics, the University of Chicago has always been my dream school, as it represents the spiritual home of modern economics. I was drawn to the university’s legendary academic rigor and, specifically, ‘The Chicago Approach.’ Booth’s philosophy of evidence-based inquiry resonates deeply with me. In a world full of noise, learning how to analyze data to find the truth is a skill that I believe will last a lifetime.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
My background in Economics and sustainability enables me to offer a distinct lens on business problems. While many peers might look immediately at the financials, I often find myself asking questions about incentives, deeply technical constraints, and societal impact. This balance helps our study groups avoid ‘groupthink’ and reach more holistic solutions.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have been an avid dark chocolate taster for eight years, treating cacao with the same reverence sommeliers treat wine. I enjoy identifying the nuances between single-origin beans—like the fruity acidity of Madagascan cacao versus the earthy tones of Ecuadorian bars. Next on the list is Peru, where I plan to fly to obtain a formal chocolate tasting certificate.
Post-MiM career interests:
I aim to pursue roles that allow me to leverage data and economic insights to drive business value.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reaching out to current students and alumni. The conversations gave me a ‘vibe check’ on the culture that no website could provide, helping me tailor my essays to specifically address why I fit into the Booth community.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have started my standardized testing prep earlier. Getting the GMAT/GRE out of the way sooner would have preserved more mental bandwidth for the creative aspects of the essays and video questions.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the cycle of ‘over-editing.’ It is easy to obsess over every word until the essay loses its spark. At a certain point, trying to make an essay ‘perfect’ strips away your authentic voice. What got me through it was trusting my initial instincts and having just one or two trusted mentors review my work, rather than trying to satisfy too many opinions.
What is your initial impression of the Chicago Booth students/culture/community?
Collaborative and intellectually curious. There is often a misconception that competitive business schools are ‘sharp-elbowed,’ but at Booth, I have found the opposite. The ‘pay-it-forward’ culture is prevalent; peers are eager to share resources, and debates are always constructive rather than combative. Everyone is here to learn from one another.
What is one thing you have learned about Chicago Booth that has surprised you?
I was surprised by the depth of support from both the faculty and the administration. Coming to the ‘spiritual home of modern economics,’ I expected professors to be distant figures. Instead, they are approachable mentors, eager to discuss ideas during office hours or even after class. I was equally impressed by the Specialized Master Program Office; they are incredibly dedicated, always providing the best strategies to support us in everything from recruiting to daily life.
