Brian Lim, Michigan Ross MBA Class of 2027
Age: 30
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea / Hong Kong
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Korea University, Materials Science and Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Sergeant, Military, Republic of Korea Army, 2 years; Semiconductor Process Technology Engineer, Semiconductors, Samsung Electronics, 3.5 years; Talent Acquisition HR Professional, Semiconductors, Samsung Electronics, 1.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My decision to pursue an MBA was from a desire to transition from solving technical/engineering puzzles to developing business strategies. Experiencing both engineering and HR management sides in a company, I was curious and wanted to understand how business strategies and decisions were being made and executed. Why now? Because I felt like 5 years in the semiconductor industry was long enough for me to gain industry insights and short enough for me to venture into something new.
Why did you choose Michigan Ross? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The “action-based learning” curriculum was the primary driver. I know I am the type of person who learns best by doing and with an engineering background, I was full of curiosity and passion for the learning opportunities a business school can offer. I still think this primary driver is what keeps me excited at Ross every day and Michigan Ross walks the talk by providing countless action-based learning opportunities like the student funds, Detroit Initiative at Ross (DIR) projects, Leadership Crisis Challenge (LCC) and so on.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
Leveraging my personal background of growing up in an international city, Hong Kong, I serve as an International Student Chair of my section to foster inclusive culture. On the other hand, I leverage my professional background as an HR professional to contribute to my student fund as an Assistant Vice President of Community and Culture.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I grew up playing rugby, and although Ross doesn’t currently have an official rugby club, a few of us have started an unofficial one. We hope to see it gain official status someday.
Post-MBA career interests:
Management Consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Networking early and often. Coffee chats with current students and attending events helped me understand each school’s culture and focus before applications were due.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Take more time to think about “Why (School Name)”. This would have helped me focus on schools that I am truly interested in and allowed me to have more time to write honest, authentic essays.
What is your initial impression of the Michigan Ross students/culture/community?
At Ross, there’s a genuine culture of peer support. Even when we are all competing for similar internship slots at top firms, everyone is willing to share notes, practice cases, and help each other succeed. It feels less like a competition and more like a collaborative climb.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
For Recruiting: Consulting Club at Ross, Tech Club at Ross. For Academics/Personal Interest: International Investment Funds, Detroit Initiatives at Ross. For Fun/Affiliation: Korea Business Club, Armed Forces Association, Javajoggers
What is one thing you have learned about Michigan Ross that has surprised you?
Diversity of classmates. Not just in terms of nationalities and cultures, but also professional backgrounds, post-MBA goals, personal interests and so on.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The fact that I landed my summer internship at my top-choice firm and office really excites me. Also, I’ve been selected for my Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) project in Romania that I was really hoping for. I’m teamed up with some incredible classmates and am looking forward to this new adventure!
