Aaron Yu

What milestones or achievements have defined your career since graduating from INSEAD, and how has the MBA contributed to these successes?

After graduating from INSEAD, for me there have been two crucial career turning points: firstly, joining BCG’s Shanghai office in March 2019 and becoming a project leader, and secondly, joining Starbucks China in June 2023, where I’m responsible for China’s supply chain strategy and key transformational projects and innovations.

Without INSEAD, I can hardly see these changes happening.

How have the skills and knowledge acquired during the MBA programme changed the way you approach business challenges, solve problems and make decisions today?

During my 10-month MBA at INSEAD, the outstanding faculty helped me systematically build a business management framework, including hard skills in marketing, finance and supply chain management, and various soft skills such as negotiation and conflict management.

 What's more, the highly diverse MBA student body also provided me with a unique opportunity to gain insights into different industries through their perspectives, which greatly contributed to my achievements today.  

Would you agree that the INSEAD MBA helps to build confidence and resilience? If so, how have these qualities been reflected in your personal or professional journey since graduation?

Absolutely! The 10 months at INSEAD were intense and packed. Every single day, I had to constantly balance study, socialising, rest and job hunting to maximise the benefits.

This precious experience has helped me maintain a calm demeanour in my career, whether in daily work or facing major career transitions.

Most importantly, INSEAD's reputation among top global companies is undeniable, and I believe this halo effect will continue.

How have the connections you made at INSEAD shaped your professional or personal life?

Six years have passed since graduation, yet I maintain close ties with many INSEAD classmates, both from my cohort and others. We often meet for runs, meals, and even Spartan races.

Initially, many classmates joined consulting firms, so we often exchanged experiences such as how to write good PPT slides. Now, with diverse career paths, our conversations help broaden perspectives in different industries, and I know some classmates have even become business partners.

In one sentence, how would you summarise your personal value/ROI of the INSEAD MBA?

Attending INSEAD has allowed me to discover true confidence in my perspectives and abilities, and I take this confidence to make bold and informed decisions in advancing my career going forward.