You Chia Lai, HEC Paris MBA Class of 2025
Age: 34
Hometown: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: National Taiwan University, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering / Rice University, Master of Architecture
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Founder of a residential design and project management firm. Prior to that, I worked at two real estate startups as project and operations manager.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Having spent my career in both traditional architectural design firms and real estate technology startups, I have witnessed how innovative business models and strategic use of technology can unlock new business opportunities and generate significant value for customers. The decision to attend business school is a strategic move at this juncture of my career. It is a commitment to acquire a broader skill set, gain a more comprehensive understanding of business dynamics, and develop a robust network of like-minded individuals who share my passion for driving innovation in the construction and real estate sectors.
Why did you choose HEC Paris? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
HEC MBA program’s abundant entrepreneurship resources particularly appeal to me. I am particularly excited about working directly with early-stage companies via the Creative Destruction Lab program. I plan to further develop my skills in evaluating potential markets, developing financial models, and refining strategies to grow businesses effectively.
Another reason why I applied to HEC Paris was the opportunity to organize and participate in the annual MBA Tournament. This is a remarkable opportunity to not only engage in the coordination of this exciting event but also to establish meaningful connections with MBA peers from all over Europe and partake in spirited athletic competition.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
My background in architecture design and my experience as a founder of a small company may allow me to bring different perspectives to class discussions.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a huge road-trip fan. One of my favorite trips is to drive from New Orleans to Memphis and end at Nashville – an unforgettable musical journey that spans jazz, blues, and country music.
Post-MBA career interests:
Entrepreneurship in the real estate/construction space
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Connecting with many school alumni helped me gain firsthand insights on programs.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Allow more time to prepare for GMAT and come up with an actual strategy to tackle the test.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I don’t think there is any part that I would’ve skipped; the journey was unique, and enjoyed every bit of it.
What is your initial impression of the HEC Paris students/culture/community?
Every person, from alumni to school staff, are all super supportive and really take time to share advice and answer all the questions that I had.
What is one thing you have learned about HEC Paris that has surprised you?
I was surprised to learn that there are so many leadership training events and resources, which I am super excited about
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Knowing what to prioritize will likely be a tough job, given that there are so many different events and resources available. It will be crucial to establish a clear objective for my MBA experience to help prioritize better but still maintain an open and flexible mindset.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Bonding with my cohort and exploring!
