Student Ambassador Spotlight: Vance Chen, MBA Candidate 2013

Vance Wen-Han Chen
MBA Candidate 2013
Full-time student

• Concentration(s): Marketing
• Industry/Field of work: Information Technology and Services
• Degree: Management Information Systems (MS in MIS)
• Graduate School: National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan
• Career Goal: Help firm to spread products and brand into the global market
• Organizations involved with: Net Impact, GMARK
• Linkedin Profile: Vance Chen

What prompted you to return to school to achieve your MBA?

There are two reasons why it was the best time for me to pursue an MBA and become a well-rounded leader. One of the reasons is that I wanted to learn more about organization management and product management because I have very little exposure to these areas. The other reason is without a global view and foreign experiences, I cannot manage an international company well enough to survive in a marketplace against fierce competition from other global companies in the future.

What was the most important factor for you in choosing an MBA program?

I want to be a strong leader who not only can lead the members of an organization to achieve their goals, but also change the development of the organization and make a significant impact to whatever industry I decide to work in. The MBA curriculum, such as the Organizational Behavior and International Management courses, are the best choices for me because I can benefit from knowledge of organizational management. The program also extends my global view and trains me how to be an outstanding leader through case studies and teamwork.

Why did you choose UIC Liautaud for your MBA?

UIC not only offers the experiential learning programs, such as the Technology Ventures track and the new Interdisciplinary Product Development (IPD) program, but also has outstanding professors in the new product management, international business and organizational behavior areas. I desire to participate in UIC’s IPD course. The course offers the fundamental knowledge and practical experience I lack currently in my career path.

Since you have started at UIC Liautaud, what has been the most unexpected gain the MBA has given you?

I really have learned a lot from such a diverse student body with different nationalities and backgrounds. This diversity not only expands my global view and foreign experiences, but also helps me learn how to collaborate with diverse people.

Which class has been your favorite thus far and why?

My favorite class was Entrepreneurship with Maija Renko. Sometimes the professor invited guest speakers who started up their own business to share their experiences. It gave me a holistic view of a business and the details of management.

What is your favorite aspect of the UIC campus and why?

My favorite aspect of the UIC campus is that the campus is near downtown Chicago. We enjoy the beautiful Chicago’s urban landscape and experience the life of local people while pursuing our degrees.

How would you define the Liautaud student?

UIC Liautaud students are innovative and experienced. Everyone loves to share his/her experiences and loves to brainstorming to come out with any new possible.

What advice would you provide to incoming UIC Liautaud MBA students?

Always keep a positive attitude to try new things. You are starting to learn once you try.