Hanyan Zhang, ESCP Business School MBA Class of 2024
Age: 31
Hometown: China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Southwest Jiaotong University, Chinese Language and Literature
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Account Director, LinkedIn China(Previous company), 6 years
ESCP Campuses: Paris, Berlin
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
“Risk is the price you pay for opportunity.” In a certain of life, the decision to pursue an MBA is an investment and long-term commitment, driven by a desire for personal and professional development. The MBA journey is not only about gaining knowledge in business and management but also about building a network, honing leadership skills, and fostering a strategic mindset.
In the rapidly changing and dynamic global business environment, I hope to develop valuable insights and strategic thinking to the more international market and successfully navigate international business’s complex and nuanced challenges.
Why did you choose ESCP Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The ESCP MBA program is a highly prestigious and internationally recognized program designed for students who aspire to be global business leaders. And ESCP’s commitment to providing a truly multicultural and multidisciplinary experience sets it apart. The option of choosing campus differently also attracts me to pursue MBA at ESCP.
After I embarked on my MBA journey, I met countless outstanding alumni, professors, and classmates, who invisibly shaped my vision and way of looking at the business world.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
ESCPMBA2024 is a very diverse and exceptional group of students. 80+ students came with different backgrounds as well as characteristics, all working together to inspire diverse business innovation and collaboration. For me, my sales background allowed me to take full advantage of my presentation during the group work. At the same time, my listening and communication skills made the team more cohesive and the communication more effective!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a passionate salsa & bachata dancer! Dance is a great way for me to follow my creativity and energy through dance
Post-MBA career interests:
After I get my post-MBA in August 2024, I aspire to focus on spearheading the enterprise’s global expansion.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Sorting through key moments in life and in work experience, and in sorting through these experiences, discovering a new self and finding the deeper motivation to pursue an MBA for yourself, a motivation that will become a source of subsequent development
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If you give me another chance, I will specialize in French in the six months before enrolling in a French business school, which will make it easier for you to integrate into French life!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I’d skip the language portion of the exam multiple times (unless you’re hoping to apply for a scholarship with a high score.) An MBA is a test of overall qualities, not just a brush-up on language test scores.
What is your initial impression of the ESCP students/culture/community?
As an MBA student, embracing the global community and international experience has broadened my horizons and shaped my perspective on global business outlook and innovation. What impressed me the most was in my first course on Problem-solving, different professionals from different backgrounds gave dozens of solutions regarding one question, which made me realize that diversity and inclusiveness are the environments in which creative thinking takes place.
What is one thing you have learned about ESCP that has surprised you?
ESCP Business School is the world’s first business school.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
As someone with no background in finance, the process of learning accounting and finance was challenging. But I must say that the process of adults learning real knowledge must be PAINFUL, so let’s enjoy the process!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
What I am most excited about this year is meeting a variety of classmates as well as alumni. We learn and grow together, collaborate, and create in the classroom, and help each other in life. We have left the most vivid memories in this romantic country of France! People are the most valuable thing～
