5.0
7 Reviews
Breaking Into a Top U.S. MBA from Asia: Strategy + Story Edition What does it really take to get into a top U.S. MBA program when you’re applying internationally — especially from or with ties to Asia? In this session, Annie Phan shares her journey from growing up and studying in Vietnam to earning admission to Harvard Business School’s 2+2 deferred MBA program. Along the way, she earned both her B.A. in Economics & Development Studies and Master’s in Data Science from Brown University, and built a global career across McKinsey & Company, Fanatics, and the Data & AI space, where she is recognized for her work in applied AI, ML strategy, and digital transformation. This event is designed for candidates with international or cross-cultural backgrounds — whether you’re currently based in Asia, studied there, returned after school abroad, or are globally oriented and rooted in the region. You’ll gain strategic insight into how to approach U.S. MBA applications from outside the system: how to frame your story, build regional and global relevance, and navigate the admissions process with confidence. Expect real talk, practical frameworks, and insider context from someone who’s successfully bridged continents — and helped others do the same.
1. How to build a career with clarity and momentum — where an MBA becomes a strategic enabler (Understand how your professional direction and values can align with the decision to pursue business school)
2. How to craft a cohesive MBA narrative that connects your past, present, and future — across resume, essays, and goals (Tell a story that reflects who you are, where you’re headed, and why the MBA fits naturally into that journey)
3. How to navigate the nuances of applying from or with ties to Asia — culturally, geographically, and professionally (Bridge your regional context with global ambition in a way that feels both authentic and compelling)
4. Lessons from breaking into HBS 2+2 early — as a Vietnam-born candidate who built her career in the U.S. (A nuanced perspective on cross-cultural identity, access, and long-term clarity — grounded in lived experience)
This event is great for aspiring MBA applicants with a meaningful tie to Asia — whether you’re currently based in Asia, studied there, returned after school abroad, or are working in the U.S. with deep personal or professional roots in the region. It’s designed for individuals considering a variety of U.S. MBA paths, including Traditional Full-Time, Deferred, One-Year, and dual-degree options (MBA/MPP, MBA/JD, MBA/MS, MBA/MD). Whether you’re still exploring or already preparing your application, you’ll gain strategic insight grounded in lived experience and real results. This session is especially valuable for international and third-culture applicants navigating U.S. admissions while balancing global ambitions with regional identity.
Networking Strategy
General Exploration
5.0
7 Reviews
HBS MBA 2+2 Deferred Admit
Here's a refined version, strongly emphasizing your unique background as a Vietnamese woman excelling in data science and AI/ML: As a Vietnamese international applicant successfully admitted to Harvard Business School (HBS) and Wharton through their deferred MBA programs in 2022, I bring a distinctive perspective as a woman leader in data science and AI/ML. My professional journey—spanning elite organizations like McKinsey, Fanatics, and Lavendr—demonstrates not only technical expertise and strategic execution in digital transformation but also the compelling storytelling that top MBA programs seek. Leveraging my personal experience navigating admissions as an underrepresented international candidate in tech, I am uniquely positioned to guide and empower aspiring deferred MBA applicants to craft narratives that highlight their own distinctive identities and achievements.
Thursday, Aug 21
from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM UTC
0 people going